Kemp, Payton Respond In A Big Way To Challenge

In the aftermath of the Seattle SuperSonics’ elimination from the NBA playoffs in the first round for a second consecutive season, the behavior of young stars Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp is under close scrutiny.

Both show a new level of accountability.

Through the first month of the regular season, they’ve reached coach George Karl’s expectations. The pressure of being responsible through an 82-game season remains, however.

“We’re in the type of business where if we’re late one time it can be blown out of proportion,” Kemp said. “I’m trying to stay focused.”

Karl believes Kemp’s greatest improvement has been in game preparation. Unlike his first six seasons, when he participated in early warmups occasionally, Kemp is arriving earlier for games and warming up longer.

“He’s been very responsible,” Karl said. “And he’s delivering results …”

The 6-foot-10 forward is putting up most valuable player numbers. He has a 21.9 scoring average on 60 percent shooting, a league-leading 11.9 rebounding average and 2.6 assists per game.

“He poses such a problem to opposing teams figuring out how to defend him,” Karl said. “There aren’t many players of his size, power and quickness in the game.”

Although Payton has been held out of practice for the most part since injuring his right ankle Nov. 22, he has shown responsibility and commitment rehabilitating it.

On Thanksgiving Day, Payton spent 8 hours in the training room and 3 more hours Nov. 24. Earlier this week, he made practice and appointments with trainers, doctors and a chiropractor in an attempt to recover from a back injury suffered Sunday against Chicago.

So far, Karl’s instincts are on the mark.

“I felt it was time for the responsibility to fall on Gary and Shawn’s shoulders,” he said. “… They are our two best athletes. They are our two best talents. They’ve done a fantastic job.

“There are going to be some growing pains, but we’ve always known when they play well, we’re very good. It’s a little bit of reward for a little bit of responsibility.”