Sonics Rising: All Posts by Jake Hamar

How Shawn Kemp Made Me an NBA Fan

2015-11-04T11:00:03-08:00

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

Shawn Kemp was one of the true stars of the 1990s NBA.

Edited by Tiffany Villigan

If you were a basketball fan growing up in the 1990s, it was perhaps the best time to watch the NBA.

Some of the best players in history played during this time: Michael Jordan, Shaq, Charles Barkley, Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Patrick Ewing, Gary Payton and Reggie Miller.

Oh yeah, and a guy from a high school in Indiana who decided he was going to slam his way to superstardom and become one of the most exciting highlight reels basketball has ever seen.

That fine specimen was Shawn Kemp.

Growing up in California in the 1980s and '90s, my main basketball influences were Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Byron Scott, Vlade Divac and some Clippers like Danny Manning and Ron Harper. This was during the Larry Brown era for the Clippers when they were actually better in the standings than the Lakers.

Yeah, hell had frozen over.

One Saturday morning, as I prepared to start my weekly ritual of watching WWF wrestling, I noticed that NBA Inside Stuff was on. Hosted by the always entertaining Ahmad Rashad, the show featured some of the best plays and dunks of the week. They were showing some highlights of a Sonics game against the Warriors, and showed this huge guy dunking like he had just swung onto a jungle gym.

That guy was Shawn Kemp.

Shawn Kemp was one of the brightest stars of the 1990s NBA. (Courtesy of Jonathan Daniel/Allsport)

It was also around this time that the game NBA Jam hit the arcades. One day, during a church trip to the roller rink, after constantly falling on my butt the whole day, I noticed that they had some new games in the arcade: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Simpsons Arcade Game, Mortal Kombat, WWF WrestleFest, and NBA Jam.

Even though each game you played was a buck, NBA Jam was a dollar well spent. Since Shawn Kemp was my new favorite, I had to select the Sonics, despite the fact his teammate was Benoit Benjamin.

Yes, Benoit Benjamin.

No Gary Payton. Not a chance of Derrick McKey. No hint of Nate McMillan. They had decided to omit those fine choices and pick a guy who had been mediocre for most of his NBA career. Oh well, I pretty much let Shawn Kemp dunk the whole game, and he even broke the glass in the 4th quarter.

It was epic.

Then, the Sega Genesis version of the game came out. They modified the roster to include the newly acquired Detlef Schrempf, so when you played as the Sonics you got a nice mix of dunks and rebounding (Kemp) combined with three-point greatness (Mr. Schrempf). It was a nice little salsa of basketball goodness.

I love basketball. And salsa. Preferrably with mango.

Despite knowing that the Sonics were one of the Lakers' most hated opponents, it didn't matter. It was like sleeping with the enemy. But what could I do? The Lakers weren't presenting that exciting of a basketball product at the time, and the Seattle Supersonics were one of the best teams in the NBA, led by Gary Payton, Detlef Schrempf and the wildly entertaining Shawn Kemp.

Nicknamed "The Reign Man" by former Sonics play-by-play guy Kevin Calabro, Kemp was almost like a mix of basketball player and musical conductor. When he went up for a dunk, it was like hearing "Fur Elise" by Beethoven. Kemp and the basketball rim made beautiful music together.

He was the Blake Griffin of his time.

Every time I watched the Sonics on TV (and they were on NBA on NBC a lot at that time), the song "Can't Fight This Feeling" by REO Speedwagon always went through my head. I was in love with the brand of basketball the Sonics played.

In 1992-93, while the Lakers were enjoying life at the golf course, the Supersonics were battling the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals. Despite a great year from Kemp (17.8 scoring average, 10.7 rebounds per game and 1.9 blocks per game), the Sonics fell to Charles Barkley and the Suns in 7 games.

1993-94 proved to be another big year for Kemp, who averaged 18.1 points per game, 2.1 blocks and 10.8 rebounds as the Sonics finished 63-19, which was the best record in the NBA. Many experts picked the Sonics to win the championship, given their outstanding offense and defense. To go along with Kemp's production, the team was also helped by Gary Payton, Detlef Schrempf, Kendall Gill and Sam Perkins.

These Sonics were good. Damn good.

1994 Seattle Supersonics Stats

Then, Denver happened.

The 1993-94 Denver Nuggets were an eighth seed in the Western Conference. They were a good team, but nowhere near the caliber of, say, the Sonics, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets or Utah Jazz. They were surrounded by outstanding talent, like Dikembe Mutombo (11.8 rebounds and 4.1 blocks per game), Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (the artist formerly known as Chris Jackson; 18 points per game and 4.5 assists a contest) and the always underrated LaPhonso Ellis (15.4 PPG and 8.6 rebounds). The Nuggets finished 42-40, 21 games back of the top seed Supersonics.

This series was supposed to be a cake walk.

And for the first two games, it seemed that way, with the Sonics winning Game 1 by 24 points. In Game 2, Kemp and Payton were able to defensively shut down Denver, winning 97-87. It looked like Seattle would be going onto the next round without any hiccup whatsoever.

It's funny how things change.

The series moved back to Denver, where the Nuggets were able to shut down the Sonics 110-93. Ditto for Game 4, as the Nuggets surged to an overtime victory, 94-85. No matter what they tried, George Karl and company could not stop Mutombo and his unbelievable defensive play.

The stage was set for a fifth and deciding game in Seattle. Even though the Sonics looked good in the opening stages, Denver came back and made it a ballgame. Eventually, the game went into overtime, where the Nuggets did the impossible, beating the Sonics in five games.

It was the first time an eighth seed had beaten a first seed in the playoffs. And it hurt, like a gut punch.

Despite the loss, Kemp kept on truckin', making another All-Star appearance in 1994-95, averaging over 18 points per game, 10 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per contest. Despite having a great regular season, the Sonics were bounced from the first round again, this time by Eddie Jones, Nick Van Exel and the upstart Los Angeles Lakers.

People started to wonder: Could Shawn Kemp win the big game for the Supersonics?

1995-96 represented a new era for Sonics basketball. They changed their logo, their jerseys (still one of the best jerseys ever), and with the new look came a fresh new perspective for this franchise accustomed to losing in the playoffs. Kemp made sure the Sonics were bound for greater things, as he led Seattle to a 64-18 record and the second best record in the NBA behind the Chicago Bulls, who had become the greatest team in history with a 72-10 record.

In the playoffs, the Sonics dispatched Mitch Richmond and the Sacramento Kings in the first round, swept the defending champion Houston Rockets in the next round, then prepared to meet the Utah Jazz in the Western Conference Finals.

The Jazz had a roster filled with quality talent: Karl Malone, a 14-time All-Star and two-time NBA MVP who not only brought incredible scoring punch, but was also a major defensive presence as well, averaging just under 10 rebounds a game during the 1995-96 season; and John Stockton, an assists master who averaged 10.8 during the 1996 playoffs. His knack for passing the ball, mixed in with being a master of steals, helped him become one of the greatest point guards of all time. Helping the Jazz in the two guard position was the always reliable Jeff Hornacek. He was the Robin to Malone and Stockton's Batman, providing excellent defensive pressure and was a fantastic 3-point shooter, scorching the Sonics for eight consecutive three-pointers during a November 1994 game.

Kemp and the Sonics had to battle the Utah Jazz in the 1996 Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy of Otto Greule Jr./Getty Images)

Early on in the series, it looked like Kemp and the Supersonics had everything in hand, leading 3 games to 1. Then, Malone and Utah bounced back and beat the Sonics in Seattle, 98-95. In Game 6, the Jazz dropped a bomb on Kemp and company, winning by 35 points, 118-83. It was Seattle's worst loss in their playoff history, and it got the reporters and fans wondering, "Is this team good enough to make the next step?"

Game 7 was Judgement Day.

Despite 22 points apiece from Stockton and Malone, the Sonics were just a smidge better on this day. Kemp had 26 points and 14 rebounds, and was helped by Gary Payton with 21 points and 5 assists as the Sonics exorcised their playoff demons and beat the Jazz 90-86.

The Sonics were ready to party like it was 1979.

Standing at the gates of a championship parade were the Chicago Bulls, who were undoubtedly the greatest basketball team in the history of the galaxy. When Jesus constructed his idea of the perfect basketball team, it consisted of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoc and Ron Harper.

The Bulls had set the all-time record for wins in a season with 72, breaking the mark set by the 1971-72 Lakers. At one point in the season, the Bulls were 30-3. The team was an amazing recipe of scoring, passing and tough rebounding. The 1980s Lakers and Celtics were really good teams, but these Bulls were just fantastic.

Chicago pretty much stormed through the Eastern Conference playoffs, blitzing the Heat in three games, the Knicks in five, and the defending Eastern Conference champions Orlando Magic in four games. It also proved to be the swan song for Shaquille O'Neal in Orlando, opting to sign a huge contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in the offseason.

The stage was set. It would be Air Jordan against the Reign Man.

In the series, Kemp was really good, averaging 23.3 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks as the Sonics gave the Bulls everything they had, and then some. The Bulls built up a three games to none lead in the series, beating Seattle rather convincingly in Games 1 and 3 of the series. Looking to not just roll over and die, Seattle knew they had to bounce back in a hurry.

