NBA Draft will be a landmark day for Sonics

All signs indicate the Sonics will pursue a few deals this afternoon and not simply sit back and let the NBA draft fall to them.

Seattle will select either Ohio State center Greg Oden or Texas forward Kevin Durant with the second pick, but it might also be remembered as the day when new general manager Sam Presti began reshaping the team in his vision.

"We want to bring more of a defensive mentality to this particular team," Presti said Tuesday.

On June 7, Presti inherited a 31-51 team that featured two of the league's top 20 scorers in Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. He also inherited a team 22nd among 30 teams in points allowed and 28th in opponent field-goal percentage.

Even though Seattle is the only NBA team without a coach, Presti has begun installing his defensive-minded philosophy and appears to have identified areas where the Sonics' defense needs upgrading.

On Monday night, a report leaked out of Atlanta that the Hawks had a deal in place to swap their No. 11 pick and a player for Luke Ridnour. Those rumors gained momentum on Tuesday, but by Wednesday, a league source said Atlanta had backed away from the trade.

The parameters of the deal are still in place, which means Ridnour could still be headed to Atlanta today. More importantly, as one league executive said Wednesday morning: "Now everybody knows the price if you want Ridnour."

Ridnour's footing in Seattle began to slide long before Presti arrived. After being a starter most of the previous two seasons, Ridnour started just 58 games last season, sharing the position with Earl Watson.

The Philadelphia 76ers, owners of three first-round picks (12, 21 and 30), have expressed cursory interest in Ridnour in the past. Memphis also needs a veteran point guard, but the Grizzlies won't part with the No. 4 pick.

A month ago, Chicago was reportedly pursuing Sonics forward Nick Collison and was willing to trade the No. 9 pick. The deal lost momentum several weeks ago, but there's a chance talks will resume today.

Presti denied declaring anyone on the roster untouchable, a stance that likely sparked rumors Wednesday that the Sonics were ready to deal Allen to Boston for the No. 5 pick. However, Celtics GM Danny Ainge told reporters in Boston he doesn't plan to trade their pick.

Presti was unavailable for comment on Wednesday.

"I've had a lot of offers from people who would put stuff out there and then say, 'Oh, I was just joking,' " he said Tuesday. "Everyone has to do their job and probe and look around, and at the same time we have to be open and listen. But we're very happy with where we are."

A year ago, a record 16 deals took place on draft day and Portland was involved in six of them. Even though the Trail Blazers -- who hold the No. 1 pick -- are shopping forwards Zach Randolph and Darius Miles, they're not likely to be busy today.

The Sonics, however, have all the tools for Presti to orchestrate a complete makeover. They have an ample supply of role players with moderate salaries in Ridnour ($6.5 million), Watson ($5.8 million), Collison ($5.7 million) and Damien Wilkins ($2.9 million). They have the first and fifth picks in the second round (Nos. 31 and 35), which are valuable because second-rounders do not receive guaranteed contracts.

And they have incentive.

"We're committed to bringing in players that are professionals and competitors," Presti said. "We want to put versatility on the floor. Guys who can play multiple positions and guys who play for the team. ... Everyone looks for different things. We talked about having a defensive focus as well."

If all else fails, the Sonics' draft is sure to be considered a success because they'll either nab a once-in-a-generation center like Oden or an offensive savant in Durant, who can play four positions.

Presti said he has no plans to make a deal with the Blazers for the top pick, and there's a growing belief that Portland will take Oden.

At Seattle Center's Fisher Pavilion, where the Sonics will hold a draft party, there's sure to be a buzz. Organizers are expecting 3,000 to 4,000 fans this afternoon. Attempting to ride the momentum, the Sonics are planning a celebration to welcome the No. 2 pick on Saturday at Green Lake Park.

"Regardless of anything else, I'm pretty sure we'll have a good draft," Presti promised. "I feel good about it."

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