The rules allowing zones for the first time since the NBA's inception were expected to drastically alter the game. Alarmists warned of low-scoring games from another era, with teams forcing role players to shoot jumper after jumper.

Although the Sonics started preparing for the change during the summer, they have been like almost all teams in the NBA: using zones as an afterthought.

"It's not that different," Gary Payton said. "We're just adjusting to it. It's a plus and it's a negative, but we're trying to get through it."

Criticism against the zones had focused on the effect against superstars. Since defenders are allowed to double- or even triple-team players without the ball, the assumption was that stars would become bit players on offense.

But Payton is an example that the top players will continue to flourish. The way teams defend Payton is little different from before the new rules, when he constantly was smothered throughout games. If the defense keeps two players on Payton, a teammate can slip in for a layup or get wide open for a jumper.