Five areas to judge the Sonics' season on

The Sonics are progressing as expected. Nearly two months into the season, they're on pace to challenge the worst record in the franchise's 41 years.

How's that for living up to expectations?

The low mark was 23-59, set in the Sonics' inaugural year. Since then, they have won fewer than 30 games just twice, and one of those came during the lockout-shortened 1999 season.

These Sonics are looking at a 24-58 record if they keep lumbering along at the same pace. This season is not about the results, but sometimes history just doesn't have time to review the circumstances.

Still, it would be wise to view this season from a different perspective. We always talk about rebuilding and let the word drift into obscurity, as if it's this impossible thing to define. This time, let's set the terms.

Instead of focusing on a record guaranteed to be pathetic once Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis departed, judge this Sonics season on five areas: the progress of Kevin Durant; the progress of Jeff Green; what we've learned about the gaggle of young big men; what we've learned about the point guards; and the effort the team displays.

Through these categories, we learn most everything about this team, including how first-year coach P.J. Carlesimo is faring and what issues first-year general manager Sam Presti must address.

With one-third of the season complete, here's another way of viewing the Sonics:

Kevin Durant

Early grade: Passing

Progress report: The Sonics gave Durant a gasoline jersey and sent him into a burning building, but he has survived thus far. Although he would be better off as a No. 2 scoring option right now, the Sonics are speeding up his development by letting him try to carry the offensive load. Enormous expectations often get in the way of Durant's production. Despite his thin frame, he's averaging nearly 20 points and running away with rookie-of-the-year honors.

Carlesimo has played him a lot at shooting guard this season, but really he's a versatile small forward. When he gets stronger, he'll be able to play several positions effectively and influence games more completely. But in a league in which most players' upside is based primarily on physique and athleticism, Durant's potential is predicated on his skill set. His body will catch up to his game.

Jeff Green

Early grade: Passing

Progress report: I've heard some gripes that the Sonics should've taken a risk and drafted a player (Yi Jianlian is brought up frequently) with a higher ceiling than Green. After trading Allen for a package that included the No. 5 pick, the belief was the Sonics needed to draft a future star to justify the loss of Allen.

Green may never be a perennial All-Star, but I still like the pick. He has the perfect skills to complement Durant and will likely beat out Damien Wilkins for a starting job by next season. Green has been inconsistent, but not any more so than his rookie peers. We're still waiting to see the playmaking skills he showcased at Georgetown and wondering what his ideal position is, however.

Young big men

Early grade: Failing

Progress report: In two years, I'm guessing the Sonics will have only one holdover from this group of young bigs (either Chris Wilcox or Nick Collison). The rest of the crew isn't worth the patience it will take. Johan Petro is still too soft. Robert Swift can't stay healthy. Mouhamed Sene is simply not an NBA player.

Collison is a nice role player, and Wilcox has improved, but not as dramatically as hoped. The Sonics don't have a young post player who can control the paint, and until they find one, they will continue to be limited defensively. At least this season is providing clarity that yet another overhaul is needed here.

Point guard situation

Early grade: Failing

Progress report: The Sonics hoped to figure out their dilemma at point guard, but injuries to Delonte West and Luke Ridnour have made this position a bigger mess than last season. Earl Watson has been healthy, but he's a backup trying to play like a starter. In fact, all three players fit into that category.

Carlesimo can't decide who should get minutes because of the inconsistency. It has created an uncomfortable situation.

Listen to what Wilcox said last week about the points: "They're thinking about whether they're going to be playing or not and me telling them that I need touches isn't helping anything. We're not on the same page right now, but then that's to be expected with everything they're going through."

Trading either Ridnour or Watson and then hoping the 2008 draft nets a quality young point guard appear to be the only solutions.

Effort

Early grade: Passing

Progress report: For a losing team, the Sonics are entertaining. They hustle. They play with enthusiasm. They're awful, but they're getting better. Credit the players' character and coaching staff for keeping this team focused and driven despite the hard knocks. The team is developing winning habits, but it doesn't have the talent and experience to succeed right now.

So the Sonics amble on, trying to avoid history, hoping their progress can defy their record.

Jerry Brewer: 206-464-2277 or jbrewer@seattletimes.com