Kemp and the Sonics took the fight to the Chicago Bulls in the 1996 NBA Finals. (Courtesy of Jonathan Daniel/Allsport)

The Sonics stormed back to win the next two games in Seattle, including a convincing win in Game 4, beating the Bulls 107-86. Kemp had another solid performance, scoring 25 points and grabbing 11 rebounds as the Sonics lived to fight another day. Seattle won again in Game 5, led by a terrific performance by Gary Payton, who scored 23 and nabbed 9 rebounds and 6 assists as the Sonics looked to give the Bulls all they could handle.

Then reality set in.

The Bulls, led by Michael Jordan (aka Basketball Jesus), Pippen, Ron Harper and the unbelievable bench play of Steve Kerr and Toni Kukoc, sealed the championship with an 87-75 win. It was a disappointing loss, but also a season filled with pride and optimism. It had fans thinking about a possible championship in 1996-97.

Hello Jim McIlvaine.

The Sonics, realizing they didn't have that one big man to compete with the Hakeems, Shaqs and David Robinsons of the world, decided to generously offer unproven Washington Bullets center Jim McIlvaine a seven-year, $33 million contract. Kemp, feeling like he had been a main reason for the Sonics success, felt slighted, especially since he was looking for a new contract.

In the excellent documentary Sonicsgate, Gary Payton said that Kemp should have just let that one slide.

"You can't fault McIlvaine for anything," said Payton. "They gave him the money. He took the money. I would have taken the money too. I kinda say that Shawn should have just overlooked that, and just said, 'I'm gonna get my money. I'm gonna prove you. We were all stars. We were all going to get our money sometime."

After a solid 1996-97 in which he averaged 18.7 points, 10 rebounds and a block per game, Kemp was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a blockbuster three-team trade that saw Terrell Brandon and Tyrone Hill go to the Bucks, and Vin Baker go to the Sonics.

Oh, Vin Baker. (Sigh)

Shawn Kemp demanded a traded, and was granted his wish to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1997. (Courtesy of Todd Warshaw/Allsport)

Much like his trade partner Baker, Kemp showed signs of being lethargic and gaining weight. He still performed very well, having his best scoring year in 1998-99 when he averaged 20.5 points per game. However, his weight gain continued, and Cleveland GM Wayne Embry revealed that Kemp's weight ballooned up to 315 pounds.

With Kemp not yielding the results he had once produced with Seattle, Cleveland dealt him to the Portland Trail Blazers after the 1999-2000 season. The Blazers were hoping Kemp would help them get over the hump and into the NBA Finals for the first time since 1992. Kemp's production slid even further, and his personal life also skidded due to alcohol and cocaine abuse. After two uneventful years with Portland, Kemp was released.

After he was waived from Portland, Kemp signed with the Orlando Magic. Despite not being the player he once was, he helped the Magic to a 42-40 record and an eighth seed in the playoffs, where they fell to the Detroit Pistons. After the year, Kemp was waived by Orlando.

For the next few years, after not being able to catch on with an NBA team (he had a workout scheduled with the Dallas Mavericks in 2005-06 but Kemp ended up not doing so), he went to Italy, and played for Premiata Montegranaro of the Italian League. After playing three preseason games, Kemp returned to his home in Houston in the wake of Hurricane Ike. He never returned to the team, and his contract was nullified.

Kemp has also had his share of legal troubles. In 2005, Kemp was arrested on charges of possession of cocaine, marijuana and also a semiautomatic pistol. A year later, the former NBA All-Star was arrested again in possession of marijuana. It was definitely a low point in his life. Since that time, Kemp has stayed out of trouble.

One thing Kemp should be proud of is the fact that one of his sons, Shawn Jr., played collegiate ball at the University of Washington. Despite the fact that he was never able to replicate his father's success, Kemp Jr. did have some flashes of brilliance. In a game against Grambling State in December 2014, he had 21 points and 4 boards. On January 4th against Stanford, the younger Kemp had 19 points and 5 rebounds.

Former Washington Huskies player Shawn Kemp Jr. (Courtesy of USATSI)

The apple didn't fall too far from the tree.

Shawn Kemp was one of the reasons that I became interested in the NBA. Before then, for me, it was just about Los Angeles Dodgers baseball. But the exciting dunks, rebounding and intimidating physical presence made me a fan of "The Reign Man" for life.

When I was 15, my mom bought me my first NBA jersey. And who was it?

You guessed it: Shawn Kemp.

A few days after receiving it, I wore it to school for the first time. My health teacher, Mr. McGregor, thought the jersey was cool, but wondered why I was wearing a Sonics jersey when my loyalties were with the Lakers. Our conversation went like this:

Mr. McGregor: "Nice jersey Jake."

Jake: "Thanks man."

Mr. McGregor: "Sonics? I thought you liked the Lakers?"

Jake: "I do."

Mr. McGregor: "Then why the Sonics? You can't like two Pacific Division teams. That would be like being a 49ers fan but you wore an Emmitt Smith Cowboys jersey."

Jake: "I like Kemp. His dunks are amazing. He's my guy."

Mr. McGregor: "Fair enough. Here's your homework for next week."

Oh yeah, and I still have that worn out Kemp Champion Sonics jersey somewhere in my garage.

That thing is a keeper.

Is This Ryan Miller's Last Shot?

2015-10-21T17:53:22-07:00

Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Vancouver goalie faces possible trade if he doesn't have a stellar 2015-16 season.

Edited by Tiffany Villigan

When he signed with the Vancouver Canucks before the 2014-15 season, Ryan Miller was supposed to be the missing ingredient in ensuring that the franchise won its first Stanley Cup ever.

Talk about pressure.

Last year, when Miller went down with a knee injury, Eddie Lack took the reigns as Vancouver's starting goalie. And he didn't disappoint, going 18-13-4 with a .921 saves percentage and 2.45 goals against average. Not only did he play well, but he earned the respect of the Canuck faithful, and quickly became one of the most beloved players on the team.

Eddie Lack became a fan favorite in Vancouver. (Courtesy of Rich Lam/Getty Images)

When the playoffs rolled around, Miller was healthy again, but coach Willie Desjardins found himself in a goaltending quandary. Who does he start? Lack or Miller? After Lack didn't play too hot against Calgary, Miller was put into action against the Flames, where he played well, but it wasn't enough as the Canucks lost the series in six games.

Another quandary arose. Who do the Canucks keep? The fan favorite Lack? Or the proven but oft injured Miller?

Ryan Miller has been one of the most consistent goaltenders in the NHL for the last 10 years, when he hasn't been injured. (Courtesy of Rich Lam/Getty Images)

For the past 10 years, there have been a handful of goaltenders who have performed at such an amazing level that you can say, "OK, this guy is a future Hall of Famer." I think that way about Henrik Lundqvist, Jonathan Quick, Carey Price and Ryan Miller. These guys are our Roy, Hasek, Fuhr and Brodeur.

Everyone on Twitter always heaps praise on Price, Quick and Lundqvist, but I think a lot of people look past Miller, especially after the Blues choked in the 2013-14 playoffs against the Blackhawks. After the postseason, the Blues, experiencing a logjam at the goalie position, made Miller expendable, and the Vancouver Canucks decided to take a chance on the 33-year-old goalkeeper.

Miller for a period of time was the Buffalo Sabres franchise. During the Sabres' run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2006, Miller posted a 30-14-3 record with a .914 saves percentage. In 2007, he had a superb year, going 40-16-6 with a .911 save percentage. 2010 proved to be Miller's finest, statistically. He finished the year with a 41-18-8 record with 5 shutouts and 2.22 goals against average. It earned him the Vezina Trophy that year, and he also appeared in the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, going 5-0-1 with a 1.35 GAA and a .946 saves percentage.

Ryan Miller was money in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. (Photo Courtesy of Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA Today)

Injuries have not been kind to the former USA Olympic goalie. Last year, he missed 37 games due to a knee injury, letting Lack take over the goaltending duties. When healthy, Miller was 29-15-1 with 2.53 goals against average and a .911 save percentage during the regular season. His stats were quite better than Lack's, but Vancouver fans took to the Swedish goalie, appreciating his hard work and easily approachable attitude.

Decisions, decisions.

At this year's NHL Draft, the Canucks traded Lack to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2015 third-round pick and a 2016 seventh-round pick. When announced, Canucks fans booed the decision, as Lack had become a favorite among the fans. To say it wasn't a popular decision would be an understatement.

When crowd is told Benning had offers for Miller, crowd grew restless. Benning had a bit of a sad. pic.twitter.com/m48c0j63J4
— Wyatt Arndt (@TheStanchion) July 10, 2015

Fans and hockey writers view Miller as more of a liability than an asset, with his knee problems. Canucks fans looked at Lack as the goalie of the future, who deserved another shot at the #1 goalie slot in Vancouver. Now he heads to Tobacco Road.

You better believe the Canucks will have to protect Miller more this year. Their defensive corps consists of two proven defensemen in Alexander Edler and Dan Hamhuis, and not much else. After the loss of Kevin Bieksa, Vancouver did not go out and get a Top-6 defenseman, which was a big mistake. Guys like Chris Tanev, Matt Bartkowski and Luca Sbisa will have to up their game in order to keep their netminder out of harm's way for the rest of the year.

