1989-90 - This Close

After adding first-round draft picks Dana Barros and Shawn Kemp, the Sonics were unable to maintain their 88-89 form. The team slipped to 41-41, but still had a chance to make the playoffs heading into the season finale at Golden State. In an epic battle, Warriors point guard Tim Hardaway ended the Sonics' playoff hopes with a late score. Ellis remained the team's leading scorer, but his 23.5 points per game average was down four points from the season before, and his three-point percentage dropped nearly 100 points. Ellis also missed 27 games with injuries. After losing center Alton Lister, the Sonics used Michael Cage at center with Derrick McKey and Xavier McDaniels as the mcforwards. With Olden Polynice as the only true center on the roster, the Sonics lacked interior defense and allowed 105.9 points per game. Barros averaged 9.7 points per game and was tied for fifth on the team in scoring as a rookie, while Kemp - whose selection was booed on draft night by Sonics fans - averaged just 6.5 points but showed obvious potential of developing into a superstar.

1989-90 roster
#NamePositionCollege
2Brad SellersSmall ForwardOhio State
3Dale EllisShooting GuardTennessee
4Sedale ThreattShooting GuardWest Virginia Tech
10Nate McMillanPoint GuardNorth Carolina State
11Dana BarrosGuardBoston College
15Avery JohnsonPoint GuardSouthern
20Quintin DaileyShooting GuardSan Francisco
21Jim FarmerGuard/ForwardAlabama
23Olden PolyniceCenterVirginia
31Derrick McKeySmall ForwardAlabama
33Steve JohnsonCenterOregon State
34Xavier McDanielForwardWichita State
40Shawn KempPower ForwardTrinity Valley JC
44Michael CageCenter/ForwardSan Diego State
50Scott MeentsForward/CenterIllinois

coaches/front office
Head Coach: Bernie Bickerstaff
Assistant Coaches: K.C. Jones, Bob Kloppenburg, Tom Newell
President: Bob Whitsitt

1989-90 stats