Sonics daily scribe on Feburary 2

[Celtic4Hire@xxxxxxx]

Baker's scoring rebirth spurs trade interest
February 2, 2002  Print it 


Even a strained left shoulder has hardly slowed down Vin Baker's low-post 
scoring this season. Although the 6-11 power forward hasn't been able to help 
Seattle solve its rebounding troubles, Baker is having his best offensive 
season in three years. 

Before the injury on Jan. 24, Baker was among the league leaders in 
field-goal accuracy. And he entered the weekend shooting 49.1 percent. 

It's a stark contrast to last season, when Baker averaged career lows in 
scoring average (12.2 points) and shooting (42.2 percent) while coming off 
the bench. 

The biggest reason for Baker's improvement is a focus on scoring in the 
paint, after prodding from coach Nate McMillan early this season. 

Instead of relying on his jumper -- a bad habit over the past two seasons -- 
Baker fights harder to get in the paint. 

"This team needs a low-post presence, and I've got to be it," Baker said. "So 
I can't settle for jump shots. I have to get as deep as I can. Coach McMillan 
and I talked in Boston (on Nov. 9), and that's the way it's been. 

"I'm not relying on jump shots or fadeaways. So as long as I do that, I'll 
keep the percentage up." 

McMillan said: "He's still a guy that likes to step out and shoot the jump 
shot. That's a part of his game. I don't want to take that away from him. But 
for us to have any success, he needs to establish a low-post game. Hopefully, 
he'll continue to stay down in the post." 

Baker's success has forced opponents to double-team him, which helps 
Seattle's perimeter players get open looks. The last time a team used single 
coverage on Baker, he responded with 32 points against Cleveland on Jan. 11. 

"I feel right now that if I'm not double-teamed, and I'm in the paint I'm 
going to score," Baker said. 

So where was all this last season? 

"There was a lot of things," Baker said. "It was a bad situation not knowing 
if I was going to be here. The coach is giving me more touches this year. 

"Obviously, I was coming off the bench, which was a different thing for me. 
And I've made my mind to get as deep as I can. My jumper is now a second 
thought." . . . 

Desmond Mason will defend his slam-dunk title on February 9 during the 
All-Star festivities in Philadelphia. 

POSITIONAL ANALYSIS 

Point guard: Earl Watson has found himself back in the rotation after two 
weeks of mostly sitting because he apparently hit the rookie wall. Watson 
brings uncanny defense, floor leadership and sneaky athleticism to Seattle's 
backcourt. Grade: B 

Shooting guard: Desmond Mason has turned into one of Seattle's better 
rebounders despite standing 6-5. Mason doesn't let his smaller frame keep him 
from crashing the boards, realizing that his team needs every rebound it can 
muster. Mason's outside jumper has been inconsistent, but the second-year 
player continues to have a strong season. Grade: B+ 

Small forward: Vladimir Radmanovic continues to tease the Sonics with flashes 
of brilliance mixed with boneheaded mistakes. The 6-10 small forward keeps 
himself from receiving extensive minutes because of a penchant for unforced 
turnovers. But the Sonics realize the best way for Radmanovic to overcome the 
typical rookie characteristic is to get experience in real games. Grade: C+ 

Power forward: When Baker sits, the Sonics suddenly find their shots more 
difficult to take and make. Because of a resurgent offense, Baker's presence 
forces teams to double-team him. It frees up players like Rashard Lewis and 
Brent Barry, who normally have trouble creating their own shots. Baker's 
contributions have an asterisk, however, because of his poor rebounding. 
Seattle is one of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA partly because Baker 
doesn't do a good enough job on the boards. Grade: B 

Center: Jerome James could be an X-factor for the Sonics. The 7-1 center is 
capable of being another low-post threat for a team sorely lacking in that 
area. Since his return, however, James has picked up too many cheap fouls, 
forcing him to the bench before he works up much of a sweat. And lately, 
James has suffered from back spasms. Grade: C+ 

Bench: The roller coaster involving Shammond Williams and Watson continues 
with Watson back to being the first point guard off the bench. When the 
Sonics need outside shooting and quick points off the bench, Williams is the 
man. For defense and floor leadership, it's Watson. Mason remains the first 
player off the bench. And depending on matchups, forward Radmanovic or center 
James will see time. Grade: C+ 

Coaching: The Sonics lost two straight home games in close, frustrating 
fashion. They were the types of games Seattle had squeaked out recently on 
one of the best road trips in recent memory. One reason is McMillan's 
rotations didn't panned out in close losses to Portland and Sacramento. The 
coach looks like a genius when they do, but when his younger players don't 
execute down the stretch, the rotations can lead to losses and 
second-guessing. Grade: B 

INJURY REPORT 

C Calvin Booth: Sprained right ankle (Dec. 12)
Analysis: Booth had his walking boot removed. But Booth won't be examined or 
cleared to practice until after the All-Star break. 

TRADING PROSPECTS 

When the Sonics made the unusual announcement they would try trading Baker 
last summer, the interest was similar to that for a dot-bomb company. Now the 
power forward is having his best season since being an All-Star during 
1997-98. And Baker's value has shot up, spurring calls to the Sonics from 
several Eastern Conference teams, specifically the Knicks, Pacers and 
Celtics. 

Seattle must decide whether Baker's return as one of the best-shooting big 
men in the NBA is long lasting, or whether to unload the rest of his $87 
million deal that expires in 2006. 

Seattle's other trade possibility is Williams, who possesses enough offensive 
skills to average 20 points in the NBA. For the past two seasons, Williams 
has languished on the bench because of reasons ranging from basketball style 
to injuries. 

Williams is finally getting playing time after sitting behind Watson for most 
of the season. Is it a coincidence that the trading deadline is less than a 
month away? Whatever the case, teams can see Williams' talent first hand. 

And Seattle must decide if the combination guard is too good to unload. (If 
Williams is dealt, the deal would likely also involve another Sonic because 
Williams has a relatively small contract.) 

For more news on the Sonics, visit the Seattle Times at 
www.seattletimes.com/sports.