SuperSonics.com: With the rest of the preseason, are you focusing on how the reserves will reinforce the starters?

Nate McMillan: I think it is close. We are getting closer to giving the first nine players more minutes with the combinations we want. With these last few preseason games, we want to basically start to finalize the roster, finalize the lineup we want to start with and the establish the rotations that will support the starters.

SS: How would you evaluate Vladimir Radmanovic's progress in the preseason games?

NM: It is like I expected. He still has a lot to learn about the NBA game, but his skill level is high. Understanding how to play the NBA game takes some time. Right now he is rushing everything as opposed to allowing the game to come to him and being able to feel the game. He just needs to learn when to be aggressive and when to let the game come to him. He probably feels as if he is going at a slow pace, but in reality, he is going way faster than he needs to be on both ends of the floor.

SS: As a rookie, do you expect him to be a regular contributor during the regular season?

NM: Will he be a go-to guy? I don't think so this year. Will he be a guy where if you put him in the game and leave him open, can he knock down a shot? Yes. He can be an effective role player. He will contribute because he can give you a few minutes. He won't hurt you in the few minutes he plays and he can actually do more good than harm, but that is expected of a rookie from another country.

SS: What kind of impact has Jerome James had in the preseason?

NM: He is similar to Vladimir because he really hasn't played in the league. They are both a little nervous about playing here and how to play, and so they are making some mistakes. Jerome has been bothered with tendonitis. When he played his first game, you could see the nervousness on his face. It is expected of these young guys at this level. I expect them to settle down in the middle of the season and be more relaxed. When Jerome gets going and understands how to use his body, he has a nice touch offensively. If he gets in a deep post position, he can score. He needs to work more defensively because he thinks of scoring first, but he can be a very good player when he gets his game going on both ends of the court.

SS: Where do you expect the starters' readiness to be as the regular season approaches?

NM: I really want to see that they are in good shape. Most teams get off to a slow start, so it is important to execute early and get off to a good start. It really helps when you get injuries or need a cushion. Last year, we got off to a slow start because of a difficult schedule. This year, we have that same difficult schedule. I just want our condition and our focus to be there and make sure we execute all the things we worked on in training camp.

SS How is Dean Demopoulos fitting in as the Sonics new assistant coach?

NM: Dean is a very good pickup for us. He is an extremely motivated coach and is not afraid to voice his opinion. The more I work with him, the more I like him as an addition to our staff. He is not fearful of stars or players from rough backgrounds. We're using a lot of the things he has given us as far as drills and insight on defense and protecting the ball.