USA - Swift injury puts focus on Petro

SEATTLE (NBA) - France international Johan Petro is likely to be elevated to the status of starting center for the Seattle SuperSonics after the team lost Robert Swift for the season with a torn ACL in his right knee.

Swift, 20, was tabbed as the starter after an outstanding pre-season campaign, but was hurt in Wednesday's pre-season win over Sacramento. He underwent an MRI on Thursday that was reviewed Friday morning by team doctors.

Swift will undergo surgery and require a minimum of eight months' rehabilitation.

"We're very disappointed for Robert, especially given all the hard work he put in this off-season," SuperSonics general manager Rick Sund said.

"Robert had recently been named the starting center for opening night, which is a testament to the strides he had made since last season."

In seven pre-season games, the 7ft Swift averaged 3.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.14 blocks in 19 minutes.

One week ago, the Sonics exercised Swift's $2.6 million option for the 2007-08 season.

The Sonics selected Swift out of high school with the 12th pick in the 2004 draft. He has appeared in 63 games in two seasons, averaging 5.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks.

The injury means that two more 20-year-old's - the 7ft Petro and Senegal international Saer Sene - will be asked to fill the breach.

Petro is expected to start with Sene as his back-up.

Petro, who averaged 5.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in 68 contests last season, extended his contract last week at the same time as Swift.

"While we feel for Robert and wish him a speedy recovery, we're fortunate to have depth at the center position and will still be ready to tip off the season next week," Sund said.

Seattle open their season on Wednesday against the Portland Trail Blazers.

PA Sport