Revived big-man Danny Fortson, who is having such a solid year in his first season in Seattle, helping to power the team to the playoffs and quickly becoming a fan favorite is at odds with Sonic coach Nate McMillan once again.

Fortson was benched Friday in the Sonics win over the Knicks because he arrived late to a game-day workout.  Fortson was unhappy with the decision and refused to sit with the team when the game began.  He was finally coaxed out.

"A lot has gone on in the last month, some of that is due to injury, some of that is due to a family situation," McMillan said before the Sonics' 96-91 victory over Portland on Thursday. "You have to take all of that into consideration, but at the same time you look at what's happening on the floor. Then you go from there.

"The other two guys have been playing well, Nick and Vitaly. I've got to see that from him (Fortson). I know what Vitaly is capable of. What Nick is doing. Or Reggie (Evans) and Jerome (James).

"(Fortson) had given us a lot this season. We need to get back to that type of playing where he's one of the best rebounders. Over half of the season, he was a finisher at the 5-spot for us. That's what we want to get back to."

One thing is certain, the Sonics will need their vintage ruff-n-tuff Danny Fortson if they want to go deep into the playoffs.