Sonics Update

  • Wednesday, January 9, 2002 9:00pm
  • Sports

Opponent: Cleveland Cavaliers

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: KeyArena

TV: None

Radio: KJR (950 AM)

Harsh words: Seattle SuperSonics majority owner Howard Schultz had some harsh words for Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who was fined $500,000 by the league Tuesday for criticizing the officiating.

Schultz stopped in Minnesota on Wednesday night on his way to New York for business with Starbucks when he was asked about Cuban’s fine.

“I think it’s justified,” Schultz said. “There’s a better way to communicate frustrations, and it should be behind closed doors. He has to understand that his remarks are actually more divisive to him and the league. He should grow up.”

Mason gets nod: Sonics guard Desmond Mason was vindicated Wednesday, getting invited to the rookie-sophomore game at All-Star weekend after being left out last season.

Mason, averaging 12 points and four rebounds, joined nine other players on the squad of second-year players, who play a team of rookies Feb. 9.

“This year I worked all summer to get better and improve on my weaknesses, and I think it is starting to pay off,” Mason said. “Just being able to go down there and mingle with all the big-name players, and to be a part of something that is NBA history, it is a great opportunity.

“After this sophomore game, I am going to strive to improve my game down the road so I can participate in the big All-Star Game.”

Disappointingly for Seattle, rookie Vladimir Radmanovic was left out of the game, despite leading all rookies in 3-point shooting and being fourth in the league in that category.

When Sonics general manager Rick Sund spoke with Stu Jackson, the league’s vice president of basketball operations, earlier in the week, he was told Radmanovic’s statistics (6.3 points, 3.6 rebounds) were not good enough to be included.

“I’m sure they are going to say (lack of) minutes (is a reason he was left off),” Sonics coach Nate McMillan said. “But he has shown with time on the floor, he is just as good as I’m sure whoever else is in that game.”

Mason also is likely to get an invitation to defend his slam dunk championship, though the right knee he sprained still is not completely healed.

McMillan, however, said he does not mind Mason competing at All-Star weekend rather than resting the knee.

“This opportunity is once in a lifetime,” McMillan said. “It is a chance to get recognized for your talent. Desmond is too young. if you have been in a lot of All-Star Games like Gary (Payton) then you can make the decision. But in your first or second year, I think it is up to you.”

Frank Hughes

The News Tribune

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