Sonics Complete 12-Man Roster With Mcmillan On Ir, Othick And Wilson Waived

The Seattle SuperSonics reduced their roster on Tuesday to 12, the NBA maximum, by placing veteran guard Nate McMillan on the injured reserve list and waiving free agents Matt Othick and Trevor Wilson.

McMillan will miss a minimum of five games as his recovery from left ankle surgery continues. He participated in all aspects of practice Tuesday for only the second time this season.

“He’s a while away, even if he’s able to work a lot,” said Sonics coach George Karl, who rated McMillan’s speed at 70 percent.

The timetable for McMillan’s full-strength return is difficult to gauge, but he’s unlikely to make a major contribution for a few months.

Although the Sonics will miss McMillan’s classy leadership and career averages of 6.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals, they haven’t been forced to make a trade to fill his backup point guard position in the early season. Rookie Eric Snow, a second-round selection from Michigan State, has developed quickly enough to fill the void.

Best buddies

Gary Payton and Frank Brickowski get along remarkably well for two guys who taunted each other for years when they played for different teams.

“That’s how competitors are,” Payton said. “Then, when you’re on the same team, you see the person is the same kind of person you are, just competitive. Now, we’re best of buddies. We’re chilling with each other, hanging out. Brick is real funny.”

The truce was easy. The pair simply shook hands on the first day of training camp.

“That was it,” Brickowski said. “I’ve never not gotten along with a teammate or not let myself get along with a teammate. That’s something sacred.”

“Some players don’t believe that. I’m one who does. I’ll do anything to get along with a teammate.