There is little debate that this season's version of the Seattle SuperSonics is different, and mostly in positive ways.

But there also is little debate that there are many questions that remain about a team that has taken chances on many players who have never quite proven themselves.

With unheralded players from such foreign places as Yugoslavia and Penn State being relied upon to play key roles, the Sonics have all but said they are rebuilding.

Whether an eye toward the future means they will miss the playoffs for the third time in four seasons, or whether it means they will get invaluable playoff experience early in the process, remains to be seen.

If nothing else, it should be interesting.