New York Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy unexpectedly resigned his position, citing family obligations and a lack of focus that he felt necessary to be successful.

Sonics coach Nate McMillan said he empathizes with Van Gundy's decision.

"As a head coach, you are always thinking, 'Do you want to deal with the amount of pressure you put on yourself to be successful for the organization?,' " McMillan said. "You have to look at your family situation, and how they are handling things - the direction of the club, the organization.

"I definitely can understand how he feels and his thoughts."

Injury update - McMillan said Desmond Mason, on the injured list with a bruised right knee, will shoot at the team's practice facility today and try to practice with the team Monday.

Jerome James (sprained right foot) will practice Monday without contact. The Sonics face the Lakers on Tuesday and the Clippers on Wednesday, both in Los Angeles.

"We'll evaluate those guys after practice Monday," McMillan said.

Don't upset the fans - Golden State Warriors owner Chris Cohan recently did an extensive newspaper interview with the Contra Costa Times, the first time in about five years that Cohan has agreed to be interviewed.

In that discussion, the issue of the Warriors' declining attendance was broached. Cohan said part of the reason the organization lost fans was because of his decision to force fans to renew their season tickets in San Jose (a 45-minute drive from Oakland) the season the Arena at Oakland was being refurbished.