The Sonics have been trying for decades to find a consistent player at the center position. And you’ve heard the names before: Benoit Benjamin. Rich King. Jim McIlvaine. Calvin Booth, Jerome James — to name just a few. None of them panned out.

But the latest big man could be the real deal — if he can stay healthy. Robert Swift is coming back from season-ending knee surgery suffered toward the end of preseason last season. The 7-footer from Bakerfield, Calif. has put on some bulk that could make him the inside force this team sorely needs. But if Swift takes awhile to work up to his potential, Seattle should have enough in reserve to get by at the center spot this season.

Frontrunner

Robert Swift (7-0, 270, 3rd year)
Last year was supposed to be a breakout season for Swift. Instead, he spent the 2006-07 rehabilitating from surgery to repair an ACL tear in his right knee. The previous season Swift showed the promise of becoming a solid contributor in the league. He averaged 6.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and a block in 21 minutes a game. Swift should be given an opportunity to earn the starting spot again this season.

Pros: A legit 7-footer who moves well, rebounds, can block shots and can score inside. Former Seattle coach Bob Hill said the absence of Swift was one of the primary reasons Seattle underperformed last season.

Cons: He hasn’t played in a competitive basketball game in nearly a year, so there’s going to be some rust in his game. And there’s still some uncertainty to how his knee will respond, and how he’ll be able to carry the extra weight.

In the mix

If Swift is not ready, expect Nick Collison or Kurt Thomas to step into this role. You can see what I think about their strengths and weaknesses here.

Sleepers
Johan Petro (7-0, 247, 3rd year)
His play was up and down during last season, and continued that way throughout Seattle’s summer league schedule. He’s long, can block shoots and runs the floor well. But at times he seems disinterested and makes mistakes consistent with a young player early in his career. The Frenchman averaged 5.7 points and 4.2 rebounds in just over 18 minutes a contest. Petro started 13 games, and Seattle was 6-7 in those contests.

Pros: Petro can extend defenses with a good, mid-range jump shot. He’s a decent defender who can block a couple shots a game, and he moves well for a big man.

Cons: He needs to bring it consistently game in and game out.

Mouhamed Sene (6-11, 230, 2nd year)
Sene was the third straight center drafted by the Sonics during the Wally Walker era as Seattle tried to address its deficiency at center. Sene probably is the most raw of the three young centers. He spent time in the developmental league last season, and after watching him during the Las Vegas summer league, he’ll probably spend some more time there this season.

Pros: Has the potential to become a good defender inside with a long wing span. Plays with energy. At 21 years old he’s still young and has time to develop.

Cons: Sene still needs to develop consistent post moves on the block, and is out of position at times on the defensive end. He needs to play on a consistent basis to learn the game — which probably means another trip to the developmental league.