The addition of Anthony Mason could give the Bucks what they need to make it to the NBA Finals, but then Shaq, Kobe and the L.A. Lakers will be waiting.

Also, the Bucks could be their own worst enemies if they don't show the maturity needed to win championships and advance to the Finals.

Of course, we all know of the problems with the Big 3 last season. There were some indications early in training camp this fall that Sam Cassell could present a problem again because of contract beefs, but Sam now seems dedicated to winning.
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Mason brings his own baggage to Milwaukee. He was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and was involved in a couple barroom scuffles in the past. He has been known to be moody.

But, the Bucks also think Mason has matured and at 34 is motivated primarily by the desire to win. Let's hope they are right. Let's hope all the Bucks are motivated by that same desire, because this team can be very, very good when its members want to be.

Here's a look at the VIP areas of the Bucks:

Small forward -- Glenn Robinson has been hobbled by some leg problems in camp, but says he will be ready for the season. Robinson elevated his overall game last season and will have to do so again this season if the Bucks are going to challenge for a title. He will be backed up at times by Tim Thomas, who can play all five positions, and perhaps eventually Darvin Ham, who will start the season on the injured list. Pre-season Grade: A-.

Power forward -- Mason is scheduled to start at this spot. If he stays healthy, he will give the Bucks muscle, inside scoring potential and great passing. On the nights the outside shots aren't falling, Mason can become a factor. Jason Caffey and at times Thomas will back Mason up. Pre-season Grade: B+.

Center -- Ervin Johnson prefers to come off the bench, so coach George Karl has talked about starting Mark Pope and Joel Przybilla at center. E.J., who signed a two-year contract extension, will then add his defense off the bench. Greg Foster also adds some strength here. There's not much scoring here, but then there doesn't have to be. Pre-season Grade: B.

Shooting guard -- Ray Allen is developing into one of the stars of the NBA and went out of his way this fall to demonstrate more leadership. He and Karl do clash publicly at times, but there is an understanding between them that the Bucks need Allen to live up to his full potential. Michael Redd has earned the right to back up Allen by showing he can score. Pre-season Grade: A-.

Point guard -- Cassell is the man who runs the offense. When he is on his game, the Bucks can be an awesome scoring machine. When Sam is off, whether it's self-imposed or not, the machine can sputter. Cassell can rid himself of the criticism that has dogged him over his career by leading the Bucks to the Finals. He needs to distribute the ball first and then look to score. Rafer Alston will likely back up Cassell, and Jason Hart might be kept around for insurance. Pre-season Grade: B.

Bench -- Thomas leads it. Caffey, Johnson, Foster and Pope provide veteran backup. Redd and Alston are young players who will need to grow up quickly if the Bucks have injuries at guard. If they don't, the Bucks could end up thin in the backcourt. Pre-season Grade: B-.

Coaching -- Karl is one of the best in the NBA at handling "head cases." The Bucks have a few, but George seems to have the knack for getting them together when they have to be. His big challenge will be to make sure one ball is enough for Allen, Cassell, Robinson, Thomas and Mason, and that the Bucks remember there are two ends of the basketball court, offense and defense. Pre-season Grade: A.

The Orlando Magic, with a healthy Grant Hill, and the Toronto Raptors, with the addition of Hakeem Olajuwon, will challenge the Bucks. The Philadelphia 76ers have made some changes, but still have Allen Iverson and Dikembe Mutumbo.

Winning the East won't be easy, but if the Bucks keep their heads screwed on straight and remain relatively injury free they should be able to do it.

Whether they are capable of unseating the Lakers is questionable. Shaq elevates his game during the playoffs and is still the most dominant inside force in the NBA. Kobe also steps it up during the post-season, as do the other Lakers. It's hard to imagine anybody beating the Lakers if they are healthy.

But, the Bucks matched up well with L.A. last season, and Mason should help the matchups even more. So, if the Bucks can get to the Finals, it should be a fun ride

Too often obscured by the major league sports in town, the Milwaukee Wave has played major league soccer in what was considered a minor league for years. Now, their new league is called the Major Indoor Soccer League, and at least in their first home game the Wave players showed they can live up to the name again this season.

The two-time champs of the National Professional Soccer League beat Harrisburg Heat, 12-2, in their home MISL debut. The MISL is expected to be a little tougher than the NPSL, but the Wave looked up to the challenge. You can be assured the Wave won't be obscure in this column.

The Badgers' bowl chances aren't looking too good after their loss to Michigan State Saturday, and the Packers took the weekend off and watched the Bears move to 5-1 with an OT squeaker over the 49ers.

The Packers will host Tampa Bay this coming Sunday at Lambeau Field. Yours truly will once again be part of the Associated Press team covering the game, so look for comments in next Monday's Milwaukee Sports Buzz column.