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Ronald "Flip" Murray

During the Sonics first practice of the new season, Murray strained his left quad. Murray was sidelined virtually all of training camp and, after returning to the lineup, re-aggravated the injury in the Sonics season opener, putting him on the injured list for the next month and a half.

"It was frustrating to a point, knowing that I wanted to play and couldn't play, but it was a good thing, because we were out here winning." Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty

In Murray's absence, the starting point guard role he was in the running for was claimed by Luke Ridnour, while Antonio Daniels emerged as the Sonics third guard. With the Sonics starting the season 17-3, then-Coach Nate McMillan didn't want to throw off the team's momentum by altering the rotation. Murray had occasional opportunities to play regularly because of injuries, including in the last three weeks of the season, but it was a tough season nonetheless.

"It was frustrating to a point, knowing that I wanted to play and couldn't play," recalled Murray after the Sonics practiced Friday. "I was out for too much with the injuries. Then coming back to a situation where the team was doing well, they were off to a great start and coach didn't want to mess with the rotation. It was a little frustrating, but it was a good thing, because we were out here winning."

A year later, Murray is healthy and ready to compete for a larger role in the backcourt. With Daniels departing for Washington as a free agent, the opportunity is there for Murray. He's competing with point guard Rick Brunson and swingman Damien Wilkins for backup minutes.

"We could go with a type of situation where Flip Murray wins the AD Replacement Award and he plays the one and the two," said Sonics Coach Bob Weiss at Media Day. "I've got options of bringing Brunson in to back up Luke and sliding Wilkins to the two, get him minutes at the two and the three. Coaches love those kinds of options."

If the Sonics are looking to replace Daniels, Murray would be the obvious choice. Like Daniels, Murray is capable of playing both backcourt positions and brings good size to the point. Both players are also capable scorers and effective at penetrating to the basket.

Can Murray do what Daniels did?

"I don't see why not," said All-Star guard Ray Allen. "I think he has every ability to be able to create, get to the basket and score. He's better than AD in my opinion."

"AD's a good player, great player that did a lot for us last year," said Murray. "So if I can come in and help the team as much as AD did last year, I think we've got a good chance of doing the same thing we did last year."

So far, that's what Weiss has seen of Murray during the first week of practice.

"Flip's been playing great," said Weiss. "(He needs to) just continue playing like he's playing. He's been playing very well."

Entering his third full season with the Sonics after re-signing the Sonics one-year qualifying offer as a restricted free agent this summer, Murray doesn't feel any pressure to prove what he is capable of during training camp.

"The only thing I can do is go out there and play basketball," he said. "I don't feel like I have to go out there and prove anything to anybody. I believe the coaching staff knows what I can do already. Bob Weiss, I've been with him for three years, so he's got a pretty good idea what I can do."

"I believe if I have the ball in my hands, that's where my comfort zone is." Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty

While Murray had his greatest NBA success stepping for Allen when the All-Star shooting guard was sidelined early in the 2003-04 season (Murray began the season by scoring at least 20 points in 10 of the Sonics first 12 games before cooling off), point guard has always been his preferred position.

"I like to play the point," Murray said. "I believe if I have the ball in my hands, that's where my comfort zone is - with the ball in my hands, not coming off of screens. I believe I can penetrate and help others as well as get my own shot off."

Playing a combo guard role for the Sonics would mean Murray working together with Allen, a pair of players who are looking to put the ball in the basket. Both players, however, sound excited about the possibility.

"I love to get out there and play with Ray," said Murray.

"I've always liked playing with Flip, because Flip is a great one-on-one player and he can get to the hole," said Allen. "And he's still learning the game, so I think he has the aptitude to create more assists, I think even more than AD did. It's just a matter of him getting in there and playing."

That was definitely the case last year. Now, there's nothing standing in Murray's way.

"I'm just coming in knowing I've got a chance to play this year," Murray said. "I just want to make sure I come in here ready to impress the coaches and show them I'm ready to play this year."