Vin Baker spun in the paint, escaping a defender with his vintage low-post move. The Sonics' power forward drained the open jumper and even blocked a couple shots.
The 6-foot-11 Baker, who had been out with a bruised left knee, rejoined his teammates at practice yesterday.
"He looked OK," Coach Nate McMillan said. "I've had injuries where you want to be aggressive, but you're really cautious about your movement. And that's the way he looked. But some of his post-ups, he showed his quickness and was able to explode to the basket."
While McMillan saw some tentativeness from the injury, Baker felt confident and ready to go. Baker is expected to play today against Indiana after missing seven games, although McMillan planned on having a final discussion with the team doctor and the coaching staff before clearing him.
"I'm almost positive he's going to say I can go," said Baker, smiling. "As a matter of fact, I'm going to make him say I can go."
Baker was disappointed when he was placed on the injured list, which requires five missed games. He wanted to play in Friday's 99-81 victory over Houston, but McMillan wouldn't consider it until a full-contact practice with teammates.