In this very early NHL season, Miller has been splendid for the Canucks, going 3-1-2 with a .935 save percentage and 1.80 goals against average. He looked great last Tuesday night, posing a shutout in the Canucks' 3-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings.

Can Miller stay healthy and lead the Canucks to the prize that has avoided them for so long? If he can play like he has been playing, there's no reason why Miller can't hoist Lord Stanley's Cup, and become a hero in the eyes of the Vancouver faithful. This might be his own tale of redemption.

He's got to make the most of it.

Should the AHL expand to more Western Cities?

2015-10-11T20:25:42-07:00

Marissa Baecker/Getty Images

Boise, Spokane, Fresno and Reno would be great possibilities

This year, the American Hockey League decided to go west.

The league, which has mainly operated with teams located on the East Coast, relocated and graduated some of their franchises out to the West Coast. Teams that had been playing for years in the ECHL-Bakersfield, Ontario and Stockton, were upped to the AHL. Other California cities like San Diego and San Jose also got franchises.

Hockey has experienced a growth in California like no other. There's more kids playing hockey there than ever before, and if you walk around a lot of cities in California, you'll notice that kids are wearing San Jose Sharks, LA Kings, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings hats.

It's definitely a beautiful thing.

Which is why the AHL should take advantage of this.

Besides the NHL, the American Hockey League has some of the best competition in North America. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

There are a few cities that I believe could support AHL hockey. It's just a step under the NHL, and if marketed right, there's no reason why franchises couldn't thrive in these respective cities. The ones that might have the best chances are Fresno, Spokane, Boise and Reno.

Fresno should be the first team considered for AHL expansion/relocation, just based on its size. In the city alone, it has over 520,000 people, and almost a million in the metro area. It's a larger city than Bakersfield and Stockton, and is actually bigger than Sacramento when it comes to city population (Sacramento has more in its metro).

The city has supported hockey before, with the Fresno Falcons. In total, the city supported the Falcons for 46 years, until 2008, when the owners of the Falcons, Fresno Hockey Club LLC, decided to close up shop. It was a sad end to a franchise that had a fan following, but just had the wrong ownership manning it.

Christian Lukens, sports reporter for ESPN 940 AM in Fresno, thinks hockey could work again in that city.

"I do think so. They supported ECHL for a long, long time, and the AHL would mean 1 step from the league. I think that's sustainable, especially given regional rivalries built into it and the NHL affiliate would be shouldering costs."

The new version of the Falcons would play at Selland Arena in downtown Fresno, which was renovated in 2006, and can seat 7,600 hockey fans. It provides the old school atmosphere that makes for a tremendous hockey experience. You can hear the crunch of the checks, the horns sound awesome, and when there is a packed house, the decibel level of the fans sounds just right.

It's a great, intimate hockey barn.

If they had the right ownership group, mixed in with the right marketing campaign, there's no reason why hockey can't work in Fresno again.

They just cannot repeat past mistakes.

Another market that could possibly support AHL hockey is Spokane. It has supported the Western Hockey League for a long time with the Spokane Chiefs, who have turned out some pretty impressive NHL players, like current Tampa Bay Lightning star Tyler Johnson, Ray Whitney, Valeri Bure, Trevor Kidd, Travis Green and Brent Gilchrist. The team has won two Western Hockey League championships and two Canadian Hockey League Memorial Cups.

The Spokane Chiefs have been one of the WHL's most successful franchises for almost 30 years. (Courtesy of Marissa Baecker/Getty Images)

Spokane is a smaller city than Fresno, with just over 200,000 people. But with the combined statistical area of the Spokane-Coeur D'Alene, Idaho area, there is a population of 679,989. The Chiefs ranked 5th in the Western Hockey League in attendance last year, with 5,289 fans attending. They have also ranked higher in past years, which is amazing considering the league is filled with big cities like Calgary, Portland, Vancouver and Edmonton.

If you put almost NHL-like caliber talent in there, you'll get even more fans attending the games.

The Chiefs also have a nice radio & television area, which covers Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, and British Columbia. Their games are also seen in hockey hotbeds like Calgary, Edmonton and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. So, with all of those areas covered, you'll expose more people to the AHL, which makes it just as a attractive a hockey market as some of the AHL's current areas.

Spokane is almost like a Canadian city located in the United States, which makes them perfect for a shot at the AHL.

Located a few hours east of Spokane is one of the most beautiful cities in the northwest. It's skyline and unbelievable weather attracts new people each year. It's also a wonderful area to ski, camp and catch high quality college football.

This area is Boise, Idaho.

Boise is not only home to a great college football program, but they have had a winning hockey franchise as well. The Idaho Steelheads have won two Kelly Cups as league champion, and the Brabham Cup in 2009-10, which is the ECHL's version of the President's Trophy. They have also had NHL talent play for the team like B.J. Crombeen, Richard Bachman, Dan Ellis and Matt Climie. Their former coach, Derek Laxdal, went on to have some pretty good years with the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings, including a Memorial Cup Championship in 2014, and now is the head coach of the Texas Stars of the AHL.

Derek Laxdal led the Idaho Steelheads to some very successful seasons. (Courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The question is: Will Boise ever become an AHL town?

Boise is a bigger city than Spokane, with a population of 216,282. Their metro is also comparable, with 664,422. It's a thriving area, with more and more businesses and professionals moving to Southern Idaho for better opportunities.

Their rink, Century Link Arena, can hold just over 5,000 for hockey. It's a nice modern rink but inside, has the intimacy of old school barns. And when the place is packed, it can be truly be a fantastic hockey experience.

Boise definitely deserves a look.

Seven hours south of Boise, is the World's Biggest Little City-Reno, Nevada.

The area is not only a hub for gaming and entertainment, but also of scenic beauty. Located just an hour from town is Lake Tahoe, there are many skiing and outdoor activities to do. It's home to the University of Nevada sports, AAA baseball's Reno Aces, the NBA-D-League's Reno Bighorns and every year the area hosts one of the premier PGA events in the country-the Reno-Tahoe Open.

Reno, Nevada is home to many sporting events, including the Reno-Tahoe Open. (Courtesy of Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Reno has about the same population number as Boise, with 225,221 people, but its metro is much lower, with just over 425,000 people. It has two arenas-the Reno Events Center and Lawlor Events Center, plus a convention area-the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

Minor league hockey has been in Reno before, with the Reno Renegades playing in the WCHL from 1995-1998. Since then, Reno has pretty much stuck with college sports and minor league baseball and basketball. However, with a increase in hockey popularity and many sports bars in Reno showing NHL games, it might be worth a shot. Corporations such as Tesla have set up shop in Northern Nevada, so the corporate support might be there. Plus, with the cold climate and a ballpark in downtown Reno, it would be the perfect place to host an outdoor hockey game.

I have created a mock division of what the AHL Western Conference would look like with these markets in it.

Jake's AHL Western Conference

Central Division

1. Chicago Wolves

2. Texas Stars

3. Manitoba Moose

4. Milwaukee Admirals

5. Grand Rapids Griffins

6. Rockford Ice Hogs

7. Iowa Wild

8. San Antonio Rampage

Pacific Division

1. Bakersfield Condors

2. Ontario Reign

3. Stockton Thunder

4. San Diego Gulls

5. Fresno Falcons

6. Idaho Steelheads

7. Reno Renegades

8. Spokane Chiefs

I think that Spokane is truly ready to take the next step, in terms of being a hockey market, and Fresno has so many good possibilities, in terms of market size, and possible fan following. Move the San Jose Barracuda to Fresno, and make them Falcons 2.0 or heck, name them the Sharks. Fans in Fresno follow the Sharks, so it would be a great thing, both merchandise wise, and to grow the game in Central California. Bakersfield is one of the top draws in minor hockey, and is located just two hours from Fresno. Why can't Fresno have the same success?

If a big corporation got behind a Boise or Reno franchise, they would succeed. Boise already has built-in fans to draw from, yet Reno does not. If they did it right, brought in good hockey people to run it, Reno would be a good place to put an AHL team.

Hockey already is big on the East Coast, so the American Hockey League should continue to try and grow in western states. It would attract more fans and visibility for their league. If they do that, they got something special.

It's a risk worth taking.

Who Will Win the NHL Pacific Division in 2015-16?

2015-10-04T14:50:00-07:00

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

This will prove to be one of the most competitive divisions in hockey

Ringo Starr once penned an song called "It Don't Come Easy."

I'm wondering if Ringo was a hockey fan.

You see, in the NHL's Pacific Division, a playoff spot won't come easy this year. Out of the seven teams in the division, five have a shot at making the playoffs. Most of them have great offensive firepower, decent defense, and solid goaltending.

One of these teams could easily come out of the Western Conference this year. It's just a matter of staying healthy, and avoiding the Masters of the Gate (a.k.a the Chicago Blackhawks).

Here, I will preview each team in the Pacific Division, and rank them on where I think they will finish this year.

1. Anaheim Ducks

Corey Perry looks to get the Ducks back to the Stanley Cup in 2016. (Courtesy of Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports)

Last Year's Finish: 51-24-7 (1st place-Pacific)

Key Additions: Kevin Bieksa, Chris Stewart, Shawn Horcoff, Shane O'Brien, Mike Santorelli, Carl Hagelin, Anton Khudobin.

