Sonics' Watson not over troubles with role

After watching his backup point guard hesitate on open shots, force passes and commit four fouls in 13 minutes Wednesday, Sonics coach Bob Hill decided it was time to have a private conversation with struggling Earl Watson.

Watson complained last week in Charlotte about backing up Luke Ridnour, telling reporters that perhaps third-string point guard Mike Wilks would be better suited for the role. Watson said a day later that he had to overcome his disenchantment and become more productive.

Despite being told of Watson's comments, Hill did not meet with the sixth-year guard on the road trip and thought matters were settled when Watson dished out seven assists in 15 minutes in Monday's win over New Jersey.

Watson does not appear to be over his problems with his role. In Wednesday's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Watson missed four of five shots, including all three 3-point attempts. Because of his erratic shooting, defenses are inviting Watson to launch jumpers and he is obliging.

He has missed 21 of 27 3-pointers this season and is shooting just 31 percent from the field. If Watson could hit his perimeter shot as he did last season, defenses would be forced to stretch out, enabling him to drive to the basket and dish.

Hill met with Watson before Thursday's abbreviated practice to discuss his struggles and his issues with minutes.

"I don't think he doesn't like the role as a backup, what he doesn't like is the minutes that he's getting," Hill said. "I explained to him this morning, you're shooting 32 percent from the field and 22 percent from the 3-point line, and you've taken the third-most 3's on the team. I put in his summer program to develop an in-between game, and that's what Earl's got to do.

"Not just Earl but any quality point guard has that in their game, they just do. Dwyane Wade shoots 60 percent in there. Those guys make those plays in there. That's what Luke has done."

Ridnour is shooting 51.4 percent from the field and 50 percent from the 3-point line. If there was any question about the starting point guard position in training camp, it has been erased in the first two weeks of the season.

Hill called his conversation with Watson "real," meaning he gave the guard strong suggestions about how to improve his game and increase playing time.

"The one thing that players don't like is accountability," Hill said. "And it's my job to make them accountable. That's the process I'm in with Earl. I think the world of Earl. Earl's a huge part of this team, and I have to push a button to get him to play like he's capable."

When asked what Watson should do when defenses leave him open for a 3-pointer, Hill said: "I'm not going to talk about that in the newspaper. It's a catch-22 because you have to believe in your players. Last year he shot 42 percent, so I have got to let him work through it. So if he's going to take 3's and miss them, then I've got to take him out."

Hill said Watson was responsive to his advice. Watson left practice before reporters were allowed in and did not return a cell phone call Thursday night.

"He's in a good frame of mind now and I think he will play better (tonight)," Hill said. "He is as important a player on our team as we've got in terms of winning games and reaching our goals. We had a really good talk. It was a real conversation."

RAY OK? Ray Allen was seething after Wednesday's loss to the 76ers, telling reporters that during the fourth quarter, "I was in the corner the whole time. I didn't do much."

Later during the postgame interview, Allen was asked whether former Sonics and Connecticut teammate Kevin Ollie defended him better because of familiarity. Allen responded: "Kevin does what everybody does, stays on me and then I go stand in the corner. And I am easy to guard when I am down there."

Hill said Allen did not express any issues with the offense or playcalling during Thursday's practice.

"He didn't say anything to me," Hill said. "I think he's driving to the basket more, but he doesn't get fouled when he drives. I know Ray's got an enormous amount of confidence in his ability to score. He would say something to me if he was unhappy."

SONICS VS. JAZZ

WHEN/WHERE: Tonight, 7:30, KeyArena

TV/RADIO: FSN; KTTH-AM/770

UTAH (7-1)

Pts Ast Reb

GD. Williams 16.9 8.5 2.5

GC.J. Miles 4.9 1.1 1.4

FR. Brewer 3.9 0.1 1.0

FM. Okur 17.5 1.6 8.8

CC. Boozer 21.1 3.6 12.6

SEATTLE (4-5)

Pts Ast Reb

GL. Ridnour 16.2 6.6 3.1

GR. Allen 25.1 3.2 3.2

FR. Lewis 23.7 2.4 6.9

FC. Wilcox 12.0 1.9 9.8

CJ. Petro 4.8 0.5 3.6

WHAT TO KNOW: The Jazz is the league's hottest team, reeling off three consecutive wins, including a 112-90 pasting of the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. Okur scored 27 points and Boozer pulled down 15 rebounds. ... Boozer has been the key to the Jazz success. After rumors surfaced he was on the trading block, Boozer has emerged as the player the Jazz wanted when he signed a $68 million contract two years ago. He is second in the NBA with 12.6 rebounds per game. ... The Jazz has five players averaging in double figures, including veteran Derek Fisher, who is Williams' backup and mentor. And the Jazz has done all this mostly without standout Andrei Kirilenko, who will not play because of a sprained ankle and had averaged just 8.4 points before being hurt. ... The Sonics were beaten up Wednesday by the 76ers in their first home game in 10 days. ... Coach Bob Hill gave his starters most of the day off Thursday to rest as they try to adjust to being home after an eight-day road trip. ... Lewis is playing at an All-Star level, scoring 25 points with 15 rebounds against Philadelphia. He has scored 52 points with 26 rebounds in his past two games.

WHO TO WATCH: Williams has had a tough rookie year, being benched at one point by coach Jerry Sloan, but he is emerging into a frontline NBA point guard because of his size (6-3, 210) and ability to score. Williams scored 53 points with 29 assists in a two-game stretch.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: The Sonics took three of four from the Jazz last season.

ROLL CALL: Sonics -- C Robert Swift (torn anterior cruciate ligament) is out. 76ers -- Kirilenko (sprained right ankle) and G Gordan Giricek (sprained right Achilles tendon) are out.

-- Gary Washburn

P-I reporter Gary Washburn can be reached at 206-448-8006 or garywashburn@seattlepi.com.

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