If you've ever talked to an NBA player about their game, you would quickly realize that no player thinks they have a weakness.

That's why it was something of an unusual step for Seattle SuperSonics coach Nate McMillan to call out each player for their shortcomings prior to their game against the Milwaukee Bucks Thursday night.

In what became an extenuated speech that nearly rolled into pregame ceremonies, McMillan cited Sonics point guard Gary Payton as his example.

He pointed out that when Payton entered the league, he was a scorer who could not shoot. Over time, Payton learned to shoot, and is now one of his team's best 3-point shooters despite having an ugly rotation on the basketball.

Then Payton developed a mid-range game that included drives to the basket with tear-drop shots that stymie taller defenders, and that evolved into Payton becoming a post-up scorer with the ability to pass out of the double-team.

Finally, Payton changed his attitude this season at a time when critics thought the rigid Payton unable to alter his acerbic personality and become a leader.

And that, McMillan said, is the challenge to each and every player in the Sonics locker room, because if Payton can do everything that he has been asked this season and still be one of the best players in the league, then his teammates can adjust their games for the betterment of the team, as well.

"For the remainder of the season," McMillan said, "give it a try. Give the adjustments I am asking from you a try. Try to be a better defender. Try to be a better rebounder. Not just for one night, but for the remainder of the season. Just try it.

"Rashard Lewis, try and work on movement, rebounding, defense. Brent Barry, try to be a better defender. Work on it, think about it. Try to be a more aggressive offensive player. Vin Baker, be more than a scorer. Be a rebounder, a shot blocker. And give it a try for the remainder of the season."

Few coaches in the league are as straightforward as McMillan, and few would put a players' weaknesses on public display. Which is why, he said, "There were a few frowns. But as I told them, it is not personal. I'm not asking anything of you guys that I don't think you are capable of doing.

"Gary has made adjustments his entire career, and the biggest adjustment he has made is what people are talking about now. In order to be a pro, people are going to take away certain things in your game. If you remain the same, you are predictable. The great players in the league, they get better by working on their weaknesses."

McMillan's challenge worked in Milwaukee. Barry had 10 rebounds. Desmond Mason had nine rebounds. Lewis played perhaps one of his best all-around games of the season with 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Baker already has adjusted his game once this season, after McMillan admonished him for taking too many jump shots. Now, he must do other things on the interior.

"The one thing that was good about the adjustment I made with the jump shots was that it was offensive," Baker said, insinuating it came more naturally. "The rebounding is going to take more concentration. It is going to have to be a 48-minute thing. Sometimes I think I am having a good rebounding game and I look at the stats and I only have six or seven rebounds. So it is just going to take a lot more concentration."

Baker hurt - Baker may have to concentrate at a later date. After spraining his left shoulder in Thursday's victory over the Bucks, Baker could not raise his left arm above his shoulder at practice Friday and sat on the sidelines.

McMillan said Baker's availability will be a game-time decision, which means that he is officially listed as questionable.

If Baker does not play, McMillan has a couple options. He could go big against the Indiana Pacers and start Jerome James, but most likely he will go small and start either Vladimir Radmanovic or Desmond Mason.

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SIDEBAR: GAME DAY

Matchup - Sonics at Indiana Pacers

When - 5 p.m., Conseco FieldHouse

TV - KING

Radio - KJR-AM 950

The series - Seattle defeated the Pacers, 99-88, on Nov. 25. The Sonics have lost six of the last eight in Indiana.

Scouting report - The Sonics finish this four-game road set with a contest against the Indiana Pacers, who played the Charlotte Hornets Friday night. Indiana has lost Al Harrington for the season; he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee and had surgery. Seattle may be without Vin Baker, who has a sprained left shoulder. He could not raise his arm above his shoulder on Friday. Desmond Mason missed practice with an upper respiratory infection but is expected to play.

Next - 7 p.m., Tuesday, Portland Trail Blazers at Sonics, KeyArena.