NBA Capsule - Seattle SuperSonics

Seattle SuperSonics 2001-02 Capsule

COACH: Nate McMillan (second season, 38-29 overall)

LAST SEASON: 44-38, fifth in Pacific Division

ARRIVALS: F Calvin Booth (free agent), F Vladimir Radmanovic (first-round pick)

DEPARTURES: C Patrick Ewing, F Ruben Patterson, G Emanual Davis

SLAM DUNKS: Despite seemingly constant rumors that he is dying to leave town, All-Star G Gary Payton (23.1 ppg, 8.1 apg) is back as the leader. Payton is an offensive force, a defensive wizard and make his teammates better. However, the talent that surrounds him is hardly stellar and it's only a matter of time before he becomes disgruntled. F Rashard Lewis (14.8, 6.9 rpg) has seen his scoring and rebounding averages jump in each of the last three seasons. He should continue to improve as he shoulders more of the offensive burden. The loss of Patterson leaves a hole in the frontcourt. F Vin Baker (12.2, 5.7) is always a question mark when it comes to health -- both mentally and physically. The addition of F Calvin Booth (5.1, 4.2) will help with rebounding and interior defense, but he is not the caliber of Patterson. Slam Dunk champion Gs Desmond Mason (5.9, 3.2) and Brent Barry (8.8, 3.1) are both capable of picking up their scoring and need to if the team wants to succeed.

AIRBALLS: The bench is young and realtively weak. G Shammond Williams (6.8, 2.8 apg) is a solid backup but is hardly an impact player. The combination of Mason and Barry at shooting guard doesn't seem dangerous, although Mason has shown potential. The frontcourt is awfully shaky after Lewis. Baker is overweight and lacks motivation to compete with the big-time forwards in the West. Booth is a solid complementary frontcourt player, but the fact that the Sonics will start him displays their lack of depth.

IN THE ZONE: Barry, Lewis, Williams and Payton are all threats from outside but won't see that many open shots. Opposing defenses that are able to set up won't feel the need to swarm on Seattle's mediocre post players. Therefore open jumpers -- and scoring in general -- will be hard to come by.

OUTLOOK: Payton is a true superstar but there isn't another player on this team that is even All-Star caliber. Lewis will be productive, but Baker has more bad games than good and no one else on the roster has proven they demand attention from opposing defenses. It won't be long before Payton's frustration with an untalented supporting cast comes to a head, causing friction and leading to the demise of the team.