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In his first one-on-one meeting with new principal owner Clay Bennett prior to Sunday's game against San Antonio, Sonics coach Bob Hill didn't plead his case. The coach is in the final months of a two-year deal, and vice chairman Lenny Wilkens said a decision regarding Hill's future will be made after the season. While the Sonics haven't performed well consistently, only point guard Luke Ridnour is not averaging a career best in either points, rebounds, or assists. Hill and his staff have drastically improved five players — Chris Wilcox, Nick Collison, Earl Watson, Johan Petro and Damien Wilkins, and Allen was averaging a career-best 26.4 points on two bum ankles. Because of the players' development under strenuous situations and the fact that the Sonics have played 31 games that were decided by six points or less, dropping 19, Hill believes he should return next season. "I think I've earned the right to coach this team healthy," said Hill. "That's how I feel. Based on the improvement of the players, the development, putting them in a style, getting Ray and Rashard having career years — I've earned it. That doesn't mean anything, but that's how I feel." |