Notes: Swift requests a demotion

INDIANAPOLIS — Sonics reserve center Robert Swift had a few candid and heartfelt discussions two weeks ago.

First, he spoke to himself and honestly assessed a NBA career that has yet to amount to much of anything.

After seeking advice from his agent, he approached Sonics general manager Rick Sund two weeks ago and asked to be assigned to the Albuquerque Thunderbirds, Seattle's NBA Development League affiliate.

"Hopefully it won't be that long," Swift said. "Get a couple of games down there. Get some experience in and come back."

Coach Bob Weiss said the Sonics are considering demoting Swift, but he'll be given a week to change their minds.

"If he doesn't convince me that he's ready, then we might do something," Weiss said.

When asked what Swift will need to show, Weiss said: "Defensive rebounding."

The Sonics have staunchly supported Swift since making him the 12th overall pick in the 2004 draft out of Bakersfield (Calif.) High. He played in just 16 games as a rookie and three this season.

When evaluating Swift's development, Weiss delivered his harshest criticism to date.

"I would have liked him to be getting a steady 10 minutes right now, but it just hasn't worked out that way," he said. "At times I think he's almost ready and at other times, he'll be making the same mistakes over and over again. I just think he needs a little more seasoning and a little more time to develop."

Weiss said he will not send an assistant to monitor Swift's progress, but said Detlef Schrempf — who is volunteering with the team this season — could be dispatched to Albuquerque.

Sharing the load

Rather than benching one of his point guards, Weiss elected to give Damien Wilkins, Luke Ridnour and Ronald Murray near-equal minutes in Monday's 115-96 loss at Indiana. Wilkins, who started, played 28 minutes, Ridnour played 25 and Murray 29.

Weiss declined to reveal who will start on Wednesday in Chicago but admitted Ridnour has regressed from last season.

"I think he had a definite lack of shooting confidence early and that hurt him," Weiss said.

Note

• Reserve F Danny Fortson returned from a two-game suspension. He played just 10:18 and had one rebound, two points and three fouls.