Sonics Notebook: Watson breaks right thumb

The Sonics' point-guard situation became more murky Tuesday when the team revealed that Earl Watson could miss as much as four months with a fractured right thumb.

According to a team news release, Watson injured the thumb during workouts in Los Angeles, where he resides in the offseason. He will undergo surgery Thursday and is expected to miss the entire summer and perhaps part of the regular season.

"We are confident Earl will work hard toward a healthy and timely recovery and look forward to getting him back on the court," general manager Sam Presti said in the release.

The injury is a costly one for the Sonics, who likely were hoping to deal Watson or Luke Ridnour this summer to clear playing time for No. 1 draft pick Russell Westbrook. Watson was coming off a career season and was the likely starter for the 2008-09 season.

Ridnour is owed $13 million over the next two seasons and endured an injury-riddled campaign. Westbrook was drafted as the team's point guard of the future and is expected to serve as a backup until he learns the offense and becomes more seasoned.

Watson's injury could mean the Sonics will enter the season with Ridnour as the starter until they deal him and are able to acquire a cheaper veteran. Watson also has two years left on his deal at $12.8 million, but fits more with the Sonics' defensive philosophy.

Veterans such as Tyronn Lue, Eddie House, Anthony Carter and Anthony Johnson are free agents.

SUMMER LEAGUE ROSTER: Top draft pick Westbrook and forward Jeff Green head the Sonics' roster for the Orlando Pro Summer League from July 7-11.

Westbrook, 19, from UCLA, is one of three 2008 NBA draft choices on the roster. He was the fourth overall selection in last week's draft.

The other draft picks on the roster are forward D.J. White, from Indiana, and 6-foot-11 center DeVon Hardin, from California.

The 6-9 Green, the fifth overall pick in the 2007 draft from Georgetown, averaged 10.5 points and 4.7 rebounds in 80 games, including 52 starts, with the Sonics as a rookie last season.

The most interesting player on the roster is Ndudi Ebi, 24, who passed up on a scholarship to Arizona to enter the draft and was the 26th pick overall in 2003 by Minnesota. He played 19 games over two years before flaming out.

The coaches are Scott Brooks, Ralph Lewis, Mark Bryant and Brian Keefe.