Key Losses: Francois Beauchemin, Matt Beleskey, Jason LaBarbera.

What I Like: The fact they were able to add some character on this franchise. This team has lost two Game 7's in a row (in 2014 to Los Angeles and in 2015 to Chicago), so they definitely need some grit on this team. They added Kevin Bieksa, who helped the Vancouver Canucks to the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals. If he's healthy, Bieksa can be a good two-way player, netting you 30-40 points a season. Is he the player he was in 2011? Absolutely not, but he can definitely contribute to a Ducks team who had trouble shutting down the Blackhawks last year in the conference championship.

Of course, you know Corey Perry will bring his game. He has a burning desire to win another Cup, and will do all he can to deliver on that desire. This a former 50 goal scorer who missed 15 games last year. If he can play at least 75 games this year, he can bring some real offensive punch to this team. And you still got the always dangerous Ryan Getzlaf, who got 70 points this year. If Getzlaf and Perry are firing on all cylinders, Ryan Kesler can return to his 2009-11 form, and Frederik Andersen can have the kind of year he had in 2014-15, when he went 35-12-5 with a .913 saves percentage, I truly think this team can win the West.

I also like the additions of coaches Paul MacLean and Dallas Eakins as assistants. MacLean was a invaluable member of Mike Babcock's staff in Detroit, and he won the Jack Adams Award with Ottawa in 2013. Eakins was a tremendous AHL coach with the Toronto Marlies, yet struggled with a defenseless Edmonton Oilers squad. I think Eakins will redeem himself in Anaheim, and eventually get another head coaching job down the road.

What I Don't Like: There's not much I don't like about this team. I don't like that they had to part ways with Francois Beauchemin, but they really didn't have a choice. There was no way they were going to pay him the $13.5 million Colorado gave him. But oh well. They have a more complete team now, and it could pay dividends come playoff time.

Final Result: I see this team finishing first again in the Pacific, and going to the Cup Finals against Pittsburgh, where they will win the 2016 Stanley Cup.

2. San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks look to rebound after having an off year in 2014-15 (Courtesy of Kyle Terada/USA Today Sports)

Last Year's Finish: 40-33-9 (5th in Pacific)

Key Additions: Peter DeBoer (new coach), Joel Ward, Paul Martin, Martin Jones.

Key Losses: John Scott, Tyler Fedun, Matt Irwin.

What I Like: Despite having many of the same pieces, this Sharks team feels new for some reason. After years of making the playoffs and getting bounced year after year, they finally missed the postseason for the first time since the George W. Bush administration. Many insiders blamed Joe Thornton for the team's troubles. Unfortunately, usually the coach gets the hike, and it was Todd McLellan's turn to lose his job. But in reality, it wasn't all his fault.

Fact of the matter is, they needed to shake up this team. They were getting stale. How many times can you turn to Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski before it gets old? They needed some more help, and help they got in the veteran Paul Martin, who came over from the Pittsburgh Penguins. He provides help on the blue line, which includes Brent Burns, Marc Edouard-Vlasic and Justin Braun.

The Sharks also got an extra 15-25 goals this season by picking up Joel Ward, who had 49 points in 82 games last year for Washington. Not only will he be expected to provide offensive help on the third line, but at 6'1 and 220 pounds, he can also be a defensive force as well.

What I Don't Like: The goaltending. Martin Jones, who was Jonathan Quick's backup last year with the Los Angeles Kings, saw limited action, going 4-5 with a 2.25 goals against average with a .906 saves percentage. Now you might be thinking, "That's not too bad!" It's not, but he's seen very limited action in the last two seasons, as has his backup Alex Stalock. If Jones can repeat some of the success he had in the backup role he had in San Jose, the Sharks will be pretty darn good this year.

Final Result: I see this team returning to the postseason this year, finishing 2nd in the Pacific, battling Calgary and LA neck and neck for the 2nd spot in the division.

3. Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames look to build upon their surprising playoff appearance in 2014-15. (Courtesy of Candice Ward/USA Today Sports)

Last Year's Finish: 45-30-7 (3rd in Pacific)

Key Additions: Dougie Hamilton, Michael Frolik.

Key Losses: Raphael Diaz, Max Reinhart, Mark Cundari.

What I Like: This team in general. The Calgary Flames are going to be a team to be reckoned with for the next couple of years. They boast some of the best young talent in the NHL in Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan, Dougie Hamilton, and pretty darn good goaltending in both Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo. You can't go wrong with either of those guys. Both of them had save percentages over .900 last season, and helped the baby Flames eliminate Vancouver in the first round of the playoffs.

What I Don't Like: They need 1-2 veterans with some playoff experience on this team, to show them how to go deep in the playoffs. This franchise is going to built for a playoff run in the next year or two, but I don't see them getting past the second round this year without some seasoned guys who can tell them how to take that next step.

Final Result: I see them finishing 3rd, but challenging San Jose and Los Angeles for 2nd all year long. This team will be much better in 2016-17.

4. Los Angeles Kings

Dustin Brown and the LA Kings look to erase last year's disappointing outcome. (Courtesy of Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA Today Sports)

Last Year's Finish: 40-27-15 (4th in Pacific)

Key Additions: Milan Lucic, Christian Ehrhoff, Jhonas Enroth.

Key Losses: Justin Williams, Andrej Sekera, Jarret Stoll, Martin Jones.

What I Like: That the Kings will do whatever it takes to right the wrongs of 2014-15. Last year wasn't so bad, in terms of hockey quality. The Western Conference is just that stacked with good teams, but this team did have a lot of distractions, off the ice. Mike Richards was arrested in June when he was caught with unprescribed oxycodone at the Canadian border crossing. Then came the Slava Voynov domestic abuse drama, which seems to never go away. He may never play in the NHL ever again, if U.S. Immigration officials have their way. He recently signed with the KHL, which makes me think he's not planning on coming back to the NHL soon.

The Kings have washed their hands of both situations, and are looking forward to getting back to the playoffs in 2015-16. They definitely made an impact in the Free Agent market, picking up Milan Lucic from the Boston Bruins for Martin Jones (who ended up getting traded to San Jose), Colin Miller and a 1st round draft pick. When he is on his game, Lucic can get you 25-30 goals and 45-50 points. Last year, he had a dip in production with 44 points, but considering he's going to a Kings team that has Anze Kopitar, Marian Gaborik, Tyler Toffoli, Dustin Brown, Jeff Carter and Tanner Pearson, I expect Lucic to have a bounce back season, with over 50 points and also provide some physicality to this Kings squad.

Christian Ehrhoff was marvelous in his years with the Vancouver Canucks, but can he have a resurgence with the Kings? I truly think so. He'll be joining a blue line consisting of Drew Doughty, Alec Martinez, Jake Muzzin and Brayden McNabb. Not too shabby if you ask me.

Also, the Kings have Jonathan Quick. Need I say more?

What I Don't Like: There's not much on this team I don't like. I didn't like how they kind of shut out coach Darryl Sutter at the end of the season, but they have to realize this guy is one of the most successful coaches in the National Hockey League. He gets the absolute most out of is players, and if they listen to him, they could win another Stanley Cup.

Final Result: I see the Kings getting back to the playoffs with over 90 points. They'll finish fourth in the division, but considering how stiff the competition is in the West, that's not necessarily a bad thing. This team is really really good.

5. Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers have renewed purpose after a decade of futility. (Courtesy of Walter Tychnowicz/USA Today Sports)

Last Year's Finish: 24-44-14 (6th in Pacific)

Key Additions: Connor McDavid (taken 1st overall in the 2015 NHL Draft), Peter Chiarelli (new GM), Todd McLellan (new coach), Cam Talbot, Andrej Sekera, Griffin Reinhart.

Key Losses: Viktor Fasth, Matt Fraser, Richard Bachman.

What I Like: That the Oilers have totally changed the attitude of their team, This team hasn't made the playoffs since their Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2006, and that seems like ages ago. They've picked first overall in the NHL Draft four times in the last decade, and have played some of the most uninspired hockey in the modern era.

But that's about to change.

The team drafted Connor McDavid first overall in this year's draft. He is one of the most exciting players to come along in quite some time. He joins a offensive corps that includes Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Leon Draisatl, and Jordan Eberle (who is out until November with a separated shoulder). The team also picked up goalie Cam Talbot for the New York Rangers, who many believe will break out as the Oilers #1 goalie.

Edmonton also changed up their front office, by hiring Bob Nicholson as the team's President of Hockey Operations. They also made Peter Chiarelli their new GM, which can only be looked at as a positive. He helped Boston win the Stanley Cup in 2011, and was responsible for bringing some of their top players to the franchise. Chiarelli looks to restore the Oilers franchise back to respectability.

Also joining the Oilers is former San Jose coach Todd McLellan. People can say what they want about his inability to get the Sharks to the Cup Finals, but the fact of the matter is this: McLellan was very very successful during his tenure in San Jose. There's no question he brings a winning pedigree to an Oilers franchise that is in need of that. With these changes, the Oilers will be a much better team in the years to come.

