Seattle SuperSonics guard Ray Allen will see an ankle specialist after an MRI exam Thursday revealed a loose particle in his right ankle.

Allen, a three-time All-Star who joined the Sonics in the blockbuster trade that sent Gary Payton to Milwaukee last February, complained of soreness during Seattle's preseason win over Golden State on Wednesday night.

He left with two minutes remaining in the third quarter and didn't return.

Allen was examined Thursday afternoon and didn't accompany the team to a public scrimmage in Bellingham, Wash., at Western Washington University.

Sonics general manager Rick Sund said late Thursday that team officials didn't have any additional information. He didn't know if the loose particle was a bone chip, a torn ligament or some other body.

"We're always concerned when a player takes himself out of a game because he's hurting a little bit," Sund said. "Then we're concerned when an MRI shows he's got a loose piece in his ankle.

"But I don't want to jump to any conclusions. He had an MRI today. He will see a specialist tomorrow, and then we should know more."

Allen, who was scheduled to visit a specialist Friday in Seattle, averaged 24.5 points in 29 games after joining the Sonics last season. Last summer, he played on the United States team in a qualifying tournament for the Athens Olympics.

He also earned a gold medal with the U.S. team at the Sydney Olympics

Close

Today's Top News		Top Sports News
+China, Australia agree on free trade study ( 2003-10-24) +Law puts onus on drivers to be alert ( 2003-10-24) +China capable of launching 10-ton space station module ( 2003-10-24) +Top legislator to visit DPRK next week ( 2003-10-24) +External influence complicates court ruling ( 2003-10-24)		+Sonics' Allen to visit ankle specialist ( 2003-10-24) +Lakers' Bryant plays in exhibition game ( 2003-10-24) +Utah Jazz beat the N.Y. Knicks, 77-60 ( 2003-10-24) +Timberwolves defeat Pacers, 90-73 ( 2003-10-24) +Nets defeat 76ers, 90-83 ( 2003-10-24)