Now is no time for Webber to leave Kings

Sporting News, The, July 9, 2001 by Sean Deveney

Draft night kicked off a busy offseason of roster shuffling. Keep up with your team's latest trades and signings at www.sportingnews.com/nba.> M@IL BONDING

SEAN DEVENEY ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

Why would the Sonics take Vladimir Radmanovic with their first pick when they have Rashard Lewis? Going by what I have heard of Radmanovic, they seem to be very similar.

Steve Nichol, Las Vegas

Steve: Well, you're right, Lewis and Radmanovic are similar. The pick was a little puzzling, especially considering Jimi Hendrix has a better chance of returning to Seattle than Patrick Ewing, and the team either will trade Vin Baker or be stuck with him at power forward. The Sonics really could have used help at center and power forward.

There were a couple of things at work: Radmanovic was the best player available, and Troy Murphy was the only other player the team could have taken at No. 12, but the Sonics were blown away by Radmanovic's potential.

Another thing to remember is Lewis' contract is up next year, and he is a good bet to get the maximum salary, which the Sonics might be unwilling to pay. Even if Lewis stays in Seattle, the Sonics say they'll find ways to have both on the floor simultaneously.

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