What I Don't Like: The fact that they keep Nail Yakupov on the third line. They should trade him to a team where the pressure is off him. Maybe send him to say, Dallas? Or Carolina? Trade him for some defense, and all is good in Oil Country. The team did pick up some blue line help with Andrej Sekera and Griffin Reinhart, but they are still one or two defenseman away from being a true power in this division.

Final Result: I think the Oilers will finish 5th in this division, but it's not a bad 5th place. They will have a dramatic turnaround, and be in the playoff picture if their key players stay healthy. There's no reason why the Edmonton Oilers can't compete for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

6. Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks have gone through quite a few changes in the last few years. (Courtesy of Anne-Marie Sorvin/USA Today Sports)

Last Year's Finish: 48-29-5 (2nd in Pacific)

Key Additions: Brandon Prust, Brandon Sutter, Richard Bachman, Taylor Fedun.

Key Losses: Kevin Bieksa, Eddie Lack, Zack Kassian, Nick Bonino.

What I Like: Well, this is a tough one. I like Vancouver's offense. As long as the Sedins are there, this team will be an offensive threat. The brothers combined for a total of 149 points last year. That's pretty good. That, mixed in with the talents of Radim Vrbata (31 G, 32 A for 63 points last year) and young Bo Horvat, the Canucks will have no problem getting into the net.

What I Don't Like: Defense and goaltending are major question marks. First off, I like Alexander Edler and Dan Hamhuis, but this blue line needs more if they are going to get back to the playoffs. They lost Kevin Bieksa to Anaheim. Granted, he got injured last year, but when he's healthy, he is a very effective two-way player. Losing heart and soul players like Bieksa hurts this team immensely. Also, on the goaltending side, will Ryan Miller stay healthy? When he did play last year, Miller was very effective. But he had a major knee injury that sidelined him for a huge chunk of games last year. Thank goodness Eddie Lack stepped in. Unfortunately, Lack was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, so now the pressure is on Miller to stay healthy and provide quality goaltending for this Canucks squad. Young Jacob Markstrom had a stellar year for Utica in the AHL, but will he be ready if Miller goes down again with injury?

Final Result: I don't see this team making the playoffs this year, based on all the key losses they experienced in the offseason. If Miller stays healthy, they got a shot, but a knee injury is not to be taken lightly. If Miller gets hurt or doesn't play well, I see Canucks GM Jim Benning trading him after the season.

7. Arizona Coyotes

Dave Tippett and the Arizona Coyotes are in rebuilding mode. (Courtesy of Matt Kartozian/USA Today Sports)

Last Year's Finish: 24-50-8 (7th in Pacific).

Key Additions: Dylan Strome (third pick in the 2015 NHL Draft), Antoine Vermette, Brad Richardson, Zbynek Michalek, Boyd Gordon, Steve Downie.

Key Losses: Sam Gagner, John Moore, Lauri Korpikosi, Mike McKenna, Mark Arcobello.

What I Like: That this franchise realizes that it needs to go into full rebuilding mode. It's sad, especially for 20 year veteran Shane Doan, who might never win the Stanley Cup (unless he demands a trade), but it's absolutely necessary. This team cannot fill its roster with veterans; it needs to restock with fresh blood, and that's what they are doing. They have some nice pieces too. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who is one of the finest young defenseman in the NHL, had a nice 2014-15 campaign with 23 goals and 43 points. When Doan retires, he might just be the next captain of the Coyotes.

Young Max Domi will also make his rookie debut for Arizona. He had a great season with the London Knights, with 32 goals and 102 points. I can see him being one of the top rookies in the NHL this year. This kid could easily get 45 points.

The Coyotes also made some noise in the NHL Draft by selecting Dylan Strome with the third overall pick. Some say he might not be ready for the NHL yet, but considering how the Coyotes played last year, they might need him sooner rather than later. He provides some much needed offensive punch for Arizona, who are in definite need of goals scored.

What I Don't Like: The goaltending. And it's not exactly Mike Smith's fault. It's just that this team is so young, and the defense might not be able to protect him much from some of the league's best scorers. Smith posted a 14-42-5 record last year. His save percentage wasn't bad, but his goals against average was 3.16, which is. GM Don Maloney needs to do his best to pick up some more blue line help and protect Smith from the barrage of shots he's about to face this year.

Final Result: This team is rebuiding, so they won't make the playoffs this year. They will be competing for the #1 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, which could net them Arizona native Auston Matthews. Give this team some time, and they should be back in the chase in 3 years or so.

In Closing

This should be the most competitive division in the NHL this year. I see Anaheim, San Jose, Calgary and Los Angeles making the playoffs this year, with Edmonton as a possibility. Vancouver took too many steps back, and Arizona is rebuilding their franchise, so those teams will be on the outside looking in this upcoming season.

Former Sonic is Now Working at Starbucks

2015-09-30T14:37:45-07:00

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Former Bucks and Sonics star Vin Baker is now training to be a manager at Starbucks.

Edited by Tiffany Villigan

Vin Baker seemed to have it all.

Incredible basketball player making lots of money. The adulation of his peers and fans throughout the NBA. All of those things can either make or break someone.

A college star at little known Hartford, Vin Baker seemed perfect for the NBA. He could score, but was also a defensive presence, averaging 27.6 points per game, 9.9 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game his Junior year, and won the America East Player of the Year in 1993, his Senior year.

The downtrodden Milwaukee Bucks took notice of Baker's two-way abilities, and made him the 8th pick of the 1993 NBA Draft. In just his second season with Milwaukee, Baker made the All-Star team, grabbing 10.3 rebounds a game and 1.4 blocks. The next season, his scoring prowess jumped to 21.1 a contest (up from 17.7 the year before), all the while remaining one of the best defensive players in the game.

Vin Baker proved to be one of the dominant power forwards in the NBA in the 1990s. (Courtesy of Elsa Hasch/All Sport)

Although Baker was clearly one of the best players in the NBA, the Bucks did not improve, and in 1997 they shipped him off to Seattle in a 3-team trade that sent Shawn Kemp to the Cleveland Cavaliers. With a lineup that included Baker, Gary Payton, Detlef Schrempf and Hersey Hawkins, the Sonics were one of the favorites to come out of the West that season.

However, it wasn't to be.

The Sonics, who finished with a 61-21 record, were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Lakers. The disappointment of losing after such a great regular season record, mixed in with the frayed relationship between coach George Karl and GM Wally Walker, ultimately cost Karl his job. He was replaced in 1998 by former Suns coach Paul Westphal. The change was a total flop, as the Sonics finished 25-25 in the strike-shortened 1998-99 season.

Baker's game also suffered as a result. His points per game dropped off significantly after 1999, and he wasn't quite the defensive power he had once been, with his rebounding and blocking averages falling by almost half. He never made the All-Star game again. Baker also experienced weight troubles at this time, soaring to nearly 300 pounds.

Vin Baker saw his game dip dramatically after he signed with the Sonics. (Courtesy of Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

After five uneventful seasons with the Sonics, Baker was traded to Boston in 2002. His offensive and defensive production continued to fall off, and one night, coach Jim O'Brien smelled alcohol on his breath. The team suspended him, and then released him. He then signed with the New York Knicks, where he played a limited role.

For the next few years, Baker shuffled around the NBA, playing for the Knicks, Rockets and Clippers before retiring in 2006.

The last couple of years have been interesting for Baker. He lost most of his fortune he accumulated during his career, which totaled over $100 million dollars. In 2007, he was arrested for drunk driving outside Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.

He was even part of the contingent of former professional basketball players accompanying Dennis Rodman to North Korea for a goodwill trip mixing politics and basketball.

Baker had his reservations about the journey.

"You know, hindsight is 20/20," he told the Huffington Post, "and I think, for the most part, most of us who went would've given it a second thought and wouldn't have gone".

From the Milwaukee Bucks to North Korea, Vin Baker has had a pretty interesting life, but his next venture is almost as surprising.

He's training to be a manager at Starbucks.

"I was an alcoholic, I lost a fortune. I had a great talent and lost it. For the people on the outside looking in, they’re like ‘Wow.’ For me, I’m 43 and I have four kids. I have to pick up the pieces. I’m a father. I’m a minister in my father’s church. I have to take the story and show that you can bounce back."

In an interview with the Providence Journal, Baker thanked his former boss, ex-Sonic owner and current CEO of Starbucks Howard Schultz for the opportunity.

"In this company there are opportunities for everyone. I have an excellent situation here at Starbucks, and the people are wonderful," Baker told the newspaper.

Known as a dominating power forward during his days in the NBA, Baker could bring a fresh perspective to the coffee chain. He could bring his basketball experience into play, and maybe show his army of baristas how to work harder during crunch time.

For a man who seemed to have it all, then lose it, it's a tale of redemption, and how you can change your life around.

Vin Baker is doing just that.

Is Connor McDavid the "Next One"?

2015-09-27T12:23:24-07:00

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Rookie Connor McDavid is being hyped as the next big thing.

Edited by Tiffany Villigan

The Edmonton Oilers haven't made the playoffs in nine seasons.

And that, quite frankly, is really really sad.

For a franchise that pretty much owned the 1980s, it's a far cry from what this once-proud organization used to be. In the '80s, it was Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Paul Coffey, and the splendid goaltending of Andy Moog, Grant Fuhr and Bill Ranford.

