When the Sonics lost center Patrick Ewing, they used $34 million to replace him with Calvin Booth. After Emanual Davis bolted for Atlanta, Seattle used training camp to hold an audition among several capable guards.

But the Sonics still have no idea who will replace one of their most valuable players last season.

"I can't sit here and say who will replace Ruben (Patterson)," Coach Nate McMillan said. "I think someone will have to develop a role coming off the bench."