The addition of hard-headed Anthony Mason, one of the league's poster boys for bad judgment, could push the already unpredictable Milwaukee Bucks into a season of turmoil.

It also might push them into a spot in the NBA Finals.

It was a risk worth taking.

The Bucks, who reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season before losing to Philadelphia, believe that Mason's rebounding, post play and toughness will give them the only things they lacked.

Mason's attitude, though, also could bring down everything they have built. There is a reason why not many teams -- including Miami, where he was an All-Star last season -- were pursuing him this summer. They were afraid of his downside.