The Oilers kind of returned to prominence in the late 1990s with a string of playoff berths and a Cup Final appearance in 2006 featuring the talents of Chris Pronger, Ryan Smyth, Mike Peca, goalie heroics from Dwayne Roloson, and the surprise playoff performance of hometown hero Fernando Pisani, who had 14 goals for the Oilers in the postseason, including a Game 5 game winner to keep Edmonton alive in the series against Carolina.

Since then, it's been slim pickings.

Wayne Gretzky used to be the main man during the Oilers' salad days of the 1980s. (Courtesy of Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The team hasn't made the playoffs since that magical run to the Cup Finals in 2006, and have had a string of bad finishes that would rank as some of the worst hockey in NHL history. Out of all the Canadian franchises, the Oilers are the only one that hasn't had a playoff appearance in the last 5 years.

**Edmonton Oilers Since 2006 Cup Run**
Year	GP	W	L	OTL	PTS	Playoff Appearances
2006-07	82	32	43	7	71	None
2007-08	82	41	35	6	88	None
2008-09	82	38	35	9	85	None
2009-10	82	27	47	8	62	None
2010-11	82	25	45	12	62	None
2011-12	82	32	40	10	74	None
2012-13	48	19	22	7	45	None (Lockout Shortened Season)
2013-14	82	29	44	9	67	None
2014-15	82	24	44	14	62	None
Totals
9 Seasons	704	267	355	82	616	0

Let's just say the Oilers haven't exactly wowed their fans in the last decade.

Despite the futility, Edmonton has gotten lucky in the NHL Draft, winning the number one overall pick four times in the last decade. The team has rebuilt their franchise with a young offense, led by Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Taylor Hall.

However, the team's commitment to young blood has come with problems. Despite having nice contributions, the team's main weakness has been defense. They ranked last in the NHL in goals allowed the last two seasons. It's definitely something that the team should have addressed eons ago.

But no matter how deficient the team has been on defense, they felt like they had to make a splash offensively in this year's NHL draft. Somehow, some way, the Oilers leapfrogged over the Buffalo Sabres in the 2015 NHL Draft, and took the best player available.

The best player was Connor McDavid.

The selection of the former Erie Otters phenom marked a season of changes for the Oilers. They named former Boston Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli as the new General Manager of the club. Also, former Sharks head coach Todd McLellan was appointed the new coach. Other changes made were the removal of GM Craig MacTavish and President of Hockey Operations Kevin Lowe. MacTavish now is the Vice President of Hockey Operations, where most of his duties are focused on the team's AHL farm club in Bakersfield, California. Lowe is now a Vice Chairman of Oilers Entertainment, which covers all of owner Daryl Katz's entertainment properties, including the Edmonton Oil Kings junior hockey team.

Dylan Strome, Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel were the first three players taken in the 2015 NHL Draft. (Courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

It marks a new era in Edmonton Oilers hockey. Not only did they add a great GM in Peter Chiarelli, a proven coach in Todd McLellan, but also a very exciting player in Connor McDavid. This kid has had the most hype put on him since Sidney Crosby entered the league, and some hockey experts are already crowning him the "Next Great One."

Connor McGretzky?

I think before we jump to conclusions, we should not compare him to anyone just yet. Crosby was compared to Gretzky, and while he has been absolutely amazing, he hasn't put up the stats Gretzky did. Also, it was a different era, as it was a more wide open game offensively in the 1980s, compared to Crosby's era, where the league is more evened out when it comes to offense and defense.

Fairly or unfairly, Sidney Crosby has always been compared to Wayne Gretzky. (Photo courtesy of Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

McDavid has the potential to be the next big superstar in the National Hockey League. His career in the Ontario Hockey League speaks for itself. Before injuring his hand in a fight on November 11th, McDavid was leading the OHL in points. When he returned, he picked up right where he left off, not missing a beat. He finished third in the OHL in scoring with 120 points, with 44 goals.

He has also been a valuable part of the Team Canada program, helping them win the 2015 World Junior Championship. He had a pretty remarkable tournament for Canada, grabbing 11 points in 7 games, and was named to the WJC All-Star Team.

Connor McDavid has also been an integral part of the Canadian Junior Team. (Photo courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Oilers, who did eventually improve their defense by adding Andrej Sekera and Griffin Reinhart, hope that McDavid, Nugent-Hopkins, Hall and Eberle will add more scoring punch to the 2015-16 Oilers. The additions of McDavid, Sekera, Reinhart and new goalie Cam Talbot should have Oiler fans thinking of a possible playoff spot this year.

Many NHL insiders know about the hype this kid brings to the Oilers, including ESPN hockey insider Pierre LeBrun.

The only thing to do now for Connor McDavid is to switch his number to 99, right?
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) April 19, 2015

GM Chiarelli told the Edmonton Journal that even though a lot of people think McDavid will be one of the greats, everyone, including himself, will have to be patient with the 18-year-old rookie.

"Ever since we won the lottery and I got the job, I’ve told myself I have to try and temper expectations to help Connor. So you’re going to hear me temper expectations about him for a long time. I want to make sure he gets up and running (because) he’s going to have his ups and downs (but) he is a terrific player. He’s going to really help our franchise when he gets up and running."

If you live in the Seattle or Bellingham area and get CBC or Rogers Sportsnet, or just plan on making the trip up to British Columbia to see the young phenom, you have a few chances.

		The Connor McDavid Northwest Tour
Date	Game	Venue	Network
10/18/15	Oilers @ Canucks	Rogers Arena-Vancouver	Rogers Sportsnet 1
12/26/15	Oilers @ Canucks	Rogers Arena-Vancouver	Hockey Night in Canada (various networks)
04/09/16	Oilers @ Canucks	Rogers Arena-Vancouver	Hockey Night in Canada (various networks)

Will this kid be as good as Gretzky? I think it's apples and oranges. Gretzky played in an era where teams were scoring 6-7 goals a night, sometimes 10-11. The defense and goaltending just wasn't as good as it is now. That being said, I can totally see this guy getting 70 points his rookie year, and then improving every year after that. I think he will be neck and neck with his ex Erie Otters teammate Dylan Strome for the Calder Trophy, with Jack Eichel finishing third.

And the Edmonton Oilers?

They are on the right track for recovery.

Can Wayne Gretzky Help Hockey in Seattle?

2015-09-20T21:15:44-07:00

Steve Dykes/Getty Images

Former NHL great could be the key in promoting the game in the Pacific Northwest.

Edited by Tiffany Villigan

In a perfect world, Wayne Gretzky would be the Commissioner of the NHL.

He knows the game, both from a playing perspective, and as an executive (He was a head coach for the Phoenix Coyotes, but that didn't go over so well, and was the GM of Team Canada that won the gold medal in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.).

Yes, he probably would be the fans' first choice as the next commish, but in the NHL, the Board of Governors (aka the owners) decides who runs the league, and right now (and for the foreseeable future), Gary Bettman is el jefe.

Bettman has done an exceptional job for the league. The league is very healthy right now, and is making huge revenues. Despite the fact that they have a few unhealthy situations in Arizona, Florida and Carolina, the league is pretty strong, with hockey thriving in all of the major markets, and the game flourishing in California.

So that Wayne Gretzky as Commissioner fantasy just got a bucket of cold water thrown on it.

Wayne Gretzky would be the fans' choice for NHL Commissioner. (Courtesy of Glenn Cratty/All-Sport)

One position that Gretzky would thrive in is being a figurehead owner. Of course he wouldn't be the one signing the paychecks or making the major decisions, but someone that would be the face of the franchise until the team starts developing great players.

The best example of this is Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Yes, when Magic does an interview with ESPN or Fox Sports, he is introduced as the owner of the Dodgers. But if you follow sports closely, you know that's only a bit true. Magic is part of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, which is a group of investors that owns the Dodgers. Magic is a part of that group, and owns a stake in the team, but is just a small part of the investment pie.

Magic is basically playing the role of Jack Tunney. He was the President of the World Wrestling Federation from 1984-1995, but that was just an on-screen role. In reality, he was the main promoter for WWF Canada, who booked towns in various Canadian cities.

Yes, Virginia. Magic Johnson doesn't really own all of the Los Angeles Dodgers. (Courtesy of Jeff Schear/Getty Images)

Being a figurehead owner would be a role best suited for Wayne Gretzky. His name has been linked with potential Seattle ownership groups looking to bring a team to Washington State. What better way for the NHL to get a huge pop in the city than by bringing in "The Great One"? His name recognition alone would generate a buzz in a city that hasn't had a major league hockey franchise since the Roaring Twenties.

The NHL wants Seattle. There's no question about it. That's why the league was so boo-boo faced when Chris Hansen, Victor Coleman and Ray Bartoszek did not put in bids for an expansion team. In reality, the league wants two more teams in the West.

Sorry, Quebec Nordiques fans.

It's not a knock on Canadian cities at all, but putting Seattle and Las Vegas into the National Hockey League fixes hockey's problem of having 14 teams in the West, and 16 in the East (then if a team, say Florida or Carolina, does relocate to Quebec, it's really no big deal because the West already has 16 teams).

When the city of Seattle does eventually agree to build a new arena for the new Sonics and Metros (I just love that name), Chris Hansen should call up Gretzky.

Hansen: "Hey Wayne, it's Chris Hansen."

