Sonics looking to Fortson, Collison to provide some muscle, a few more wins

SEATTLE — Danny Fortson says he feels no pressure, despite heavy competition for the Seattle SuperSonics’ forward position, and the team’s expectations that he help improve a rebounding performancethat was the NBA’s worst last season.

“That’s something that I know I can do. I don’t feel the least bit of pressure. … If you’re looking for me to score 25 to 30 points, then yeah, that’s pressure,” Fortson said, chuckling Friday during a news conference to introduce the 6-foot-8 power forward.

Seattle has been in a rebuilding mode, and on Monday the team announced it had traded center Calvin Booth to the Dallas Mavericks for Fortson.

Fortson, a seven-year veteran, has twice been among the league’s best in rebounding. Last season, he averaged 11.2 minutes over 56 games, with 3.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

Fortson was fourth in the NBA in rebounding in both the 1998-99 and 2001-02 seasons. He also led the NBA in rebounding and double-doubles until fracturing his right foot in the 2000-01 season.

Collison is said to be healthy after surgeries on both shoulders.

“We have a lot of shooting on our club. That’s our identity,” said general manager Rick Sund. “But we’ve lacked really the interior presence, and hopefully with the acquisition of Danny and the acquisition of Nick Collison … we’ve at least focused on that need. Now we’ve got to see if the chemistry works and how they fit in.”