The primary goal for Desmond Mason throughout his NBA career has been to remove the hesitant hitch that formed after a shoulder injury a few years back and became more pronounced last season.

Mason hopes that its elimination will increase his 10.8-point average and 39-percent shooting from the field and 68-percent shooting from the free-throw line, both career-lows acrued last season.

?When you look at him shoot the basketball now you?re going to say, ?My goodness,?? said Mason's agent Roger Montgomery said. ?We?re excited about where he is because it?s a lot better than what it was. And I think that teams are going to have to start respecting him a little bit more when it comes to his outside shot. I think it?s going to make him better and it?s going to make the Hornets better.?