Sonics Update

  • Tuesday, December 18, 2001 9:00pm
  • Sports

Medical update: The Sonics expect to be without rookie forward Vladimir Radmanovic for tonight’s game. Radmanovic sprained his ankle in Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers and also missed Sunday’s meeting with Orlando.

He practiced on Tuesday and was “able to get up and down the floor when we scrimmaged,” Sonics coach Nate McMillan said. “But he’s really limited on what he can do. He’s staying out of trapping and trying not to get tangled up.”

There is a chance Radmanovic will return to duty for Friday’s game at Golden State, McMillan said.

Centers Jerome James (sprained ankle) and Calvin Booth (ankle tendinitis), meanwhile, remain on the injured list. Neither one is practicing yet and both are probably several games away.

Guard Desmond Mason, who returned from the injured list against Orlando after sitting out six games with a sprained knee, says his injury “is doing good.” Mason had vowed not to wear a knee brace when he returned, but is in fact wearing a brace in games and practices. “This was the only way they were going to let me play,” he said.

Lastly, starting forward Rashard Lewis went up for a rebound in Tuesday’s practice “and got slammed to the floor,” McMillan reported. “I think he’s a little stiff, but he should be all right (to play tonight).”

Letting bygones be bygones: Seattle forward Vin Baker said he has made amends with Sacramento forward Chris Webber after their season-long feud a year ago. It started when the two got tossed out of an early-season game in Sacramento, then sought each other out (but never found each other) in the bowels of Arco Arena as the game was continuing on the court.

After the final game between the teams last season, Baker said, “Chris and I discussed it and that was it. We just basically said that it was a misunderstanding and wished each other Godspeed for the season.”

In tonight’s contest, both players will “go out and compete hard,” Baker added. “There’s no hard feelings. We’re just going to compete. Our team needs a win and he wants to get back into a rhythm (after missing 20 games with an ankle sprain), so it should make for a good matchup.”

McMillan believes last year’s tiff was largely because “Vin was on the Olympic team and Webber didn’t make it, and Webber wanted to prove a point.”

Trivia question: Ten times in his career, Michael Jordan was an All-NBA first-team choice, the last time in the 1997-98 season. Who joined Jordan in the All-NBA first-team backcourt?

Sign of the times: Fans used to communicate with pro athletes mostly by mail. These days, though, fans can sometimes keep in touch without leaving home – via the internet.

Increasing numbers of pro athletes are establishing web sites, and one of them is Sonics guard Desmond Mason (www.desmondmason.com). The site includes photos of Mason, both as a collegiate player and in the NBA, along with statistics and other career information.

Fans can also send e-mails to Mason with questions about basketball and, in some instances, art, which was his major in college.

“My agent decided to do it, and I thought it would be a good idea,” Mason said. “I thought it would be fun. People can ask questions, and I’ll go on every once in awhile and respond.”

Mason says he may go two or three days without visiting the site, and when he does log on there may be 50-60 e-mails. Many are from Oklahoma State fans (Mason’s alma mater), who enjoy following his NBA career.

Trivia answer: Seattle’s Gary Payton.

Rich Myhre

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Shorewood senior Bridget Cox (11) elevates to get a shot over Everett senior Aimelie Hovde-Girard (21) in Shorewood's 41-30 win in the opening round of the District 1 3A Girls Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Shorewood girls basketball avoids Everett upset bid in 41-30 win

Glasser’s ‘dagger’ 3 caps second-half run, pushes No. 5 Stormrays to 3A District 1 Quarterfinals

Prep roundup for Wednesday, Feb. 12

Terrace, Monroe girls advance in district hoops tournament.

Kimberly Beard, a Mukilteo resident who attends King's High School, prepares to release a throw during the 20-pound weight competition at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Donna Beard)
Mukilteo’s Kimberly Beard wins throwing event

The King’s High School junior won the 20-pound weight throw at a George Fox indoor meet.

Seahawks right tackle Abraham Lucas (72), who will be coached by his third offensive line coach in three seasons in 2025, lines up in Seattle's 20-17 win over San Francisco at Levi's Stadium on Nov. 17, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks hire shows they’re serious about offensive line

New offensive coordinator bringing in veterans with hopes of improving front.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 2-8

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 2-8. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Stanwood High School football coach Jeff Scoma talks with the referees during the 3A quarterfinal game against Odea on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Former Stanwood football coach lands new Gig

Jeff Scoma, who resigned midseason in 2024, will coach Gig Harbor H.S. next season.

Mariners among biggest offseason losers

Juan Soto, LA Dodgers are among winners as baseball begins.

Prep basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 11

Tulalip Heritage finishes second in district tournament.

Vancouver Giants goalie Burke Hood makes a play for the puck against the Everett Silvertips, who lost 6-2 to the Giants at Langley Events Centre on Saturday, one day after clinching a WHL playoff spot. (Rob Wilton, Giants/Special to Black Press Media).
Tips Week in Review: Everett first in WHL to clinch playoff berth

The Silvertips defeated Kamloops on Friday to secure spot, but lost to Vancouver on Saturday

Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak (left) and head coach Mike Macdonald (right) spoke to the media at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 (Aaron Coe / The Herald)
New Seahawks OC excited to coach Geno Smith

Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has “a lot of respect” for Seahawks QB.

Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett (16) runs with after a catch against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Tyler Lockett’s future with Seahawks remains unclear

Seattle coach Mike Macdonald noncommittal 1 month before a possible decision point.

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
O’Neil: The Seahawks will keep Geno Smith

The reasons for the Seahawks quarterback sticking around are simple and obvious.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.