Spurs notebook: Pop feels for A.J., heart and sole

[Kori Ellis]

Spurs notebook: Pop feels for A.J., heart and sole

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b...261734698.html


Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich was up late Monday watching Phoenix blow out Dallas when he saw his former player, Mavericks coach Avery Johnson, slip and fall on the court while protesting a call in the fourth quarter.

"I about fell off my chair," Popovich said.

Popovich said he sometimes talks to coaches with whom he has a relationship, like Johnson and Detroit Pistons coach Larry Brown, but he usually gives them no advice.

"I may tell Avery to wear shoes that aren't brand new," Popovich said.

Sonics coach Nate McMillan also was watching. Did he learn anything from the incident?

"I did," McMillan said. "Put some type of sole or rubber on those shoes."

Just can't get enough: Popovich said he can't keep from watching all the playoff games, though he tries.

"It's there, it's in front of you and you just feel stupid if you don't at least take a look and see something that might help you down the road," he said. "There are players you want to watch, coaches you want to watch, all kinds of reasons to watch the games.

"I almost wish they weren't on."

Admiration from a foe: Unlike Denver Nuggets coach George Karl, who decried Manu Ginobili's -bent-for-leather style during the Spurs-Nuggets first-round series, McMillan has nothing but admiration for the Spurs' All-Star guard.

"He competes," McMillan said, "and one thing you want to see is players competing, giving 100 percent. He's one of those guys who does.

"He's gotten better over the years, gotten a feel for the NBA, feels comfortable that with his talent he can be a factor, a good player in this league, and he plays very hard."

The only aspect of Ginobili's play that gives McMillan pause is the long-term effect Ginobili's recklessness may have on his health.

"I think he's a fearless player, in the sense that he will stick his head in there and he's not afraid of contact," McMillan said. "He gives up his body. He's one of those guys who, at age 50, won't be able to walk."

Sonics power forward Danny Fortson, also known for his reckless style, said he didn't understand Karl's gripes about Ginobili.

"I love watching that guy play," Fortson said. "I don't know how somebody can say they don't."

Loyal employee: Fortson, a key contributor during Seattle's fast start this season, may have been disappointed he played only three minutes in Game 1, but he wasn't about to rock the boat.

His biggest contribution in Game 1? Helping Jerome James carry Vladimir Radmanovich off the court after Radmanovich sprained his right ankle.

"It's the way it's been the second half of the season," he said. "I'm pretty much used to it. It don't really matter how much time I'd like to play. I'll be here to support the guys, help Nick (Collison) and Reggie (Evans), whatever they need me to do.

"For sure I can help against a front line like the Spurs have. But I'm just an employee. You've got to do what's asked of you. But I did do a good job carrying Vlade off the floor the other night."

Happy with the bronze: McMillan said he had no problems with the NBA's Coach of the Year balloting, which had Phoenix's Mike D'Antoni first, Indiana's Rick Carlisle second and McMillan third.

McMillan, who led the Sonics to a 15-victory improvement this season, said he was as impressed with D'Antoni as anyone.

"(The Suns) started hot, they continued throughout the season being hot, they finished hot, and they're still hot," McMillan said. "He's deserving of that award."

Soaking it up: Atlanta coach Mike Woodson and assistant general manager Chris Grant brought two of the team's rookies, Josh Childress and Josh Smith, to Tuesday's game so they could get a feel for a playoff atmosphere.

Grant, who played under former Spurs assistant Hank Egan at the University of San Diego, helped arrange the trip. The group sat in the box of Spurs general manager R.C. Buford.

[Vashner]

A.J. is a good energy inspiration. His team just got out gunned. Those Sun's scare me.

[Gummi]

I like Woodson's decision to bring the two rookies to San Antonio. And nicely done by Hank Egan to arrange that. Now hopefully Josh Smith likes San Antonio and the team. I would love to bring a guy like that in the future. Doubt it will happen though.

[GrandeDavid]

I like the fact that my boy Danny Fortson ("my boy" because he played for my alma mater, Cincinnati) showed some love for Manu Ginobili. Nate McMillan is also a class act.