Gary Payton has sometimes alienated teammates over the years, but on Wednesday night there was a whole locker room full of happy Sonics, courtesy of their All-Star teammate.
Payton, who is bound for his eighth All-Star game as a Sonic this weekend, presented watches as a thank-you to his teammates. The watches, were wrapped in boxes and waiting for the other players when they arrived in the locker room for Wednesday’s game.
Each watch had this inscription on the back: “Thx (Thanks) for the All-Star assist. G.P. 2002.”
His teammates, most of whom are multimillionaires and can afford to buy fancy watches themselves, were nonetheless thrilled by the presents.
“I think this is going to bring us together more as a team,” said Rashard Lewis. “It’s going to create more of a family atmosphere. He just wanted to thank us for helping him achieve his success. It shows you the type of person he really is inside.”
“I think it’s very nice,” added Jerome James. “It takes words away. I was not expecting anything, and for him to give thanks back to us like this is huge.”
Mason to be honored: The Sonics will be honoring guard Desmond Mason, who is bound for the All-Star weekend and will be competing in the Slam Dunk competition and the Rookie Challenge game, during Tuesday’s game against Dallas. Tuesday’s event will recognize Mason’s participation in those events, and fans will be able to purchase $20 tickets for $15 and participate in a postgame autograph session with Mason.
For tickets, call 206-283-DUNK and ask to sit in the “Desmond Dunk Zone.” Tickets are subject to availability.
Suns injuries: Phoenix was without three players for Wednesday’s game. Forward Tom Gugliotta is on the injured list with left quadriceps tendinitis. Center Jake Voskul has an injured left foot. Forward Rodney Rogers has a sprained left ankle.
Rich Myhre
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