SEATTLE -- Here are five observations of the Seattle SuperSonics from training camp:

	Gary Payton, left, still leads the younger Sonics by example.

1. How has Gary Payton's lack of a contract extension -- that caused him to hold out for a day and a half of training camp -- affected his play on the court? At least initially, Payton seems to be the mature leader he was last season, helping guide younger players through the camp.

2. Desmond Mason looks ready to blossom, refining a jump shot that once was horrendous and now seems steady and reliable.

3. Former University of Arizona star Miles Simon has a shot to make the team because of the injury to Vitaly Potapanko, whose recovery from knee surgery will keep him sidelined until at least December.

4. So far, Jerome James has failed to impress. After getting his $15 million contract, he looks much more out of shape than he did last October.

5. Despite limited playing time over the summer because of his contract dispute, Rashard Lewis has been playing extremely well. He looks much more confident, demands the ball and is beginning to play with his back to the basket.

Frank Hughes, who covers the NBA for The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.), is a regular contributor to ESPN.com.