Beleaguered franchise finally catches a break

Smell it. It's called fresh air. After months of inhaling toxic news, the Sonics and their nose-pinching fan base can breathe.

Look at it. It's called light. After months of gloom, there's a glint in the dungeon.

Feel it. It's called hope. After months of despair, a 40-year-old pro basketball franchise has a draft pick that it can view as an elixir.

It's impossible not to dream right now. The most important offseason in Sonics history just received some desperately desired luck. Next month's NBA draft is considered a two-megastar event, and Seattle was given the opportunity Tuesday to pick one of those franchise players.

The Sonics "earned" the No. 2 pick, and with it, they won't just be selecting young star Kevin Durant. They will be selecting a savior. It's a lot to put on a kid who doesn't turn 19 until Sept. 29, but that's the truth.

Go as high up the hyperbole scale as you can. This floundering franchise needed a chance to draft a can't-miss prospect, a player with the skills and charisma to intrigue discouraged fans, a symbol of how things can change in an instant.

"This is potentially a franchise-changing night for us," team president Lenny Wilkens said.

A 6-foot-10 forward with toothpicks for arms and dental floss for legs means that much. Of course, as good as Durant is, you still must wonder in what city he ultimately might change this franchise. You can put him down for at least 18 points and seven rebounds next season, but the Sonics' off-court problems are so widespread he might not have enough time to impact this arena-or-bust situation, especially with new owner Clay Bennett intensifying his arena-hunting efforts in alternative cities.

At least now there's that possibility, however. At least now you can go to games wanting to be inspired, with a resounding new reason to rally behind this team.

Durant has that kind of game and appeal. He will be one of the most influential players of his era. He has the fundamentals we've come to appreciate in international forwards such as Dirk Nowitzki and Peja Stojakovic. He combines that with the typical athleticism of an American hoops prodigy. And the ribbon around his entire package involves a humility and youthful zeal that naturally draws people to him.

Although Greg Oden is the unquestioned No. 1 pick and will soon make the Northwest rival Portland Trail Blazers a perennial championship contender, Durant is far more engaging and embraceable at this point in their careers.

He's a no-brainer at No. 2, same as Carmelo Anthony was a no-brainer for Denver at No. 3 overall four years ago. However, along with Durant comes an all-brainer: What do the Sonics do with Rashard Lewis now?

The Sonics have witnessed the lucky, mystical side of rebuilding. Now they must prepare for shrewd, cold business.

Pingpong balls gave the Sonics a great opportunity to rebuild quickly. To utilize it, they must negotiate a sign-and-trade deal with Lewis during the free-agency period in July. Lewis and Durant are both 6-10 small forwards. Neither can play the power forward full time. Neither can slide over to shooting guard because they don't dribble well enough, and besides, the Sonics still have Ray Allen.

Without a legitimate starting point guard and center, the two toughest positions to fill, the Sonics can't afford to have duplication at small forward. Lewis, who has spent nine loyal seasons in Seattle, must go. The eight-digit salary he'll command will give the Sonics options to get solid at one of their two lacking positions, likely point guard.

By securing the Durant pick, the Sonics have more clout now. Candidates for their general-managing and coaching jobs will be more interested. They're still a team without a permanent home, but they're a nomad preparing to draft a potential international icon.

They should think bigger in their coaching search to ensure they hire the proper tutor for Durant. They should work quickly to fill the vacant GM spot because, now that the draft is easy, they need to start strategizing the more difficult Lewis sign-and-trade. And they should crank up the marketing machine since they have someone fresh to sell.

Kevin Durant, No. 35.

Seventeen years ago, the Sonics picked second overall, took Gary Payton and ignited a new era.

Now they've experienced another momentous shift in luck. Thing is, the Sonics have much work left on the back end of this miracle.

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