Steal city

Sporting News, The, Nov 22, 1993 by Mike Kahn

It has been said that Karl, intense to the point of explosion, wanted to trade McKey because his demeanor is diametrically opposite. Karl adamantly denies it.

What the Sonics see in Schrempf is someone whose aggressive ballhandling and ability to drive sets up Kemp for dunks and Perkins for 3-pointers - something seen on November 9, when Perkins tied an NBA record by going 7 for 7 in a 32-point victory over Denver. Defensively, Schrempf's instincts and work ethic will compensate.

"As I said before, I didn't sleep well (the night of the trade), thinking about all that Derrick had done for us defensively since I've been here," Karl says. "But Kendall gives us speed on defense and the break, and Detlef gives us balance in our halfcourt offense.'

"Five years ago, I made a decision that you define everything based upon talent. You get the best players, then you mold them together. I've lost the importance of how it gets done just as long as it does, and most of that is on the defensive end."

The Sonics players seem to be accepting the moves. "It's been hard to watch what's happening, but everything they've done since I've been here has worked," Kemp says. "My friends keep leaving, and I know it's a business. We're all competitive here - Whitsitt, George and all the players. That's what we have in common. Nobody is going to agree all the time. But we all have the ability to compete together and win. That's what matters in the pro game."

The Sonics' trapping defense is at odds with that of the Knicks. Under Pat Riley and assistant Dick Harter, the Knicks play almost straight-up, not trapping or switching. The Knicks, who are brutally physical, allowed the fewest points in the NBA last season, 95.4.

"I think there's a lot less trickery and gimmicks that people are going to use in the '90s if they want to win consistently," Riley says. "Teams are taking pride in tracking a player up and down the court with a minimum amount of doubling and tripling. That is one NBA philosophy to take away great players. But the tendency for winning defense is straight-up."

When Riley's comments are repeated to Karl, he flares. "I totally disagree with him," Karl says. "I think the pro game, on the defensive end of the court, is headed toward the college game. We're not trapping as much as we're into pressure and disruption. If you fall into an area where we like to trap, we'd come at you.

"Riley is full of crap. We try to play more of a finesse defense, unlike the Knicks, who go out and try to kick your ass every day. Unfortunately, according to Pat Riley, we are playing the style of the '80s and he is playing the style of the '90s. I didn't see him play that style when he had Worthy, Magic and Kareem. Can you imagine him saying, |OK Kareem, we want you to hit everybody nine times in the head.'? I could see Kareem doing that. Sure."

Should the Sonics win the title, Kloppenburg's blitzing defense could have the same effect on the NBA that Buddy Ryan's "46" defense had on the NFL once the Bears won the Super Bowl in 1986 - it was widely copied.