By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Damien Wilkins seemed pleased with his performance this season, but it’s nothing compared to the feeling he experienced April 2.
The Washington native became a new father that day when Jayden Lamont Wilkins was born at 3:30 a.m. The baby was 7 pounds and 20 inches at birth.
Wilkins took on somewhat of a fatherly approach this season with the Seattle SuperSonics (20-62). The third-year veteran was a mentor to rookies Kevin Durant and Jeff Green.
Wilkins put up career-high numbers with 9.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.3 blocks per game.
Wilkins played an average of 24:18 minutes per game. After watching veterans Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis head to different teams, the Sonics turned to their younger players in a youth movement as they tried to get the rookies plenty of experience.
Wilkins started off the season red-hot, hitting for double digits in 14 of 18 games. That included a 41-outburst — a career-high — in a 126-123 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
The swing man hit 15 of 20 shots from the field, including 4 of 5 from 3-point range, and 7 of 10 free throws. He also had a season-high nine rebounds in the game.
Wilkins was one of 11 Sonics under contract at the end of the season. While he said he would like to play for the team again next year, nothing is certain.
If Wilkins is back with the Sonics, that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be back in Seattle. There is talk that the team may move to Oklahoma City.
Fun Day/Hoop Camp
Wilkins is excited for his annual “Fun Day,” which will be held June 21. This year will mark the fourth community get-together.
The event will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. at the John Small School field across from the Boys and Girls Club. Admission is free and children will eat for free, while adults will pay $2 for a plate of food.
For the second year, Wilkins will hold a basketball camp for area youngsters. The camp will be held June 17-20 at P.S. Jones Middle School.