Seriously?

The start of the NBA preseason is re-opening a lot of old wounds about the Sonics. And I'm bitter. Quick lesson, Oklahoma City. Part of the responsibility of having a real NBA team is to have real reporters following the team who know what they are talking about. After reading this blog post, I think we might need to step in and revoke some press credentials.

Here's some of the high (or low) lights from Mike Sherman, "sports editor":

"Remember all the folks who told us Oklahoma City was delusional to think it was getting an NBA team? Remember those who laughed when we thought the Hornets might stay? Remember when we were told that Mr. Microsoft, Mr. Coffee and Slade Gorton and all those superior intellects, millionaires and “revealing emails” were going to force Clay Bennett’s group to sell the team?"

Wait - did I miss something? Last I checked, it was the NEW ORLEANS Hornets.

"Loved the road unis. LOVE THEM. The look like the New York Knicks’ roadies and that’s a good thing. The “Oklahoma City” on the front might be crowded, but hey, you’ve got to fly the flag. I heard some folks say the “OKC” would have looked better. I might have even been one of them. If I was, I was wrong.

Spelling it out is a political statement. This team is representing the city and the taxpayers who made its presence here possible. And the ownership group is broadcasting that to the world and every NBA city the Thunder visits by wearing “Oklahoma City” across the franchise’s chest. It’s a sign of appreciation, respect and gratitude. Good call, Clay."

The first thing you point out is the uniform? Seriously? And is this guy serious that spelling out the city's full name is a sign of respect? Hold on, I am too busy stabbing myself in the eye ball.

"These guys won’t be the Phoenix Suns, but I’ve got a hunch that they’re more suited to a fast-paced, open-court style of play ... There was a concern about Westbrook’s natural playmaking skills at point guard and those skills are less important in the open court."

By that logic, Steve Nash's "playmaking" skills are not that important because Phoenix plays in an up-tempo system. Good point guard skills are even more paramount in an up-tempo system. All the really good up-tempo teams in the NBA have a good PG with "playmaking" skills. And the bad ones are still searching. See: Denver Nuggets.

"Some of my colleagues at The Oklahoman say we should leave it up to the Thunder coaches and GM Sam Presti to decide who starts. Clay Bennett agrees with them because he hired those guys and not me, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t offer opinions and observations."

First Amendment scholars everywhere rejoice.

"My interest in the NBA is, of course, greater than my expertise in it. But watching these games is a great way for all of us to learn. And no matter how complicated some try to make it, if we watch the game, and keep our mind and ears open, we all can learn a lot quickly."

I'll leave the lack of expertise comment alone since I think that point is pretty self-evident. What's with the rah-rah 'let's learn together' routine?

"My eyes tell me Russell Westbrook is going to be a ballplayer."

This is about the only thing in his post that I can agree with --- because SGB made that point nearly five months ago.