Jerome James received the most applause from the Arco Arena fans when the Sonics' players were announced. The 7-foot-1 center started his NBA career in Sacramento in 1998 before being waived two years later. So when James returned last night, the jitters had more to do than with just the season opener.

"I have mixed emotions about it, conflicting emotions," James said before the game. "On one side, I actually love when I go back to Sacramento because I get to see all my old friends. Vlade (Divac) and Chris (Webber) and my other old teammates.

"But on the other hand, it's a little bit difficult for me because I thought I was going to be in Sacramento my entire career."

Instead, James played only 16 games in 1998. He was injured the following season and released during training camp in 2000.

"I thought Jerome was a talent to be so big and move pretty well and block shots," recalled guard Doug Christie, who joined Sacramento in 2000. "He has a jump hook and a short jump shot. It's going to be up to Jerome how good he ends up."