NBA draft: Sonics get their men

Howard Schultz smiled a devilish grin as he drove his Volkswagen convertible through the parking lot of the Sonics' practice facility yesterday, confident that his team acquired the draft picks that will return Seattle to the NBA playoffs.

"Great day for the Sonics," the owner said. "This is a turning point for the franchise. These are the guys we wanted. Believe me. Honestly. It couldn't have worked out any better."

Afterward, Schultz drove off into the sunset leaving general manager Rick Sund and coach Nate McMillan to celebrate a draft-day haul in which Seattle selected Kansas senior forward Nick Collison with the 12th pick and Oregon junior guard Luke Ridnour of Blaine at No. 14 in the NBA draft.

The blockbuster trade that had been rumored this week never materialized, although the Sonics did deal their second-round pick — — 41st selection Willie Green of Detroit Mercy — to Philadelphia for 6-foot-4 French guard Paccelis Morlende, selected 50th, and an unspecified amount of cash.

"We were trying to be as adaptive as we could," Sund said. "We looked into the possibility of moving down or getting some young veterans in the league, but as it turned out, we were very fortunate with Nick. We didn't think he was going to fall to us and we need a power forward.

"With Luke, we went offense over defense. What we basically said was coach McMillan wanted to talk about running next year and let's face it, the strength of our ballclub is shooting and we wanted to get somebody to get the ball to people."

Collison, a 6-9 forward, will help fill the need for a back-to-the-basket post player and lessen the desire to re-sign center Peja Drobnjak and forward Reggie Evans. Plans to lure a big-name free-agent forward such as Juwan Howard or P.J. Brown will also need to be re-evaluated.

Drafting Collison, who averaged 18.5 points and 10 rebounds last season and led the Jayhawks to the national-championship game, was imperative for a team that finished last in the Western Conference in rebounding last season and lacked scoring from its big men.

"Nick can come in and help us in the way that Raef LaFrentz came in and helped Dallas," said Sonics guard Ray Allen, who will team with Collison this summer on the USA Basketball team playing in the Olympic qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico.

The Sonics were so impressed with Collison after he worked out for coaches, scouts and front-office personnel that they nearly assured him they would draft him if he were available.

"They didn't flat out make a commitment, but they said they really liked me and painted the picture that if I was there they were going to take me," said Collison, who attended the draft at New York's Madison Square Garden. "I think I worked out pretty well and I think they liked me previously, and they have a big need for an inside player. So it's a perfect fit."

The perfect fit began forming when New York selected Georgetown junior Mike Sweetney with the ninth pick.

Washington chose Jarvis Hayes at No. 10 and Golden State selected French swingman Mickael Pietrus at 11.

"It was like waiting for the verdict," McMillan said. "You can't imagine what (our draft room) was like. Nervous doesn't begin to describe it."

Choosing Ridnour was less stressful.

The Sonics wanted help in the backcourt and were eyeing one of the top second-tier guards.

The news that the Sonics decided on the homegrown Ridnour received a mixed reaction from the 400 or so fans inside the Sonics' practice facility. Several cheered and screamed "Luke," but those who favored the 6-6 Gaines voiced their disapproval.

The 6-2 Ridnour averaged 19.7 points and 6.6 assists last season and was the Pac-10 player of the year.

"His best skill is delivering the ball," McMillan said before acknowledging concerns that Ridnour's defense needs improvement.

"I know I can play defense," Ridnour said. "It will take a little while to get used to the league, but I know I can do it. I just need to keep working hard and prove that as soon as I can."

The Sonics plan to have all three rookies participate on their summer-league team, which begins practice next week.

After taking a look at Morlende this summer, the Sonics will decide if the 22-year-old will return for training camp or remain in Europe.

When asked if the Sonics had improved, McMillan was slow to give an affirmative nod.

"I'm cautious," he said. "I think we have, but we'll see."

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