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Robert Swift Player File Swift's Development Ongoing Sonics News Archive

Robert Swift

It was no surprise when Swift saw limited action in his first season out of Bakersfield High School after being taken with the Sonics with the 12th pick of the 2004 Draft, especially given the Sonics won 52 games and the Northwest Division and had several veterans at center. But Swift's lack of playing time had become an issue during his second season, to the point where he wondered publicly if his development might not be helped by a stint in the NBA Development League.

"Sometimes, what happens is they'll wake up one morning and they'll just get it. It seems like that's what happened to Robert in New York." Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty

Bob Hill had other ideas. After taking over the Sonics head coaching duties, Hill promoted Swift into the rotation behind fellow youngster Johan Petro at center. The move has paid instant dividends, with Swift more than matching his previous career output over the last seven games - 42 points, 26 rebounds and six blocks in 115 minutes. On a per-40 minute basis, Swift has averaged 14.6 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.1 blocks while showing immense potential. Opinions are split as to what explains Swift's sudden surge.

To Swift, it was a matter of opportunity and knowing that he would play.

"Before, the coaches were telling me, 'You might get in this game - be ready. If we get a chance, we're going to put you in for a couple of minutes,'" said Swift. "Coach Hill hasn't done that. He's told me, 'You're going to get in, you're going to play - be ready.' There's a little bit of a rotation time-wise, so I know when I'm getting in the game, what to watch for, when to be ready."

Assistant Coach Jack Sikma, who has worked closely with Swift since the beginning of his NBA career, sees that time, effort and preparation paying off in games.

"The thing about Robert that I think will be born out through this process is he spent a lot of time preparing," said Sikma. "He wasn't thrown into the mix unprepared. I think it shows up in his play the last few games, where positioning-wise he's where he's supposed to be. He understands the team defense concept. Offensively, he shows comfort in the post and makes quality moves.

"Playing live in the game is the finish, the end of the spectrum. All that understanding what we're trying to achieve out there, mentally going through and listening and watching other people's mistakes and learning from that, the mental absorption takes you so far. Robert went through a lot of that last year, so when the opportunity did present itself, he was better prepared."

While Hill also felt it was time for Swift to get an opportunity to get game experience and that was the only way the young 7-footer would get better, he's seen a different player since the Sonics Jan. 8 game in New York, in which Swift finished with four points and two rebounds in a strong 11-minute stint.

"I've been around 7-footers my whole career, starting when I first started as coach," Hill said. "I know them pretty good, I know their personalities. Most of them, their self-esteem as a person comes late. Sometimes, what happens is they'll wake up one morning and they'll just get it. It seems like that's what happened to Robert in New York. We put him in the game in New York and I'm watching the game and watching him and thinking, 'Who is that guy?'"

Swift's performance in New York was only the beginning, as he's maintained that performance over longer and longer stints. On Friday, Swift scored eight points and grabbed a career-high eight rebounds in 22 minutes. Monday against the Warriors, Swift scored a career-high 12 points, grabbed seven rebounds, blocked two shots and did not commit a foul or a turnover in 22 minutes.

"Every game I get just a little bit more confidence, a little more understanding of the game," said Swift. "It gets a little bit easier every game and a lot more fun."

To some extent, nerves may have played a role in Swift's inconsistent performance during the preseason. Swift started the Sonics first two preseason games, but struggled in that role.

"He was nervous - if you remember, he started the first exhibition game at home and he hit the backboard with his free throws," said Hill. "That was a factor, no question. He's beyond it now. He just needed the opportunity to play under pressure and get beyond the nerves."

Sonics guard Ray Allen recalled overcoming nerves when he first began his collegiate career at Connecticut.

"I was playing against the University of Hartford in college, my freshman year," said Allen. "I remember running out on the floor being afraid with the basketball. I knew I could play, but I was just having those nervous jitters. I didn't want to put the ball on the floor or make a mistake; I didn't want to upset any of my teammates or step on anybody's toes. That's the stage he has gone through and he's been doing it on a level where he's got grown men going at him."

Swift and Sikma aren't as certain of how much nerves affected the youngster's performance - "I think there may be some element of that, but I don't think that's unnatural or different for Robert from anyone else," Sikma said - but there is little question that the confidence and effusive praise Hill has showered on Swift has been a factor in his performance the last two weeks.

"That's one of the main things that's helped me, knowing that the coach has confidence in me and trusts me to be out there and help the team win," said Swift.

Swift has also had to build up his frame to battle against the NBA's behemoths on the low blocks. While Swift retains his lanky build, he's added muscular definition on top of it.

"He and (Assistant Coach of Player Development) Dwight Daub have done such a good job in the weight room," said Hill. "If you take a hard look at him right now, you can see the muscles are starting to show."

"He makes one play last night where he blocks the shot, he goes up in the air, he tips it to Luke. We get a three-on-two break; Luke keeps it, misses the layup, Robert tip-dunks it." Rocky Widner/NBAE/Getty

"Coach Daub deserves a lot of credit and Robert deserves a lot of credit," added Sikma. "That's nothing but time and focus on what Robert needs to be effective on the court. He's gained strength, both lower and upper body."

From a qualitative perspective as well as in terms of statistics, Swift's performance against the Warriors was the most impressive of his career. The Golden State broadcast crew raved about Swift, and he made several plays that were well beyond his years. Hill was impressed by a play that showed Swift's development at both ends.

"He makes one play last night where he blocks the shot, he goes up in the air, he tips it to Luke (Ridnour)," said Hill. "We get a three-on-two (break); Luke keeps it, misses the layup, Robert tip-dunks it. Those are the kind of plays that winning teams have on a normal basis."

Two other plays showed why the Sonics are considering giving Swift more touches in the post in the future. On one, Swift up-faked defender Adonal Foyle into the air before rising up with his shot. He drew enough contact for a foul but finished the shot anyway. In the second half, Swift was double-teamed by the Warriors but patiently found the open man, Ridnour, for a jumper.

"Those are things that make us very excited," said Sikma. "Robert should be complimented, but also you see there's still so much more out there. He, I think, has a sense of the big picture."

The next step for Swift could be a promotion to the starting lineup. He started the second half of Saturday's game against the L.A. Clippers and has played more minutes than Petro in each of the last three games, making a flip-flop of the young centers a realistic possibility that Hill is considering during the Sonics three-day break before they return to the court Friday against Toronto (7:30 p.m, , FSN).

"I talked to Robert last night on the plane about possibly starting," Hill explained. "My question to him was, 'Do you think you're ready for the responsibilities of being a starter?' I don't want to force-feed that on him if he and I don't think he's ready. All indications are that he is, but it's still different than coming off the bench."

Swift isn't concerned about whether he starts or comes off the bench, saying, "I've never been in that role yet, so I could be wrong, but for me, it's not really a matter of starting or coming off the bench, it's stepping on the court and giving 100%, no matter whether it's first quarter or second quarter."

That attitude has brought Swift a long way already.