Sonics Photos POTAPENKO’S STATISTICS SEASON CAREER 4.0 PPG 7.0 3.4 RPG 4.8 0.2 APG 0.7 0.35 SPG 0.48 0.31 BPG 0.37 15.5 MPG 19.9 .441 FG% .476

General Manager Rick Sund on Vitaly Potapenko:
On last season: "First of all, Vitaly surprised us all because he wasn’t supposed to be ready at all. He’s such a hard-working guy. He got ready to be able to make some contributions in January, but then it made our committee bigger and made it more difficult for Nate (McMillan) to make those decisions."

2002-03 Season:
When the Sonics acquired Vitaly Potapenko as part of their five-player deal with the Boston Celtics last summer, no one quite knew when to expect from him on the court. Potapenko had torn ligaments in his left knee between the regular season and the playoffs, and the resulting knee surgery was supposed to keep out until as late as January or February. After coming over, Potapenko impressed the Sonics staff with his work ethic. Thanks to hours of grueling rehabilitation, Potapenko was ready to play by mid-December.

With Jerome James out and the Sonics struggling to find a consistent backup to starting center Predrag Drobnjak as well as more toughness inside, Potapenko’s return seemed like a godsend. In his first action of the season, Potapenko played 18 minutes against the San Antonio Spurs and their imposing front line of Tim Duncan and David Robinson. Potapenko more than held his own, scoring four points and grabbing seven rebounds. He continued to play a regular role through James’ return, as it coincided with an offensive slump that caused Drobnjak to lose minutes. After struggling with his shot in December, Potapenko shot 50% from the field in January and 58.3% in February.

Jeff Reinking/NBAE/Getty

Like most of the Sonics big men, Potapenko found his role redefined following the trade deadline. He played just six games and a total of 56 minutes the remainder of the season because of the team’s logjam at center. That figures to resolve itself somewhat next season, giving Potapenko the chance to reassume a key bench role like he filled in Boston.

At his best ...
Potapenko had an excellent outing against the Portland Trail Blazers on Feb. 15. Playing 22 minutes, he made all six of his field-goal attempts, finishing with 13 points, and grabbed six rebounds. It was not enough for the Sonics, however, as they lost by a 101-96 final.

Season Highs:
Points: 13 @ Portland, 2/15/03
Rebounds: 9 vs. San Antonio, 1/8/03
Assists: 1 four times
Blocks: 2 vs. Portland, 3/11/03
Steals: 2 vs. San Antonio, 1/8/03, vs. Boston, 2/11/03

SUPERSONICS.COM Player of the Week:
Jan. 31-Feb. 6

Interesting tidbit
Potapenko, a native of the Ukraine, has the nickname “Ukraine Train”.