General manager Wally Walker would like the latter group to include Ruben Patterson, whom he will try to re-sign after the swingman opts out of his contract and becomes a free agent this summer.

The 6-10 Lewis, only 21, could opt out of the three-year deal he signed last summer after next season. He says he doesn't intend to leave.

"If we grow together and build on that as the years go by, we can get back to being a contender," said the small forward, who ranks second or third on the team in scoring (14.4), rebounds (7.0), steals (1.18) and 3-point accuracy (.420). "I'm pretty much committed to the Sonics. The time I've spent with Gary has made me a better player. He has basically raised me. So I just want to continue to make myself better and help this team win more ballgames."

Sonics coach Nate McMillan is a big believer in Lewis.

"Rashard has been the second most consistent player we have, and I say that because when he doesn't have a good game, you are kind of upset, wondering where was he," coach Mate McMillan said. "And that happens maybe one out of 10 games that he has an off night. There's a lot of work that needs to be done with him, but you can see that if you put some good players with him as he matures, he will be a very solid player."

Lewis likely will seek a maximum contract after next season -- a seven-year deal starting at $9 million. If he continues to improve, the Sonics will do what they can to meet the demand.

"We love his makeup," Walker said. "He's quiet but competitive. It's unanimous around here that he's got unlimited potential. We've made a big investment in Rashard with time, and he's worthy of the investment based on the way he's developed. We also have an emotional investment in him because we like him as a young man. He has a tremendous future, and we hope it's with the Sonics."

The Sonics also like Mason, who has started 13 games but primarily come off the bench to average 5.6 points in 19 minutes. This year's NBA slam dunk champion has shown explosiveness in the open court, and the Sonics believe he can develop into at least a solid starter.

"I like his heart and intensity," McMillan said. "He has the ability. I think he has a bright future. It's just a matter of him continuing to work and learn the game."

Mason's homework for the summer: Work on the jump shot.

Said Walker: "He is streaky with his jumper, but he is not far away from being a real good shooter."

Personnel File

LOOKING FOR LEADE: McMillan said the lack of leadership cost his team in its failed bid to make the playoffs this season.

"You have to make sure you have someone to make sure you pull together and not lose those close games," McMillan said. He refused to put the blame on Sonics All-Star point guard Payton, who was suspended twice this season for yelling at him and former coach Paul Westphal.

Westphal rescinded his suspension, but McMillan did not. "You can't put all that on Gary," McMillan said.

MIAMI-BOUND OR STAY IN SEATTLE? Ewing, who is earning $14 million this season in the final year of a contract, said he wants to continue playing next season.

The wide speculation is that he will sign with Miami and backup Alonzo Mourning next season, but Ewing on Wednesday did not rule out a return to Seattle.

"I still have three games to go," he said. "Then I'll sit down and talk to Wally (Walker."

If the NBA adopts a zone defense as part of its rule changes, the Sonics likely would be more interested in the 38-year old 7-footer.

BY GEORGE, AGAIN: George Karl put his foot in his mouth before his Milwaukee Bucks invaded KeyArena for a meeting with the Sonics last week. Karl was feeling good that his Bucks were headed toward a Central Division title while Seattle was shut out of the playoffs.

"Someone told me a long time ago, the worst place to be in the NBA is mediocre," said Karl, the Sonics coach from 1991-99. "Are they better than mediocre? ... Their record says they are mediocre. Are they going to make changes and break it up? You have 10 teams ahead of you ...

''They're in that area where it is going to be very challenging for (Nate). ... I love Nate, but there is a lot of quicksand around this organization. He better be careful."

Then the Sonics went out whipped Karl's Bucks 101-88, making them 2-0 against the team's ex-coach this season.

"He's like Phil Jackson in that way," McMillan said of Karl's ill-advised commentary. "Always stirring things up. He's confident he knows what he's doing. He still has that cockiness. He's an arrogant sort of guy."

Noteworthy

SLICE FOR NATE? McMillan's four-year contract, worth nearly $12 million with incentives, did not included ownership in the club.

"Who knows what might happen in the future?" asked owner Howard Schultz. "I have total respect for Nate. The contract does recognize the value and commitment we have here. We are going to build on that."

YEA VOTE: Walker said he will vote for the proposed rule changes at the NBA Board of Governors meeting Thursday They include: the elimination of illegal defense rules, institution of a defensive three-second rule, reduction from 10 seconds to eight to get the ball across midcourt, and the elimination of hand checking.

QUICK STUFF: Vin Baker missed Wednesday's win over Golden State due to a sprained knee, or maybe it was a bruised ego after he was tossed from Sonics' practice last week. ... Seattle has beaten the Warriors eight straight times and 11 times in a row at home.

QUOTEWORTHY: "Even if we weren't in the playoffs or if we had no chance to make them, we are going to finish the season playing hard. That's the only way we should do it." -- Rashard Lewis.