SEATTLE (AP) Jack Sikma no longer wears his signature floppy haircut, a blonde bushel now replaced by a clean cut. He no longer suits up, trading his uniform for a clipboard.

Jack is back, though, with the Seattle SuperSonics.

After a 12-year break from the NBA, the franchise's best big man rejoined the club this season as special assignments coach. Sikma works with Seattle's centers, drawing from his perspective to teach the game.

``The basis for my approach is the same as it would have been for a veteran or a team captain,'' Sikma said. ``You'd pull guys aside and say, 'Here's what's going on and here's what we're trying to accomplish.'''

The 6-foot-11 Sikma was a seven-time All-Star when he played for the Sonics and Milwaukee Bucks from 1977-91.

He spent nine seasons in Seattle, and his No. 43 hangs from the rafters at KeyArena alongside the No. 10 worn by the man he's now working under, coach Nate McMillan.

The eighth overall draft pick in 1977 out of Illinois Wesleyan, Sikma teamed with Dennis Johnson, Paul Silas, Gus Williams, Lonnie Shelton and ``Downtown'' Freddy Brown to help Seattle win the 1979 NBA title.

Another teammate, Wally Walker, now is president of the Sonics.

Sikma was a force on the floor. He collected 17 rebounds in each of the final three games of the 1979 Finals and remains Seattle's franchise leader in rebounds (7,729) and free throws made (3,044).

He still ranks second in blocked shots (705) and third in scoring (12,034).

Sikma was so good, in fact, that McMillan had just one concern in adding him to the staff: that Sonics centers Calvin Booth, Jerome James and Vitaly Potapenko might have trouble relating to Sikma.

``Jack was a go-to player. He's having to speak a different language because our guys are not go-to players right now,'' McMillan said. ``We hope they can become more consistent with their performance each night.''

That's where Sikma comes in.

His role isn't so much about teaching the centers how to shoot an 8-foot hook shot or block out. He's more likely to suggest ways to react to different defenses or help interpret directions from McMillan.

``Most of these guys are fundamentally sound when they get there,'' Sikma said. ``It's more a case of, 'Here are some situations coming up and this is how you can react.' I'm just finding openings where I can help.''

The Sonics were 12-13 after last weekend's games, playing without All-Star guard Ray Allen as he recovers from surgery to remove a bone chip from his ankle. Sikma's perspective has come in handy, just the same.

``Jack has been in there, putting in a word for the big guys when he gets his chance,'' Booth said. ``He definitely has tons of knowledge. We're picking his brain all the time.''

Sikma feels his biggest challenge is simply learning to be an assistant coach. This is his rookie season in that regard, after all, and he's been away from the league for quite some time.

``On the basketball side, I'm still catching up,'' he said. ``I've learned the offensive and defensive schemes. I've been developing a relationship with Nate and the staff and with the players.''

After retiring from the NBA, Sikma moved back to Seattle and dabbled in real estate. During his time away from basketball he focused on his family, helping his wife raise three sons.

``I'm very involved with them and I spend a lot of time with them,'' he said.

McMillan maintains an open-door policy for former Sonics interested in the team. Sikma spent a few days at training camp and visited the locker room during the season.

``He hasn't been on the payroll or had a title, but I've always given him an open invitation,'' McMillan said. ``Guys like Jack, Dale Ellis, Detlef Schrempf _ because of their knowledge of the game and the success they've had.''

Sikma always considered going back into the NBA. With his boys growing into their teens, he felt the time was right.

``There are benefits to being away, for your basketball perspective and just personally,'' Sikma said. ``You experience a little different lifestyle. I just needed a break. I was able to do that.

``Now, I'm excited and really enjoying being back.''