<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">With the start of their 40th anniversary season on the horizon, the Sonics can't be blamed of being overly sentimental as they pursue several free agents. Among the handful of hopefuls who have auditioned or requested a tryout with the team, former Rainier Beach High standout Doug Christie at one point appeared to be the front-runner after winning the support of several players. "He's been working out with us lately and it's like he's already a part of the team," forward Rashard Lewis said. "He could fit because he's a smart player and he's got the experience of being in the playoffs and going to the [Western Conference] finals." Despite Christie's popularity, a team source confirmed Monday that Christie will not return to the team that drafted him 17th overall in 1992. The Sonics also entertained the idea of bringing back Shawn Kemp, their No. 17 draft choice in 1989 who starred eight years in Seattle. However, the flirtation was mostly one-sided on Kemp's end as the 36-year-old power forward had hoped to complete his two-year comeback with his former team. "Two or three weeks prior to the season, we allow players to come in and work out," general manager Rick Sund said. "We called them [Christie and Kemp]. We talked to [Jamal] Crawford. It wasn't an audition, but more to get some good runs in for them and our guys." Seattle has considered signing Walter McCarty, Ron Mercer, Milt Palacio and former University of Washington standout Will Conroy, who played in the National Basketball Development League last season and had surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right leg in July. McCarty and Conroy, who signed a one-year non-guaranteed contract with Charlotte, are no longer options. A league source said the team is nearing a deal with Palacio. Sund, however, declined to comment. The Sonics have 12 players under contract and it's uncertain how many players the new ownership will allow management to keep for the season. Earlier this month, prospective new owner Clay Bennett said the team plans to sign a couple of players. Sund said he'll invite seven players to training camp, including forward Noel Felix, who played 12 games last season for the Sonics. He has a non-guaranteed contract for the 2006-07 season. Free agent Kareem Rush is expected to be given a training camp invitation along with rookie guard Denham Brown, who was drafted in the second round. The Sonics' other second-rounder, guard Yotem Halperin, signed a three-year contract with Isreal's Maccabi Tel Aviv.</div> Source
We still need some depth at the point guard position - as it stands we have no cover at all if Watson or Luke go down with an injury. Out of the names mentioned I think we could do worse than Palacio as a third stringer - he's strong, plays D and can handle the rock, and isn't someone who looks for his own shot. In regards to Kareem Rush, he could be a handy back-up to Ray as well. I remember he looked a million bucks in the playoffs a few seasons back - admittedly with a lot of defensive focus on Shaq and Kobe - knocking down threes regularly, and had a semi-productive 50 games with Charlotte last season. A proven shooter and scorer in a reserve capacity (dropped 35 on Indiana), probably a better option than Denham.
I would absolutely love to bring in Milt Palacio as a third string guard. He is a true journeyman that would bring a veteran voice to our backcourt that can be heard alongside Ray's. He fits this team well and I think that he'd be a more than competent back up in the event that Luke or Earl sustain an injury. Absolutely no point to bringing in Doug Christie if we are looking to maximize the potential of Damien Wilkins/Mickael Gelebale/Denham Brown. If we'd bring in a reliable third string back up our roster will be set.
3rd string? Are you kidding me, he'll be starting! LOL Nah for real though, I wouldn't want Milt as a starting PG or a back up but he's a solid 3rd string. Definately good as a veteran to help the younger PG's on the team.
