The Supersonics waived University of Illinois standout Roger Powell tonight despite an impressive training camp in which he may have earned some looks by other teams. Powell has been in heated competition with Noel Felix, Mateen Cleaves, and Alex Scales for what is assumed to be a final roster spot on the team.
The timing involved in waiving a player always has a number of factors. In the case of a guy like Powell they are likely giving him an early shot at catching on with another team. A great example of a training camp "failure" made good is former Sonics invitee Jason Hart who got involved in a numbers game during the 2003 training camp and was cut by the Sonics only to be signed and see serious playing time with the San Antonio Spurs. Hart turned that opportunity into a multi-year deal and currently is serving as a backup for the Sacramento Kings.
The final roster spot of a subject of fierce debate with Mateen Cleaves likely being the leading candidate simply because of his experience and positive locker room presence. He has been seriously challenged by the strong play of Noel Felix and Alex Scales and it is starting to become possible that the team could keep two of those three and make another move.
Who do you think should make the final cut for the Sonics?