The Sonics decided not to wait to put Calvin Booth on the injured list, making the move before last night's game.

The 6-foot-11 center has been plagued with a sore right ankle, which is believed to have indirectly led to tendinitis.

Booth was averaging 6.2 points and 3.6 rebounds.

Usually, players on the injured list must miss a minimum of five games. However, since no Sonic was activated, Booth can return before the required five games.

Seattle has a maximum of three players on the injured list, including Jerome James (sprained right foot) and Desmond Mason (bruised right knee).

The Sonics haven't ruled out signing a free agent, but it's an unlikely move.