He's no bricklayer

This Mason could be Sonics' star of the future

By Mark Bechtel, Sports Illustrated

SEATTLE -- Experimentation is an ugly word, what with its 1970s progressive-rock connotations. But that's exactly what Seattle coach Nate McMillan is doing this year. (Experimenting, not cutting a record with one 53-minute song that consists of nothing but a guitar being played with a fork.)

"I look at it as a year of experimentation," he said. "For years we've always had two All-Stars here. Gary and Shawn [Kemp], Gary and [Vin] Baker, Gary and X-Man [Xavier McDaniel], Gary and Dale [Ellis]. We don't have that. We have Gary Payton. Which of our young guys is going to emerge and develop into a dominating player? Will it be [Desmond] Mason, will it be [Rashard] Lewis, will it be [Vladimir] Radmanovic, will it be Jerome [James]? They all have an opportunity to do it. The unknown is exciting to me."

Payton, who took a beating in the press for missing the beginning of camp after grumbling about a contract extension, will play a big part in figuring out which, if any, of those guys will improve. Last year Payton earned rave reviews for assuming a leadership role and doling out advice to youngsters. How well he helps nurture the youngsters this season will in part determine how good they become.

Lewis is a pretty good bet to work his way onto an All-Star team, but I wouldn't be surprised if Mason joins him one day. If you're looking for a good bet in the Most Improved Player Award race, consider Seattle's third-year shooting guard. McMillan will give him every opportunity to unseat starter Brent Barry at shooting guard, and Mason stands a pretty good chance of doing so. Barry had the best season of his career last year at age 30, so you've got to figure he's near his talent ceiling. Mason, on the other hand, is overflowing with potential and the ridiculous amount of natural athleticism that allowed him to win the slam dunk contest as a rookie. "In athleticism, he's probably in the top five in the league," said Lewis. "[He reminds me of] Dominique Wilkins. He plays hard and he can jump out of the gym."

As Harold Miner would gladly tell you (should you be able to find him), winning the slam dunk contest doesn't necessarily mean you're on your way to big things in the NBA. But Mason is smart -- very smart. (He was an art major at Oklahoma State\ and is quite accomplished; David Stern bought a portrait Mason did of Al Pacino.) He has picked up much in his first two seasons and understands what his shortcomings are, which is rare in a league filled with players who assume they don't have any. (For the record, Mason needs to work on taking guys off the dribble and his shot.)

Mason also got married over the summer, which he says has grounded him and made him even more relaxed. In turn, that has carried over onto the court. He played well in the season's first exhibition game, leading the team in scoring off the bench, and will get a couple starts in the preseason. I'm guessing he'll make the most of it.

Sports Illustrated staff writer Mark Bechtel is a frequent contributor to CNNSI.com.

 

Related information

Stories

CNNSI.com's Seattle SuperSonics preview Postcards from Courtside: Detroit Pistons

Multimedia

Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video