MRI scans have revealed a deep bone bruise, which will rule him out indefinately (smacks of the last time we made the playoffs where he hurt his shoulder late). Not sure what sort of time span we're looking at here, but it will give him a chance to rest his knee for a week or so I'm guessing. Vlad's cast is off too, and he's responding well to treatment, but he's still around 3-4 weeks off a return. Lucky we're so deep.
Rashard better hurry back, Damien's taking his job Seriously though, Wilkins is bringing something the Sonics haven't had since Ruben Patterson or - dare I say - Vinnie Askew: a tough defender who we can put on guys like Paul Pierce. Plus he's our other 'energy' guy along with Reggie Evans. I'm just really suprised with his stroke and explosion to the basket, on offense he looks like his dad sometimes.
The question is, how much is Damien Wilkins worth when he becomes a free agent after this year. I've been very impressed by him in this five game stint where he has subbed for Sweet Lew. Do I think that he would be an upgrade from Vlad if Vlad decided to bolt this summer? No. Wilkins is proving himself to be our best shut down guy on the perimeter, but I'm not convinced that he can be a consistent scorer in this league. He's succeeding right now by scoring hustle baskets and open jump shots. I don't think that he is a consistent scorer in the half court nor do I think that he can get off a high percentage shot on a good defender. This isn't a Ray Allen/Flip Murray scenario. Damien Wilkins does not provide the same consistent scoring punch of a Sweet Lew. What he does do better than Sweet Lew is defend on the perimeter and rebound. Damien Wilkins definitely has a bright future in this league but I hope that the Rick Sund and our fan base realize that it takes much more than five games to establish yourself in this league.
It should be interesting when Lewis and Radmanovic are fit, and D-Wilk's minutes go back to being limited. It's a lot easier to produce when you're getting a consistent opportunity, but as Flip has shown, if you sit out for a long period, then are asked to produce straight away in a short period on court, it's a lot tougher. Particularly for someone like Wilk who is new to this league and this level.
Oh I agree, 5 games does not a season make. At best I see Damien being a Trenton Hassell type of guy - and look what kind of contract one season of tough ball got him, I think it was 6yr 48 million. Is he restricted? I wouldn't be suprised if some GM saw some flashes and went out on a limb, altlhough not Hassell type money. Vlade on the other hand I'm sure will get at least that; my preference at this point is to match Vlade and let Ray walk if he gets a max deal. I have no idea what the Sonics money situation is in terms of keeping both Ray at 70 million and matching Vlade.
