Spurs Brazil
07-07-2007, 08:03 AM
Sonics Notebook: Swift's prospects are best part of Carlesimo's first day
By GARY WASHBURN
P-I REPORTER
LAS VEGAS -- The brightest part of P.J. Carlesimo's first full day as coach was his first meeting with center Robert Swift.
Swift accompanied the Sonics summer league squad to Las Vegas, although he will not play as he recovers from a torn right anterior cruciate ligament sustained in October.
Swift has bulked up considerably during his rehabilitation and looks as if he can emerge as an imposing force in the middle. The Sonics have sorely lacked a major presence at center for the past several seasons.
"I think he looks great, and to be honest, that's the best thing to happen to me today," Carlesimo said. "He looks like a million dollars. He put on weight. He looks great."
Swift is scheduled have the knee re-examined July 23 and could be cleared to begin basketball activities. The team expects Swift to be ready for training camp, although the first few months could be troublesome as he returns to the rigors of playing.
"His rehab is going great," Carlesimo said. "He looks like he's going to play at 270, which should be great. He looks tremendous."
In addition to a couple of pounds, Swift also added more tattoos, including a machine gun on his right arm.
COACHING CANDIDATES: Carlesimo said he will spend the next few weeks putting together a staff, and some candidates are emerging.
San Antonio assistant coach Don Newman, who was Gregg Popovich's third assistant, may be interested in becoming Carlesimo's No. 1 assistant. Newman was at Cox Pavilion on Friday had a short chat with Carlesimo. Newman was also interested in the Sonics head coaching position.
Also, Carlesimo said Thursday that he wants to add a former player to his staff who could better relate to the younger players.
"Do we need some youth on our staff? Absolutely," he said. "There's not an absolute but would it help if we had someone who played in the league? Yes. It's very important for us to have people who can coach, relate and teach the young guys. Our staff can't be four 58-year-old guys."
Carlesimo may consider hiring former Seton Hall standout and NBA forward Mark Bryant, who was last an assistant coach in Orlando and also played for Carlesimo in Portland.
TIP-INS: Swingman Mickael Gelabale did not play Friday because of a sprained ankle. His status for Monday is uncertain. ... Former NBA forward Mike Brown has joined Ralph Lewis and Bryan Gates on the summer league coaching staff. ... Notables in attendance: former UofW guard Brandon Roy, Mike Conley Sr. and former Sonics assistant Gordon Chiesa. ... Greg Oden picked up eight fouls in his first 13 summer league minutes in the nightcap against Boston. Players are disqualified after their 10th foul.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/322875_sbok07.html
By GARY WASHBURN
P-I REPORTER
LAS VEGAS -- The brightest part of P.J. Carlesimo's first full day as coach was his first meeting with center Robert Swift.
Swift accompanied the Sonics summer league squad to Las Vegas, although he will not play as he recovers from a torn right anterior cruciate ligament sustained in October.
Swift has bulked up considerably during his rehabilitation and looks as if he can emerge as an imposing force in the middle. The Sonics have sorely lacked a major presence at center for the past several seasons.
"I think he looks great, and to be honest, that's the best thing to happen to me today," Carlesimo said. "He looks like a million dollars. He put on weight. He looks great."
Swift is scheduled have the knee re-examined July 23 and could be cleared to begin basketball activities. The team expects Swift to be ready for training camp, although the first few months could be troublesome as he returns to the rigors of playing.
"His rehab is going great," Carlesimo said. "He looks like he's going to play at 270, which should be great. He looks tremendous."
In addition to a couple of pounds, Swift also added more tattoos, including a machine gun on his right arm.
COACHING CANDIDATES: Carlesimo said he will spend the next few weeks putting together a staff, and some candidates are emerging.
San Antonio assistant coach Don Newman, who was Gregg Popovich's third assistant, may be interested in becoming Carlesimo's No. 1 assistant. Newman was at Cox Pavilion on Friday had a short chat with Carlesimo. Newman was also interested in the Sonics head coaching position.
Also, Carlesimo said Thursday that he wants to add a former player to his staff who could better relate to the younger players.
"Do we need some youth on our staff? Absolutely," he said. "There's not an absolute but would it help if we had someone who played in the league? Yes. It's very important for us to have people who can coach, relate and teach the young guys. Our staff can't be four 58-year-old guys."
Carlesimo may consider hiring former Seton Hall standout and NBA forward Mark Bryant, who was last an assistant coach in Orlando and also played for Carlesimo in Portland.
TIP-INS: Swingman Mickael Gelabale did not play Friday because of a sprained ankle. His status for Monday is uncertain. ... Former NBA forward Mike Brown has joined Ralph Lewis and Bryan Gates on the summer league coaching staff. ... Notables in attendance: former UofW guard Brandon Roy, Mike Conley Sr. and former Sonics assistant Gordon Chiesa. ... Greg Oden picked up eight fouls in his first 13 summer league minutes in the nightcap against Boston. Players are disqualified after their 10th foul.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/322875_sbok07.html