In 1986, when Nate McMillan was a rookie point guard in the NBA, his mentors were forwards Xavier McDaniel and Maurice Lucas.

They couldn't teach him much about playing the point, but they knew life in the NBA. That was just as valuable for the kid from North Carolina State.

Now, there's a new rookie point guard in Sonics green and yellow: Earl Watson, fresh out of UCLA. And McMillan, now the Sonics' coach, will preside over his NBA education on and off the court.

"I talk to him about life, and the league, and his money," McMillan said. "I let him know what I've been through and what he'll be facing: Take care of your money, set a limit for yourself, stay out of trouble. But he knows the difference between wrong and right. He has a good head on his shoulders."

He seems to. Nine games into his professional career, Watson has a philosophy. When he speaks, it doesn't sound like repeating something he has been told. It sounds like something he has pondered and processed and come to terms with.

On goals: "I don't think you should ever set individual goals, because if you're winning it's going to come. If you're not winning, it doesn't matter."