Notebook | Many reasons West never settled in here, coach says

Delonte West's tenure with the Sonics was supposed to last much longer than eight months.

General manager Sam Presti said he wasn't included in the trade that sent Ray Allen to Boston just for salary-cap purposes. It was thought that West, who can play both guard positions, could help rebuild the Sonics with rookies Kevin Durant and Jeff Green.

West, however, never found a role in Seattle for various reasons: "The trade, injuries, the contract, the style of play, I think, his opportunity that he got here, I think his relationship with me," coach P.J. Carlesimo said. "You take your pick. I think every one of those factors entered into it.

"We had three point guards. We had a starter at the 2, a high draft pick. You can write a litany of things. It wasn't like this was a real smooth ride. He may walk into a real nice situation. He might be going into the complete opposite. Sometimes the situation is just perfect."

West started in his debut with Cleveland on Sunday and helped the Cavaliers to a 109-89 victory against Memphis. He hit 2 of 12 shots and added six assists and five steals.

In 35 games with the Sonics, West averaged 6.8 points, which is about four fewer than his career average.

Carlesimo thinks West tried to make the most of his opportunities in Seattle, but foot and back injuries slowed his progress. The coach also thinks West's impending free agency this summer may have stolen his focus.

Debut delayed

The Sonics placed Donyell Marshall on the inactive list for Sunday's game because he was suffering from flulike symptoms. The newly acquired forward who was dealt to Seattle on Thursday is expected to make his Sonics debut Tuesday at Golden State.

Newcomer Ira Newble, who was also involved in the trade with Cleveland, entered the game with nine minutes remaining in the second quarter. He scored two points in 11 minutes.

Forward Adrian Griffin, who was acquired from Chicago, was scoreless in three minutes.

Note

• Mickael Gelabale is benefiting the most from last week's trades, which sent Kurt Thomas to San Antonio and Wally Szczerbiak and West to Cleveland. The reserve forward scored a season-high 12 points Friday and bettered that with 21 against the Lakers.