Rick Sund
Rick Sund
Rick Sundis an NBA executive who is the former GM of the Atlanta Hawks, replacing Billy Knight in 2008...
above athletic fresh looking player plus run start
We were looking for an athletic player that can play above the rim. His athleticism is a big plus for us, and he can run and can finish. He's looking for a place to be where he can get a fresh start as well.
center committee couple floor gives guys needed player runs swift teams virtually
We basically, like most teams in this league, do center by committee, ... We needed to get another committee member. We've got a couple of young guys in (Robert) Swift and (Johan) Petro with Vitaly and now Mikki. Mikki's 7-foot and a little different player than Jerome, but their stats are virtually the same. Mikki runs the floor a little better, Jerome gives a little more bulk.
believe core expect improved player remember season talented trend
He improved as much in one season as any player we can remember and we expect that trend to continue. We believe Damien will be a part of our young, talented core for years to come.
believe coaches core due earned ethic expect improved player remember respect rookie season talented trend work
Due to his outstanding work ethic in his rookie season, Damien earned the respect of our players, coaches and fans, ... He improved as much in one season as any player we can remember and we expect that trend to continue. We believe Damien will be a part of our young, talented core for years to come.
dialogue far players private season trades
I've told the players every season that any dialogue that a player has with me is private. And any dialogue as far as trades is private because it's just too much of a distraction during the season.
absolutely asset both players proven ray thrilled top tremendous welcome
We're absolutely thrilled to welcome Ray back to our team. He's a proven All-Star and one of the top players in the NBA. He's been a tremendous asset for the Sonics, both on and off the court.
absolutely players proven top
We're absolutely thrilled. He's a proven all-star and one of the top players in the NBA.
decided fit good happy player return shoot three
We're happy Vladimir has decided to return to the Sonics. He's a multi-positional player who can shoot the three and he's a good fit with our team.
fit good player shoot
a multipositional player who can shoot the three, and he's a good fit with our team.
afternoon fact possible response starting talked time
I talked to him this afternoon and acknowledged the fact of possible starting time and (the Timberwolves) revamping their team, and his response was, 'Rick, this is home.'
next plan playoffs
My only plan is next season. I think we're playoff-caliber, and our expectations are we should make the playoffs next year.
body certain comfort somebody type zone
We like that bulky type of center. It was important for us to get somebody with that type of body. And there is a certain comfort zone with Vitaly.
change happen imagine july might wait
We like him. We want him back. I've said we'll try to get something done, and now we'll have to wait and see how it goes. I can't imagine anything that might happen between now and July 1 to change that.
deal help liked somebody targeted
We like him and we've liked him for a long time. We didn't want to do a deal just to do a deal. He's somebody that we targeted and somebody we feel can help us.