Fixing the Seattle Supersonics: Dr. Berg's Diagnosis

After losing two All-Stars in the offseason, the Seattle Supersonics are a mess. 

To say that this team has struggled this season would be about as obvious as telling you that Washingtonians have a bit of a problem with President Bush.  (You should see some of these bumper stickers up here.)

Dr. Berg's Diagnosis...

Seattle is off to an eye-covering 8-21 start.  Most of this is obvious, but this is why:

1)    Defense:  This young, inexperienced squad allows over 105 points per game.  Tough to win many games with that happening.

2)    Shooting:  Seattle is 23rd in the Association in field goal percentage.  When you get torched for a buck 0-5 every night, you better be able to score-- and well, this team simply cannot.  Not consistently. 

3)    Backcourt: I like Earl Watson-- but as a back-up.  Watson is a nice athlete who can have some decent nights, but to win consistently, he is not the answer at the point.  Luke Ridnour has shown flashes in the past, but without help, he is too weak and erratic to get it done.  No true shooting guards to speak of either.   

4)    Nick Collison: I'm sorry, but if Nick Collison starts or plays major minutes for your team, you are in some serious trouble.  He's a decent role player on a team with shooters and a low-post option, but right now he's just getting in the way.  His dunks are so soft and weak that the rim says, "Did a mosquito just land on me or was that a Nick Collison dunk?"     

5)    Low-post Scoring: This team has exactly zero players who demand any sort of attention in the post.  To win in the NBA you must be able to score inside and outside, to keep defenses honest.  If nobody needs to help down on the post, guess what:  There ain't no open shots on the perimeter (hence the 43 percent shooting). 

So how can we fix the Sonics? 

Dr. Berg's Prescription:

1)    GET A POINT GUARD. 

Yes, that needs to be in all caps and bolded!  You cannot win in the NBA without a point guard, unless you have a Top 10 superstar.  Just look at some of the teams who have either signed, traded for or drafted great point guards this decade- and how much improvement occurred: Jason Kidd - NJN, Chris Paul - NO, Deron Williams - UTA, Steve Nash - DAL/PHX

I would use every draft pick, every trade possible... until I find a great point guard.  Otherwise, it's 43 percent from the field from here on out.

2)    Find a Low Post Scorer. 

Chris Wilcox can occasionally get a few shots to drop down low, but not enough to command a double team-- even if the Sonics were playing a third grade girls instructional league team.  Most consistent low-post threats are experienced pros, so this will have to be accomplished via trade.  Seattle's trade value consists of high draft picks, Jeff Green, and possibly Damien Wilkins. 

The bottom line is that if you don't have a good point guard who can set teammates up for open looks, or a low post presence who demands help defense, you will struggle to score consistently in the NBA.  And, well, you'll get smoked like a syrup-covered Black N Mild most nights.

Message to Sonics' First Year GM Sam Presti:  GET A POINT GUARD!!! 

And Sam, if you need some more advice from Dr. Berg, e-mail me at [e-mail]