Robert Swift, who had just been named the Sonics' starting center, will miss the entire season, the team announced today. Swift suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the Sonics' exhibition game Wednesday at KeyArena against Sacramento.
The extent of the injury was revealed in an MRI performed Thursday and Swift was examined by team physicians this morning. The injury to his right knee will require surgery and has a typical rehabilitation period of eight to nine months.
"We're very disappointed for Robert, especially given all the hard work he put in this offseason," Sonics general manager Rick Sund said. "Robert had recently been named the starting center for Opening Night, which is a testament to the strides he had made since last season. While we feel for Robert and wish him a speedy recovery, we're fortunate to have depth at the center position and will still be ready to tip off the season next week."
Swift played in seven exhibition games, averaging 3.0 points, 4.6 rebounds. Swift, the 12th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, averages 5.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in the 63 games he has played in two seasons with the Sonics.
E-mail article
Print view
E-mail article
Print view
Back to top