SuperSonics.com: How have Yugoslavian players Vladimir Radmanovic and Predrag Drobnjak been adjusting to the NBA style of play?

Nate McMillan: It's been quite a learning experience for those two players. There is the language that they have to learn and also a different style of basketball. They are picking up some things that a normal rookie would, some things they have caught on to fairly quickly and other things they are still confused by. We know it's going to take some patience, but I'm happy with their situation so far.

SS: What do you hope to gain from the preseason games?

NM: For the most part, execution is the key factor I'm looking for in the exhibition season. I just want to make sure they are playing together and working hard defensively on the things we have worked on in the first week of training camp. We're trying to get the rust knocked off from the summer and look at whether the players are executing everything we've gone over in the two-a-day practice sessions.

SS: What have you noticed most about Desmond Mason's progress over the summer as he enters his second season with the Sonics?

NM: Desmond looks more comfortable and confident out there. His effort has always been the same. He comes at it with a 100-percent effort from start to finish anytime he's on the floor. He's just feeling more relaxed and more confident because he's more familiar with the environment.

SS: How will the competition shape out in the fight for the last few roster spots?

NM: It's going to be difficult. These guys are in here working very hard. Each one of them we could use in some way or capacity. The coaches have been talking about that from day one because it's going to be a difficult decision. The effort has been there from all of the players.

SS: How has Gary influenced the rookies in training camp?

NM: He's been very positive. He's working hard, and everyone else is working together and responding well. It's been very good for us to have him, not so much vocally, but by example. He's working hard in all of the drills because he believes they will help him as much as they'll help the younger players. Even though it doesn't seem like he is aging, athletic ability can drop a little over time. That's when he will need to have his skills sharpened.

SS: How would you characterize the style of this team?

NM: We will be an exciting team that will compete hard every night. We will always give an honest effort. Because of our youth, we will hit a bump in the road at times, and we may even fall into a pothole, but we will come out of it and continue to work and improve. So, we'll have a lot of patience. I see the light at the end of the tunnel for our future.