Seattle SuperSonics 2004 Draft Preview

Ths SuperSonics finished just 37-45 in the 2003-04 regular season and missed the playoffs for the third time in the last four seasons.

All-Star Ray Allen and 24-year-old Rashard Lewis give Seattle two top players at shooting guard and small forward. Allen averaged a team-best 23 points per game in 56 games this past season, while Lewis was second on the squad in scoring (17.8 ppg) and led Seattle in rebounding (6.5 rpg.).

The big positive during the season was the emergence of guard Ronald Murray. The 24-year-old guard averaged a career-high 12.4 points while playing in all 82 games for Seattle.

Guard Luke Ridnour played in 69 games in his rookie campaign, and still appears to be the future at the point for Seattle.

The Sonics could use either a power forward or a center. Pavel Podkolzine, a center from Russia, could be Seattle’s pick.

Key Player(s): Ray Allen (guard), Brent Barry (guard), Rashard Lewis (forward), Ronald Murray (guard), Vladimir Radmanovic (forward), Luke Ridnour (guard).

Team Needs: Inside toughness, a shot blocker and size.

Draft picks: 1st round (12th overall), 2nd round (35th overall), 2nd round (41st overall).