Kings forward Desmond Mason could end up playing important minutes for the team this season.

Mason signed a non-guaranteed, one-year contract worth $1.18 million last month. Many questioned whether he still possessed the athletic ability he showcased before undergoing knee surgery.

"He's showing that he's probably more athletic, and he's as fit as anybody we have," Kings coach Paul Westphal told the Sacramento Bee. "He hasn't missed one second of the practices. All the signs say he's completely recovered from the surgery."

Mason enters training camp as Sacramento's second-oldest player behind forward Kenny Thomas.

"I think I can bring that defensive savvy and intensity to this team," Mason said. "I think my intensity on the defensive end of the floor in practice can rub off a lot on the young guys and have them build that kind of character as they move on in their careers."

Via Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Kings

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