Wilcox appointed veteran leader of young Sonics

Just a month removed from his 25th birthday, Chris Wilcox was reminded of his newly anointed veteran status on the Sonics roster following an introductory conversation with rookie Jeff Green.

Green, who grew up blocks from the University of Maryland campus, told Wilcox that he idolized the athletic forward during the Terrapins' run to the 2002 NCAA title when Green was a 16-year-old high school junior. Wilcox was 19 at the time, yet was considered a grizzled college veteran by the admiring Green.

It's five years later and Seattle is 2,764 miles west of College Park, Md., but matters have changed little for Wilcox. He is barely 25, but has emerged as a mid-level veteran on a youthful Sonics team.

He is the team's leading returning scorer following the departures of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis.

"Ray and Rashard are two good guys and we wish they were here, but they went to better situations for themselves," he said after Wednesday's first practice at the Furtado Center. "We've got some guys in here that are going to be good for us. I think it's a good opportunity for me and for my team. I want my numbers to be better and I want my team to be better."

Wilcox has long wowed NBA observers with his size and athletic ability, but has struggled living up to expectations. He was criticized for his work ethic while with the Los Angeles Clippers and grew discouraged when the team made a long-term commitment to Elton Brand. And in 1 1/2 seasons with Seattle, Wilcox has been streaky.

While Wilcox has labored during the early season, he has responded with stellar play in the second half. After joining the Sonics in a February 2006 trade with the Clippers, Wilcox averaged 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds.

In the final two months of last season, Wilcox averaged 14.4 points and 7.6 rebounds and shot 55 percent from the field. The Sonics need Wilcox to develop into more of a weapon in November, especially without the same veteran leadership -- Lewis and Allen -- that supported the team for years.

"It's a different situation for me. It's good because I have a group of guys that's behind me," he said. "And we have a lot of young guys here and we can develop chemistry and grow together. It was tough to develop that last year with guys being out and hurt."

During a scrimmage Wednesday, Wilcox started from the free-throw line, dribbled to his right and converted a pretty layup. Taking defenders off the dribble is an aspect Wilcox has lacked during his career. He is strong once he gets the ball near the basket, but Wilcox lacks a consistent post move, making him easier to defend.

He sought this summer to change that perception. For a second consecutive summer, he worked out with former NBA player and coach John Lucas in Houston and was determined to develop more of a post game away from the basket.

"I already got it around the basket, being explosive, but I want to make sure every time I get it in the post to a comfortable spot, nine times out of 10, I am going to score," he said. "That was something I wasn't consistent with last season. At the same time, I really wasn't getting an opportunity. I want the coaches to know that if you get the ball around the basket, I am going to score or get to the line."

Sometimes criticized for his laid-back demeanor and lack of consistent fire, Wilcox said he realizes his role has significantly changed on the roster despite his still relative inexperience. Entering his sixth season, Wilcox has the third-most NBA experience on the squad behind Wally Szczerbiak (ninth year) and Earl Watson (seventh).

Lucas said he noticed more maturity in Wilcox this summer.

He expects players to show up early for workouts, but put the onus on the player to maximize the session.

"He really, really worked hard, got himself in great shape and tried to establish more of an inside game," Lucas said Wednesday. "With his speed and athleticism, he plays right into what P.J. (Carlesimo) likes to do as a coach. And he got stronger and worked on some go-to moves."

Lucas said Wilcox reminds him of former Denver forward Antonio McDyess the summer before his breakout season in 1998-99, when he led the Nuggets in scoring, blocked shots and steals.

"I think this year and the next year he will really come into his own with Rashard and Ray being gone," Lucas said. "Chris can really rebound the basketball, run, block shots from the weak side, but he needs to improve his post defense. This summer, I saw the development of a pro mind-set; he was in better shape than he was before. It wasn't about finding any shortcuts. I expect him to have a real solid year."