Insider Special: Camp Battle ~ Seattle

[Weez]

Few certainties about Sonics' frontcourt

By Chad Ford

NBA Insider

Send an Email to Chad Ford Friday, October 3

Updated: October 6

10:13 AM ET

Vladimir Radmanovic claims it's time for him to ascend to the role as the Sonics' starting power forward. A potential season-ending injury to rookie power forward Nick Collison may give the Sonics no choice.

Of course, there's always the question of last year's starter, undrafted forward Reggie Evans, who remains the team's toughest rebounder.

That isn't the only position up for grabs. While chances are Jerome James will claim the starting center position, a healthy Calvin Booth and Vitaly Potapenko are just waiting for James to find his way back into coach Nate McMillan's dog house.

Seattle SuperSonics

Power Forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

1. Vladimir Radmanovic 2 6-10 10.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg in 26.5 mpg Radmanovic has the size, athleticism and scoring acumen to win this job. But his lack of low-post offense combined with his love of playing on the perimeter means that the Sonics are without a true low-post scorer if they start him. Last season McMillan felt he was better coming off the bench because he gave the team's second unit a pure scorer. However, Radmanovic claims that his dip in shooting percentage was due to getting cold on the bench. This year the team is hopeful that Radmanovic will win the position, toughen up on "D" and final realize his potential. Will also see minutes at small forward.

2. Reggie Evans 1 6-8 3.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg in 20.4 mpg Last year's starter won't struggle to get the minutes he did last year if Collison does miss the season. Evans was the team's best rebounder, and the Sonics will need his toughness.

3. Nick Collison R 6-9 -- Collison suffered a dislocated shoulder during the fourth day of camp. He'll likely miss the entire season.

Center Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

1. Jerome James 3 7-1 5.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg in 15 mpg James has the most upside, but he's also the most inconsistent. He drove McMillan crazy last summer when he put on so much muscle that he struggled to run the floor. James never really got out of McMillan's dog house. Can he do it this year? McMillan needs him to. He's the best offensive center on the team, and also has the most upside on the defensive end. If he can't put it together, the Sonics will be in big trouble in the middle.

2. Calvin Booth 5 6-11 2.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg in 12.2 mpg The injury prone Booth was supposed to be the savior of the team two years ago. According to McMillan, he still has a role to play. Booth is a top-notch shot blocker, can shoot facing the basket and may replace Predrag Drobjnak running the pick and roll from the high post.

3. Vitaly Potapenko 8 6-10 4.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg in 15.5 mpg Potapenko wasn't happy with his role with the team last year, and given his place on the depth chart, probably won't be any happier with it this year.

Point Guard Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

1. Brent Barry 9 6-6 10.3 ppg; 5.1 apg in 33.1 mpg Barry isn't a point guard by trade, but more than held his own at the position during the last 30 games of the season. He led or co-led the team in assists in 23 games last year. He'll also get minutes at the two spelling Ray Allen. Expect his scoring to suffer a bit as he looks to spread the ball around.

2. Antonio Daniels 6 6-4 3.7 ppg, 1.3 apg in 13 mpg Daniels isn't a pure point, but his athleticism and defensive intensity will earn him a lot more minutes this season.

3. Luke Ridnour R 6-2 -- He's the only "pure" point guard on the team and his up-tempo flashy style will fit in well with McMillan's offense. But will he see any minutes? His frail frame and poor defense should limit his action on the court this season.

Shooting Guard Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

1. Ray Allen 8 6-5 24.5 ppg, 5.9 apg in 41.3 mpg Allen really blossomed in Seattle once he got the ball in his hands more. His passing ability and unselfishness convinced the team that it didn't need a pure point this season. Expect him to put up monster numbers again this year.

2. Ronald Murray 1 6-4 2.0 ppg, 1.0 apg in 10 mpg Was a scoring machine in the summer league. Exudes confidence on the court. His point guard skills are coming around, but right now he's more comfortable at the two. He could see some minutes this season.

Small Forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

1. Rashard Lewis 5 6-10 18.1 ppg; 6.1 in 39.5 mpg Lewis continues to blossom in Seattle and McMillan feels that he could attain an all-star level this year. The key will be Lewis' blossoming low-post game. Last season he was effective posting up smaller defenders in the paint. Given the Sonics' lack of a pure paint presence, that's a god send.

2. Ansu Sesay 5 6-9 2.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg in 10 mpg Coming off a terrible season, he needs a strong training camp to get his contract guaranteed this season.