Gretzky: "How are you? How's that plan coming to bring the Sonics back to Seattle?"

Hansen: "Great! Got a new arena approved. The Mariners won't like it, but hey, they don't like much of anything that doesn't involve baseball or Nintendo, so screw 'em!"

Gretzky: "Well, what can I help you with? I got a noon tennis date with Alan Thicke and my son-in-law Dustin Johnson."

Hansen: "I got a business proposition for you. One that involves just wearing a suit, talking to the media, and smiling."

Gretzky: "Sure, I like smiling! I'm always so happy! Except when my daughter decides to post dirty pics on Twitter! I told her to stop doing that!"

Hansen: (Hansen is thinking dirty thoughts about Paulina Gretzky) "Well Wayne, that's obviously a tough position to be in, but this job opportunity is not. Basically you would be the figurehead President of our new NHL team. You would basically act as our main guy when it came to PR, meet-and-greets, etc. etc."

Gretzky: "That sounds great! Can I bring Marty McSorley, Dave Semenko and Jari Kurri with me?"

What A Perfect NHL Scenario in Seattle Would Look Like

- The city of Seattle approves a new arena right next to Safeco Field (just to tick off Nintendo and the Mariners).

- Chris Hansen and Steve Ballmer put in a bid for an NHL team.

- Sony or Microsoft decides to provide naming rights to the new arena (just to tick off Nintendo and the Mariners).

- Wayne Gretzky becomes the figurehead President of the new Seattle Metros (complete with the old school red and green barber shop pole logo).

- Start a Twitter war with the Vancouver Canucks, calling the Sedin brothers a bunch of "patsies" (I happen to like the Sedins a lot-just would be funny) and then "challenge them to a duel (in Roger Rees' voice in "Robin Hood-Men in Tights" voice)."

- Pearl Jam plays a set right before the first NHL game in Seattle.

- After the success of the new Seattle franchise, Paul Allen decides he wants in on the fun, buys the Arizona Coyotes, moves them to Portland, renames them the "Portland Beavers," and a 3-team Pacific Northwest hockey war begins with Seattle, Portland and Vancouver.

- World peace is achieved.

Don Cherry would definitely approve of a Seattle-Portland-Vancouver hockey rivalry. (Courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

A new Seattle franchise would benefit greatly from having a guy like Wayne Gretzky being the face of their team. He has a squeaky clean image, casual fans like him, and he brings professionalism and prestige to any franchise, especially a new franchise.

Just don't let him coach.

For the love of God.

How Seattle Could Change the NHL

2015-09-11T19:23:30-07:00

Grant Lamos IV/Getty Images

Conferences and divisions could change......

Edited by Tiffany Villigan

Even though I write for Sonics Rising and endorse the return of the NBA to the Emerald City, I do have a confession to make.

Hockey is my #1 sport.

I grew up near Los Angeles, so I saw a lot of Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille, Rob Blake, Jari Kurri and all of those classic Kings. I've been following the NHL since my good buddy TJ Wilson introduced me to the greatness that was NHL '91 on the Sega Genesis.

He beat me 7-2, but that is beside the point.

While the NHL Sun Belt Experiment has worked in places like my beloved Los Angeles, San Jose, Dallas, Nashville and Tampa Bay, it hasn't succeeded in other cities. In 2011, the Atlanta Thrashers, exhausted from losing tens of millions of dollars each year, sold to Canadian group True North Sports and Entertainment and relocated the franchise to Winnipeg, where they became the second incarnation of the Jets.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has stated many times that despite the Atlanta-to-Winnipeg move, he doesn't like to uproot teams. Earlier this summer, Bettman responded to rumors of a possible relocation of the Arizona Coyotes and/or the Florida Panthers leaving their respective cities.

"I don't know why publications make those things up, even under the guise of a rumor," Bettman said during the Stanley Cup Finals between Chicago and Tampa Bay. "The Panthers are not filing for bankruptcy. I don't know where these stories come from, but they're not true."

Even if the rumors are just hot stove sensationalism, the problem isn't.

The Arizona Coyotes and Florida Panthers are just not cutting it in their respective markets.

There's not much to cheer about these days in Coyoteland. (Courtesy of Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

This past season, the Coyotes ranked 27th out of 30 with an average attendance of 13,345. That's 77.9% of capacity. Not to be outdone, the Panthers rank dead last in the NHL with 11,265 fans a game with a tepid 66.1% of capacity.

The Florida Panthers are not a hot ticket in South Florida. (Courtesy of Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Even though the Coyotes aren't exactly filling the seats, they did just sign an amended two-year lease with the City of Glendale. After that, it's anyone's guess.

The Panthers captured the imagination of South Florida with their improbable run to the Cup Finals in 1996 against Colorado. Fans were throwing rubber rats on the ice (shades of the Detroit octopus), and doing the "Macarena" inside the Miami Arena.

But those good times didn't last. The team has made the playoffs only a handful of times since then, and the lackluster play has turned off the fans.

Panthers CEO Rory Babich has noticed the empty seats at the BB&T Center, where the Panthers play.

"That's (the empty seats) not fun," he told ESPN's Scott Burnside in October. "And it's not acceptable."

While the league has problems in Arizona, Florida and Carolina (who are trying to find new minority ownership partners), the league is about to expand. Both Las Vegas and Quebec City have bids that have made it to the third stage of the expansion process, and Quebec City has already built a state-of-the-art arena. Vegas is currently building theirs.

While the NHL owners stand to make a fortune in expansion fees from two new teams in Vegas and Quebec, they should also look at fixing their troubled franchises.

And that means a possible relocation to Seattle.

Even though Chris Hansen, Ray Bartoszek or anyone else from Seattle did not put in a bid for expansion this time around, eventually a new arena will be in the city, whether it be two years from now, five years, or ten. And when it does, the NBA and NHL will definitely be interested.

Right now, the NHL has 14 teams in the West and 16 in the East. Common sense would tell you that Vegas will go into the Pacific Division, and Quebec in the Atlantic Division. There will be expansion, and a possible relocation down the line, so you can expect the NHL to shuffle their divisions.

First thing they need to do is change the name of their divisions. Pacific, Central, Atlantic and Metro seem too NBA-ish. I'm not saying to go back to the ole Smythe or Adams Division, but maybe put a new twist on it. Perhaps rename the divisions after four of the best NHL legends ever.

I see the Eastern Conference being comprised of the Lemieux and Orr divisions, while the West is made up of Gretzky and Howe. It's a nice little homage to some of the best players who ever donned a jersey.

Here's how I would break it down:

Lemieux Division

-Columbus Blue Jackets

-New Jersey Devils

Orr Division

-Boston Bruins

-Buffalo Sabres

-Detroit Red Wings (they were better in the Central, but Mike Illitch will have a cow if they move back West)

-Quebec Nordiques

Howe Division

-St. Louis Blues

-Las Vegas Vipers (best name I could come up with; Rollers or Gamblers seem too 90's roller derby-esque)

Gretzky Division

-Arizona Coyotes (if they somehow avoid the relocation threat)

-Seattle Metros (I love their 1900s barber shop pole logo with the red & green. They have to bring those back.)

Look, I know it's not perfect, but it's as close to geographical logistics as I could get. And the NHL won't relocate a lot of teams. If they are going to move a team, it's going to be Florida. I still see them trying to make Phoenix work, maybe even moving them back to downtown Phoenix, where they could share an arena with the Suns.

Las Vegas and Quebec will get teams. It's pretty much a done deal. And Seattle?

In five years, you could be wearing a Jonathan Huberdeau Metros jersey.

All hail the red and green barber pole...

Was Detlef Schrempf the Best German Import Ever?

2015-09-08T16:00:03-07:00

Lutz Bongarts/Getty Images

From basketball to business to charities, the former Sonic has accomplished a lot in life.

Edited by Tiffany Villigan

Germany has provided us with many fantastic things.

Mercedes-Benz. Volkswagen. Fine bavarian pastry. The Scorpions.

OK, forget cars. I'm all about delicious, flaky streusel. And hard rock music.

Another import, which probably trumps all of these (well, except maybe the pastry), is one of the best forwards to ever come out of the European Union. His dynamic play and trademark flat top haircut rank as some of the finest moments of 1990s basketball. Besides Dirk Nowitzki, he is probably known as one of the best German basketball players ever.

This fine gentleman is Detlef Schrempf.

Detlef Schrempf was like the Saul Goodman of the Seattle Supersonics. When Gary Payton or Shawn Kemp found themselves in trouble, they knew to "Better Call Detlef." He could provide great passing, three-point play and rebounding. He helped Seattle to the Western Conference title in 1996, and will be remembered for that season as the Sonics' best third option.

He came to the United States in 1980, moving with his family to Washington State where he became a high school star, leading the Centralia Tigers to the Class AA State Championship in 1981. After high school, he went to the University of Washington, where he helped the Huskies win Pac-10 titles in 1984 and 1985, and garnered individual awards as well, being a first team All-Pac-10 member in both '84 and '85.

After a fruitful career at Washington, Schrempf took the next step, and in 1985 was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks. He played a limited role his first few years in the league, but did compete in the NBA Three-Point Competition at the 1987 All-Star Game, which was won by Larry Bird.

