updated 1:40 p.m. ET Oct. 27, 2006

SEATTLE - SuperSonics center Robert Swift, who won the starting job with his defense and hustle in the preseason, will miss the entire regular season after tearing the ACL in his right knee.

Swift was injured early in Wednesday night’s exhibition game against Sacramento. He left the arena on crutches and underwent an MRI exam on Thursday. Additional testing by team physicians Friday morning confirmed the injury.

Surgery hasn’t been scheduled, but Swift is expected to be out for eight to nine months.

“We’re very disappointed for Robert, especially given all the hard work he put in this offseason,” general manager Rick Sund said.

The Sonics lost Swift only 1:17 into the game against Sacramento when he went out of bounds awkwardly in front of Seattle’s bench. He was taken immediately to the locker room and did not return.

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“I went to jump, but my right leg didn’t jump with me,” Swift said after the game.

Swift was the No. 12 pick in the 2004 draft out of Bakersfield High School in Bakersfield, Calif. He played in 47 games last season and averaged 6.4 points and 5.6 rebounds.

This preseason, Swift played in seven games. His numbers weren’t staggering — 3.0 points and 4.6 rebounds — but he outplayed fellow young center Johan Petro and won the starting job.

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Petro is now expected to be the starter with rookie Mouhamed Sene as his backup.

“While we feel for Robert and wish him a speedy recovery, we’re fortunate to have depth at the center position and will still be ready to tip off the season next week,” Sund said.

Seattle opens the regular season next Wednesday against Portland.

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