2000-01 In Review: Art Long began the 2000-01 campaign in France, playing for Villeurbanne, where he averaged 15.7 points and 7.5 rebounds over 36 games, which was good enough for him to make his league's All-Star team. Even better news was in store, as Long finally got the call, finishing the season with the Sacramento Kings on a pair of ten-day contracts. He did little in the NBA, however, not scoring in 20 minutes over nine games, though he did grab an impressive eight rebounds.

Previous Career: After graduating from the University of Cincinnati in 1996, Long immediately went overseas, playing with the Estrelas de Avenida in Portugal, where he averaged 17.3 points and 7.1 rebounds in 10 games. During 98-99, Long played with the Idaho Stampede in the CBA. The next season, he played with Yakima, where he was successful, averaging 16.6 points and 8.9 rebounds over 45 games before being released, supposedly because of an attitude problem.

Shooting/Scoring: Long is a very capable scorer in the post, where he can use his size to get good shots and demonstrates good touch. He has little in the way of a face-up game. Long is a poor free-throw shooter for a big man. Grade: C

Floor Game: Long doesn't do much with the ball besides get it in the post. He is a poor passer and ballhandler. He does run the floor well. Grade: D

Rebounding: Long is a strong rebounder, doing i t largely by virtue of talent as opposed to positioning and effort. Grade: B-

Defense: Defensively, Long uses his above-average strength -- especially for his size -- to control the post. He is somewhat of an enforcer in the lane, and does a fine job of blocking shots. Grade: B-

Intangibles: Long is reportedly a mental question mark. While at Cincinnati, he reportedly knocked down a horse with a punch, and his attitude seems to be holding him back. Grade: D-

Overall: Despite the fact that he got a shot last season, Long's chances seem to be dwindling. He's no longer particularly young, as he turned 29 the day before the beginning of this year's training camp. Though he would seem to have definite NBA talent if he got his attidue straight, there are dozens of players of whom that can be said, many of them younger than Long. Even worse, the Sonics already have a big man reclamation project in Jerome James, another big man and younger than Long. He's also fifth on the Sonic depth chart entering camp at power forward, behind starter Vin Baker, backup Olumide Oyedeji, and fellow camp invitees Eddie Elisma and Antonio Harvey. A return engagement with the NBA seems highly unlikely. Grade: D+

December 1 Update: Perhaps the most shocking development of opening night for the Sonics was Long being part of the rotation. At the time, it was generally assumed this was only temporary, but Long saw extensive time when injuries hit, and has continued to see spot minutes even after the return of most. Long is very good in some areas -- rebounding, intensity -- and so awful in others -- dribbling, passing, shooting outside of five feet. The main key for him is to play within himself and mostly stay out of the way on offense. If he learns this, Long could have a productive career in front of him.

January 1 Update: In a development only slightly less shocking than, say, this computer exploding into flames while you read this, Long emerged as the Sonics' starting center in the middle of December. Long's insertion into the lineup catalyzed the Sonics' 6 game winning streak to close the month. He works very well with the rest of this group, providing an inside force that other Sonics do not. He has controlled his turnovers and is playing smarter; lo and behold, a long -- and productive -- career does appear now to be in the cards.

February 1 Update: A bit of the luster went off the Long story in the month of January as his play declined sharply. While staying strong on the boards and continuing to play hard, Long suddenly became unable to make a shot. For the month, he made just 37% from the field and a horrendous 27% from the line. Add it up, and he started seeing his playing time cut into by the end of the month.

March 1 Update: Long's starting job went to Jerome James in the month of February, as he started just two games, but he continued to be valuable as a reserve crashing the boards and shooting a high (58%) percentage from the field. He also provided the Sonics' their best post defender, continuing to throw his body around willingly.

April 1 Update: In the middle of a second straight strong month replacing Vin Baker in the Sonics' rotation, scoring and rebounding, Long himself fell victim to injury, tearing a hamstring on the 22nd and going on the injured list. He is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season.