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Normally a coach doesn't glow after a loss — even if it is just an exhibition.
Yet, Sonics coach Nate McMillan hopped atop his usual counter at the team's
training facility yesterday and seemingly couldn't wait for the media huddling
around him to ask their first question despite the "ugly" loss to
Golden State the night before. Because McMillan knew it was going to be about
first-round draft pick Luke Ridnour.
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And McMillan was itching to share his thoughts on the rookie's first full-contact practice since having surgery to repair a strained abdominal muscle in August. Until yesterday, McMillan had only seen Ridnour play on videotape or television.
"I don't think those guys (Sonics) have seen that type of play really since
McMillan was on the floor," said a slightly teasing McMillan, who retired
as the team's leader in assists and steals in 1998. "He's got good court
vision and a great understanding of the game and what he's about. He makes people
better."
Of course, Ridnour was a fresh, young body thrown into the mix of hobbled veterans.
He made some sloppy passes and missed some shots, but when he zagged through
the paint for a quick, no-look pass to an open Vladimir Radmanovic about 12
feet from the hoop, you understood what McMillan was bubbly about.
Depending on whether Ridnour feels any pain today, he will be cleared to play
in tomorrow's game against Portland in Spokane. While McMillan plans to use
Ridnour only for "limited minutes," the Oregon product could start
in Sunday's game at Sacramento or Wednesday's against Golden State at KeyArena.
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"I thought about that," said McMillan, who ran Ridnour with projected
regular-season starters Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis, Jerome James and Radmanovic
yesterday. "I think that might be important to get a feel with those guys."
Ridnour was just happy to be back on the court in his first test against NBA
players that didn't involve a summer camp. He's been studying the Sonics' new
offense, doing dry run-throughs, and has the luxury of veteran guards Allen,
Brent Barry and Antonio Daniels to learn from.
Not to mention McMillan.
"I'm not expecting much," Ridnour said of his NBA debut this weekend.
"I only practiced one day, two days come the weekend. There's no pain,
though. To play with no pain feels good to me." Ticketmaster
Barry resting
Barry tweaked his ankle in Wednesday's loss. Although he is fine, McMillan held
him out of practice to prevent an injury. His absence made room for Ridnour,
however.