Sonics Update

  • Friday, January 4, 2002 9:00pm
  • Sports

Opponent: Memphis Grizzlies

When: Noon Sunday

Where: The Pyramid, Memphis, Tenn.

TV: None

Radio: KJR (950 AM)

Booth update: On Thursday, the Sonics announced that center Calvin Booth will miss another 2-4 weeks as he recovers from an ankle injury. On Friday, coach Nate McMillan said Booth’s absence will more likely be four weeks than two.

“At that point, we’ll check him out and go from there,” McMillan said.

Booth, who signed a six-year, $34 million free-agent deal with Seattle during the summer, was expected to be the team’s starting center this season. Instead, a sprained ankle suffered in Seattle’s last exhibition game has turned to tendinitis, and team doctors have now prescribed complete rest.

Hi Mom and Dad: Friday’s game was particularly special for Seattle’s Jerome James. Not only was he activated after missing 20 games with a severely sprained ankle, but his parents were visiting from Tampa, Fla. It was the first time Jesse and Ruth James have attended an NBA game in which their son has played.

“This means a lot to me,” James said with a grin. His father, a career longshoreman, “is a hard working man. He dedicated his life to providing for me and my (nine) brothers and sisters. And they deserve to live a free and happy life right now.

“They like Seattle. Mom loves it a lot. She’s looking to come back in February.”

As much as James is glad to be back, the Sonics are equally happy to have him. Though a player with modest offensive skills, the 7-foot-1 center provides a much-needed shot blocking presence.

James was activated from the injured list before Friday’s game.

“He’s been out for awhile,” McMillan said before the game, “but he was doing some good things before he left. It’ll be nice to have him back.”

Save that smile: Two games ago, Seattle’s Rashard Lewis took an elbow in the mouth from Corey Magette of the LA Lakers. Lewis received eight stitches to close a gash in his lip and was thankful that he kept all his teeth.

On Friday, Lewis unveiled a new tooth guard that he plans to wear. Getting hit in the face “was a wakeup call,” he said.

Rich Myhre

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