Sonics management and ownership haven't told Bob Hill how many games he needs to win to retain his job, but according to the coach, the front office is pleased with his focus on developing young centers Johan Petro and Robert Swift.

"To me, it just made sense, and I told them when we met the first time, 'If I do this, then I'm going to play those kids, and that means we probably won't win a whole bunch of games,' " Hill said.

Before Friday's game against Detroit, he had an 8-19 record since replacing fired Bob Weiss on Jan. 3.

More important, Hill was 1-0 with a full complement of players since the Sonics completed a flurry of trades and dealt Vladimir Radmanovic, Ronald Murray, Reggie Evans and Vitaly Potapenko for Earl Watson and Chris Wilcox.

Seattle's wheeling and dealing is over this season, but Hill believes the roster will need more re-tooling.

"I think we're at the point now where we need to sign another 7-footer, a veteran like the title teams have — like [Detroit's] Dale Davis," he said. "San Antonio has got veterans. We need one of those in case Robert and Johan ... something happens to them and they get hurt.

"Then I think with the loss of Vlade, if we can find a shooter at some position, whether it's the 2 or the 3 or even a 4 that can shoot the ball, then I think the roster is set."

Star of the game: Richard Hamilton saved his best for last. The Detroit guard finished with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including two three-pointers. He also had five assists.

Play of the game: On Detroit's final possession, Hamilton eluded Ray Allen with a baseline screen from Tayshaun Prince. Hamilton caught the ball in the corner and had just enough room to squeeze off a game-winning 19-foot jumper with 0.2 seconds left.

Key statistic: There were 20 lead changes and 10 ties, including six in the fourth quarter.

Up next: Utah, 6 p.m. Sunday, KeyArena.

The road to recovery may not be as long as critics have imagined, Hill said. He hypothesized that the Sonics could land a shooter in the draft lottery and mentioned Duke's J.J. Redick.

The Sonics will likely look to free agency to fill the veteran center spot. The most attractive candidates include Nazr Mohammed, Antonio Davis, Joel Przybilla, and Jason and Jarron Collins.

Notes

• Center Robert Swift lost his starting position because he missed four games and is still recovering from a broken nose and because of Johan Petro's improved play, Hill said.

• Reserve G Mike Wilks made his home debut late in the first quarter.

• Rashard Lewis will host "Hoops that Help" at 4:30 p.m. today at The Seattle/White Center Salvation Army. He's accepting donations of canned and non-perishable foods and money to benefit Northwest Harvest.

Percy Allen: 206-464-2278 or pallen@seattletimes.com

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