"SuperFly" brings Sonics fans all that was seen and overheard from his spot on the wall in Sonics land. Got an idea for Fly or a personal mission for the NBA's most crafty PI? Send the pesky critter your questions or comments to SuperFly@sonics-storm.com.

BEFORE AFTER

Shaving places ... Rumors that Sonics Euro-import Vladimir Radmanovic was a no-show at practice this week are false. So are the reports the Sonics signed another foreign player. Fly did learn that the two are related. "Vladi" was at practice and he is the so-called "new guy." Somewhere between leaving the airport at the crack of dawn Tuesday morning and showing up for practice the same afternoon, Vladi shaved his bushy dome for a whole new look. The sharp shooter has spent the preseason brushing his black locks out of his eyes before spotting up. Vladi finally had enough and decided to take matters into his own hands -- for the first time in seven months. Fly caught some mumbles from Vladi's teammates and coaches ...

"I liked his look before. I thought he'd be a good model -- the scruff, big hair -- he had a good thing going. When I saw him Tuesday, I decided to put my camera back." -- Coach McMillan

"When I came to practice, I thought we'd signed a new guy. I don't think any of us recognized him." -- fellow gunner Brent "Bones" Barry

Lucky seven ... While Fly's on the subject of Vladi, there's finally an answer to a question that has been circling since Oct. 1. Why does Vladi sport No. 77? After all, 1977 was three years before the youngster was born. Turns out the Yugoslav has been wearing lucky number seven since he started playing hoop as an infant. But since teammate Rashard Lewis already has dibs on the digit, Vladi went with No. 77 and tossed has hat in the ring for a spot on the Seahawks offensive line.

Comic relief ... If you've ever seen a semi-truck jack-knife then you know how Fly felt last week at practice. Fly had to run for cover Wednesday when built-to-spill 6-11 -- 270-pound Predrag Drobnjak tumbled to the hardwood after turning his ankle. The big fella wailed and grimaced in pain as he reached for his foot. Most people stood (or treaded air in Fly's case) in disbelief, that is, except for Lewis and Olumide Oyedeji who ran to Peja's aid. Alright, this is the good part. Both players wrapped one arm around his back and the other under his thigh to create a human chair. It was a perfect Kodak moment with fellow soldiers Rashard and Olumide carrying their fallen comrade off the battlefield -- that is, before it became a segment of "America's Funniest Home Videos" instead. Suddenly, the right leg of the chair snapped as Olumide (a.k.a. "hands") dropped the wounded big man to the floor. Predrag's eyes widened like silver dollars while Rashard and Olumide tried to save face. Fly didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Peja will be keeping his distance from accident prone teammates while his ankle mends.

Second coming ... Gary Payton may not be past his prime, but rumblings are there's already an heir apparent to the Sonics dynasty. Gary Payton II, "the second coming," showed his skills at the Sonics-Kings warm-up game Thursday night at the Key. GP the first can rest easy though because this one's a ways off -- at least a half-decade or so. The great one's nine-year-old son showed his handles and moves in an exhibition game at halftime. Fly was impressed by the mad skills from Little Gary's Boys & Girls Club team, not to mention their style. The squad sported headbands, cornrows, hair beads, baggy shorts, rec specs and a fro at least five inches thick. Little Gary's performance? Looks like father and son have spent some time on the hardwood -- Little Gary looked to pass and set up his teammates all night. Fly has his eyes open for an early entry candidate -- out of elementary school.