Supersonic Notes

After the war of words involving Karl and O’Neal at the start of the series, there has been nothing but love lately.

One day after Karl called O’Neal “the most difficult guy to prepare for in the NBA,” O’Neal said the SuperSonics should not fire Karl.

“If Seattle . . . does that, they’re not a very smart organization,” O’Neal said. “I have nothing but respect for him. He has a beautiful family, beautiful wife.

“What most people don’t understand is, I wasn’t serious [when he called Karl a ‘woman’ coach]. It doesn’t mean I don’t like the guy.”

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Karl received four coach-of-the-year votes from reporters who regularly cover the NBA. That’s four more than Laker Coach Del Harris.

Indiana Coach Larry Bird won the award, and Utah’s Jerry Sloan finished second.

“I probably would have voted for Jerry,” Karl said.

“Somewhere along the way I will be coach of the year,” Karl said. “It’s a good piece of hardware to have. I think it’s a good recognition for your coaching staff and your organization.”