Time to Bid Adieu to Sweet Lew?
Listed in: BasketballSo I got home from work tonight and saw the rather disappointing news: Rashard Lewis is apparently signing with Orlando. While obviously I knew he was an unrestricted free agent and thus able to go anywhere he chose, it's still tough to see him leave.
Rashard has been my favorite Sonic for a while now, at least since Gary Payton was traded. I still remember the moment the Sonics took him with the 32nd pick of the 1998 NBA Draft*: he was a scared and miserable teenager stuck in the green room long after everyone else who'd started the night with him was gone. Sonics fans saw him grow into an All-Star, and even if he never rebounded or defended like we hoped he might he was still a damn good player.
Of course he still hasn't actually signed a contract (and can't until July 11), which means that he could still come back (if the Sonics were willing to match the deal, which I doubt) or leave via the sign-and-trade. But with his departure likely imminent, I suppose it's time to prepare for the jersey retirement ceremony.
Yes, I have a Rashard Lewis jersey. It's actually the only Sonics jersey I've ever owned. Unlike Ben, who has a long and storied tradition of buying jerseys only to have his guy leave (Keyshawn Johnson, Santana Moss, Keith Van Horn, etc.), I've been fairly lucky...it also helps that a good number of my jerseys don't have any name on the back.
As for the Sonics, losing Lewis, even if it was halfway expected, is a harsh blow, especially with nothing coming back in return. Lewis is arguably a better player than Ray Allen and still in the prime of his career, so replacing his production will be mighty tough. It's looking more and more like next year might be a bit trying for everyone involved.
*A weird note about the 1998 NBA Draft. The first five players (Ansu Sesay, Ruben Patterson, Lewis, Jelani McCoy, and Shammond Williams) picked in the second round all ended up playing for the Sonics, as well as the seventh player (Jerome James). I'm not sure what it means, but I kind of hoped that the Sonics would sign Bruno Sundov (the 36th pick that year) to a 10-day contract just so I could expand the list to seven players
So readers, the question I ask you is, what now-useless jerseys do you have hiding in your closet? Do you ever wear them?
Comments
I have a Lawrence Taylor jersey from when I was 8 years old. It's too tight, but I let my wife wear it. So what if he was cracked out?
Posted by: Paul | July 3, 2007 3:01 PM
Tampa Bay Bucs John Lynch . Sad day when he signed with Denver.
Posted by: Scalz1 | July 3, 2007 3:39 PM
I have a Rodman #91 Bulls Jersey, Grant Hill Pistons jersey (when they had that ugly turquoise), oh yeah and some dude who wore #34 for the sonics... i think he went by allen, or shuttlesworth or something.
Posted by: Jake | July 3, 2007 3:52 PM
I can see how you'd think the Sonics are screwed at SF, but who knows? Maybe that Kevin Durango or something guy, whoever he is, that they drafted will turn out to be able to play OK. It's a long shot, but any port in a storm.
Posted by: Nate | July 3, 2007 3:53 PM
Hey I feel your pain - I have two Ray Allen jerseys!! But I figure screw the Sonics. They deal away their two best players and pin all hopes on a couple of rookies. Whatever. I'm following Ray to Boston. Sure it's an unloyal move but what loyalty do these clubs show fans? I want to wear my Allen jersey - not start buffing up the car with it. - JP (www.theorangebasket.blogspot.com)
Posted by: JP | July 3, 2007 7:28 PM
Rashard is better than Ray Allen? Lay off the crack pipe for at least a second. I'm glad Rashard is gone, he's never done a thing for the Soup-Kitchens. It's appropriate that the clownshow that is the Orlando Magic picked him up. For max money, they'll expect him to deliver and won't be able to. Mark it down.
Posted by: Gern Wormstead | July 3, 2007 9:05 PM
Rashard leaving is not the end of the world. He underachieved (there was a reason why he was taken in the second round!), he was soft, and he was overpriced. Orlando wants to give him the max, sure go for it. Besides, the Sonics will be leaving soon anyway. Who the heck cares!
Posted by: BigRich | July 4, 2007 12:29 AM