Detlef Schrempf playing against the LA Lakers in 1987. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Not knowing what they had, the Mavericks shipped Schrempf and a second-round pick (which turned out to be Antonio Davis) to Indiana in February 1989 for Herb Williams. It was with the Pacers that Schrempf realized his true potential, raising his scoring average by five points a game, and became one of the most dangerous three-point shooters in the game.

The Pacers also started to improve during this time. During much of the 1980s, they were a team with no direction. They started to draft and trade well, acquiring the likes of Reggie "Aloysius" Miller (an obscure reference for people other than Dan Patrick fans), Chuck Person and Rik Smits. The Pacers took the Boston Celtics to the limit in the 1991 Playoffs before Larry Bird showed the young Pacers who was boss and dropped Indiana in an epic seven-game series.

After a pretty successful run with the Pacers, Schrempf got an opportunity to return to his adopted home state when he was traded to the Supersonics for Derrick McKey and Gerald Paddio. This is where Schrempf really caught the attention of mainstream basketball fans.

At this time, the Sonics were a good team, but needed that extra cherry topping on the cheesecake to make them delicious.

Enter Chef Schrempf.

Detlef Schrempf puts up a shot against the Bulls in the 1996 NBA Finals. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel-Allsport)

What Schrempf, Shawn Kemp, and Gary Payton were able to cook up was a magnificent meal of great rebounding, amazing defensive play of "The Glove," and the exciting dunks of "The Reign Man." It took the Sonics all the way to the NBA Finals in 1996, where they took the Chicago Bulls to Game 6 before falling to Michael Jordan and company.

There was no shame in losing to Jordan. It was like playing basketball against Jesus.

Schrempf continued to help Seattle until he was released in 1999. He wasn't out of a job long, as he signed the same day with the rival Portland Trail Blazers. While the Sonics fell into a funk, the Blazers became one of the best teams in basketball, competing for an NBA Championship, including a thrilling seven-game series against the LA Lakers in the 2000 Western Conference Finals.

After two and a half seasons with Portland, Schrempf retired in 2001. In 2006, he was hired to be an assistant coach with the Sonics under Bob Hill, who had coached Schrempf in Indiana. Shortly after, Seattle's Man of the Year (cough cough) Clay Bennett bought the team and both Schrempf and Jack Sikma were relieved of their assistant coaching duties.

While some players have difficulty figuring out what to do after sports, Detlef Schrempf did not. Having majored in International Business at the University of Washington, he now works for Coldstream Capital in Bellevue.

He also heads the Detlef Schrempf Foundation, an organization that helps kids' charities raise money through golf tournaments, marathons, dinners and other events.

"We just started getting bombarded [with charitable requests]," Schrempf told Sports Illustrated last year. "We grew so quickly that within the first year, … I had to hire a staff and start a foundation."

Schrempf has also ventured into acting, as he was featured on the NBC comedy "Parks and Recreation." Former pro basketball player, businessman, and sometimes-actor. Yes, Detlef Schrempf might be the best German import since Mercedes or Volkswagen.

But streusel? That's a bit of a stretch.

How Jack Sikma Turned Seattle Into a Champion

2015-08-31T19:51:16-07:00

Tim DeFrisco/Getty Images

Former Sonic and Buck Helped Change the Culture in Seattle.

Edited by Tiffany Villigan

In the late 1970s, let's just say the NBA was a much different league than it is now.

It was an organization filled with cocaine, brawls, and big hair. It could have easily been featured on an episode of Starsky and Hutch. I'm sure with the stress of all the bad press, then-NBA Commissioner Larry O'Brien had to have been on some heavy blood pressure meds.

Or some strong whiskey.

CBS also did the league no favors by tape-delaying playoff and NBA Finals games late at night. You heard me right: if you lived in a West Coast city, like Los Angeles, Portland, Vegas or Seattle, the NBA Finals would sometimes come on at 11:30 at night, recorded.

So much for those M*A*S*H reruns.

But things weren't all bad in hoops land. If you lived in the Pacific Northwest, odds were a lot of fans were enjoying basketball. In 1977, led by happy-go-lucky hippie Bill Walton (before the feet and ankle injuries decided to play voodoo on his career), the Portland Trail Blazers went from chumps to champs in one year by beating Dr. J and the 76ers for their first (and to this day only) NBA title.

Up north in Seattle, another franchise's fortunes seemed to turn around as well.

Until 1978, the Sonics were stuck in limbo land. They had made the playoffs for the first time in 1975, going 43-39, going to the West Semifinals, only to fall to eventual champion Golden State. They had a real superstar in Spencer Haywood, who was the first true star for Seattle, making the All-Star game four consecutive times from 1972-1975, and despite the fact he missed 14 games in 1975, he still averaged 22 points a game to go along with 9 rebounds.

Haywood was like that hot girlfriend that you never thought would fall for you, but did. Sure, it feels great, but thoughts of "Will she leave me for someone better?" always permeate your brain. You are always reminded to enjoy the good times while they last, because they won't be around forever.

After the 1975 season, the Sonics shipped that hot girlfriend to the New York Knicks for Gene Short (who was the Knicks' first round pick that year) and $1.5 million in cash. Haywood continued to shine in New York, then bounced around between New Orleans, the Lakers and the Washington Bullets, where he wrapped up his career in 1983. (It must be noted that not only was he a good basketball player, but he also married supermodel Iman, so he had that going for him.)

With the loss of Haywood, the Sonics tried to fill the void with Tommy Burleson, who did well but could never be hot girlfriend #2. He was more like the second Becky from "Roseanne": a solid replacement, but not someone that could help bring you an NBA Championship.

The Sonics realized this and made a trade with Denver that sent Burleson, Bobby Wilkerson and a 1977 second-round pick to the Nuggets for Marvin Webster (who made a big impact in the Sonics' 1978 Western Conference Championship team), Paul Silas, and Willie Wise. Then, a few days later, the Nuggets moved Burleson to Kansas City for Brian Taylor and a first-round choice. The swap for Webster proved to be a smart move, in the short term. After the 1977-78 season, Webster went to the New York Knicks, where he seemed to have a Vin Baker-like career slide. He suffered numerous injuries, and was out of the league by 1987.

After the departures of Haywood, Burleson and Webster, it would seem like the Supersonics just had bad luck with centers. In 1977, the team dipped in the standings and missed the playoffs with a 40-42 record. Coach and GM Bill Russell definitely felt unlucky, realized that he wasn't going to be able to turn Seattle into the team that mirrored his classic Celtic squads of the 1950s and '60s, and came to an agreement with owner Sam Schulman to mutually part ways.

Enter Jack Sikma.

It was as if the basketball gods proceeded to give the Sonics a huge kiss on the lips when Sikma was drafted in 1977. An All-American from Illinois Wesleyan, Sikma was a rebounding and blocking machine that provided the Sonics some much needed presence in the center position, especially if they were going to stand up to the Kareems and Elvin Hayes of the world.

Sikma proved to be a potential hot girlfriend #2 in 1978, grabbing just under 9 rebounds a game, and adding 11 points a contest, as Seattle was edged out of the Finals by Washington in 7 games. It was definitely a promising start to a nice career for the jolly blonde giant.

1979 proved to be no fluke for Sikma, as he made the All-Star team, all the while grabbing 12.4 rebounds a game and raising his scoring average to 15.6. This time, the Sonics weren't going to be denied, as they thwarted the villains from D.C. in a title rematch, four games to one.

Pretty soon, Seattle fans rejoiced and made Sikma, Dennis Johnson, "Downtown" Freddie Brown, Gus Williams and head coach Lenny Wilkens the Kings of Seattle. I'm sure none of these guys paid for a meal anywhere in the city, nor had trouble getting free drinks.

Spencer who?

At least he got to see Iman naked.

Sikma had his best statistical year in 1981-82, when he averaged 12.7 rebounds to go along with almost 20 points a game. He made the All-Star game every year from 1979-1985, establishing himself as not only one of the best defensive players in the NBA, but also as one of the guys who made the Sonics the main ticket in town during this time.

Take that, Wally Walker.

After years of pleasing the Northwest faithful with his work ethic and defensive prowess, Sikma decided he wanted to win another NBA Championship. So GM Bob Whitsitt decided to trade the blonde bomber to Milwaukee for Alton Lister.

"[Alton Lister is] the first move in rebuilding this team," Whitsitt told the LA Times in 1986.

Not exactly a sign of someone having ESP.

Sikma would continue to perform well for Milwaukee, continuing to block and rebound very well into the early 1990s. He retired from the NBA in 1992 and ended up as a trusted assistant coach for Rick Adelman in both Minnesota and Houston, where he taught Yao Ming the finer points of playing center. He also coached in Seattle for a while under head coaches Nate McMillan, Bob Weiss and Bob Hill before both he and fellow assistant Detlef Schrempf were wished well in their future endeavors.

What Jack Sikma provided to the Sonics was invaluable. While Spencer Haywood was an exciting superstar in his day, he lacked the leadership and knowledge of how to win. In his defense, he was very, very young at the time, and still trying to get adjusted to life in the NBA. Sikma, however, always expressed a winning pedigree and knew how to get his teammates to play hard night in and night out.

Jack Sikma was definitely hot girlfriend #2.