Sonics | Swift, Thomas return to practice
It was a two-steps-forward, one-step-back kind of day for the Sonics on Wednesday.
Centers Robert Swift and Kurt Thomas returned to practice, but Johan Petro was unable to finish the workout due to a lower back strain. The trio of big men is listed as questionable for Friday’s game against New Jersey at KeyArena.
The center position has been unstable all season and partly to blame for Seattle’s disappointing 2-10 record. The Sonics have started four centers (Nick Collison, Swift, Thomas and Chris Wilcox) because of injuries.
Coach P.J. Carlesimo had hoped the three-day break between Monday’s 125-108 loss in Memphis and Friday’s game against the Nets would will give Swift and Thomas enough time to heal.
Swift has missed the past five games because of right knee tendinitis and hasn’t played since Nov. 11. A strained right hamstring forced Thomas to miss the past three games. When healthy, Thomas is expected to start and Swift will be the backup.
Petro, who averages 2.8 points and 3.8 rebounds, has filled in as a reserve in the post in 10 games, but he has yet to start. Last season, he started 13 games and he was a starter 41 times as a rookie in the 2005-06 season.
Guard Luke Ridnour (torn left quadriceps) also did not practice.
Percy Allen: 206-464-2278 or pallen@seattletimes.com