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OUCH"He's the same age as Eva (Longoria)," Tony Parker said. "That's old."
Spurs-Kings notebook: Popovich lauds Mavs' Johnson
Web Posted: 04/26/2006 01:24 AM CDT
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
Avery Johnson was named the NBA's Coach of the Year on Tuesday, and one of his former mentors couldn't be happier.
"I'm thrilled to observe Avery's success because he's been many things to me," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "He's been a great friend, a great player, and he's obviously established himself as somebody who can coach the game.
"To watch his progress over this short year and a half is just amazing."
Johnson was one of the first players Popovich signed after he took over as general manager in 1994. He played under Popovich from 1996-2001 and hit the shot to clinch the Spurs' first championship in 1999.
Popovich used to call Johnson his "coach on the floor" and never had any doubt he would make a successful transition to the bench. Johnson took over as Dallas' coach late last season after Don Nelson resigned.
"His love of the game over the years was exhibited by what he gained from each coach he played for and every player he played with or against," said Popovich, who finished sixth in the Coach of the Year balloting. "He has a natural affinity for the game. He understands how the game works, he understands what wins, he understands what's fluff and what should be ignored.
"He also has the persistence and the mental toughness to drag a team his way, to have them do what he thinks is best. He won't give up. If somebody else doesn't buy in, they'll have to figure out what to do."
Popovich and Johnson remain close and talk frequently. So how did Johnson thank his friend?
"Nellie was tremendous in helping lay the foundation for me. I learned a tremendous amount from him," Johnson said. "And the coach down south, who's one of the sorriest coaches in basketball, I worked with him, too."
Old man and the rim: Tim Duncan turned 30 on Tuesday, and at least one of his teammates thinks the days of shuffleboard and prune juice can't be far ahead.
"He's the same age as Eva (Longoria)," Tony Parker said. "That's old."
Rookie guard Melvin Sanders brought Duncan cupcakes and other treats at the Spurs' morning shootaround and sang "Happy Birthday" to him.
"He's trying to get an extended contract, so he figured the best way to do that was to be Timmy's best friend," Popovich said. "So he actually baked for him. We told him it was sad and almost depraved to watch the extent to which he would suck up for a contract. He has no pride whatsoever."
Mohammed's rare 3-pointer: Nazr Mohammed made the second 3-pointer of his career near the end of Saturday's game. After the piercing rebuke it earned him from Popovich, it also may be the last one he takes.
"I think it will most likely be a cold day in before Nazr shoots another three," Popovich said. "That's just a guess."
Kings pick up Artest slack: The absence of Ron Artest didn't only mean other Kings players had increased responsibilities. Bonzi Wells said the impact was felt all the way down the Sacramento bench.
"Coach (Rick Adelman) even has to pick it up," Wells said, "because Ron is like a coach on the floor."
Artest's one-game suspension will cost him $62,201 in salary.
Officially clean: After Spurs point guard Tony Parker was upended by Sacramento's Jason Hart, landing hard on the court with 3:54 remaining in the first quarter, veteran referee Bavetta directed the ball boys to spend extra time to clean moisture off the floor in several areas, clearly a move designed to give Parker time to catch his breath.
Punking Jalen: Knicks guard Jalen Rose worked the game as a sideline reporter for the TNT television network.
While Rose was doing a live report during a timeout on the baseline next to the Spurs' bench, one of the Spurs threw a towel at him from behind, draping it perfectly over Rose's head. Rose reached up and removed the towel without missing a word of his report.
"I know it was Nick," Rose said, accusing Spurs veteran guard Nick Van Exel.
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Staff Writers Mike Finger and Mike Monroe contributed to this report.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b...k.aa8979a.html
OUCH"He's the same age as Eva (Longoria)," Tony Parker said. "That's old."
^ LMAO that was hilarious
Time to Retire #6 next year.
???The absence of Ron Artest didn't only mean other Kings players had increased responsibilities. Bonzi Wells said the impact was felt all the way down the Sacramento bench.
"Coach (Rick Adelman) even has to pick it up," Wells said, "because Ron is like a coach on the floor."
"Nellie was tremendous in helping lay the foundation for me. I learned a tremendous amount from him," Johnson said. "And the coach down south, who's one of the sorriest coaches in basketball, I worked with him, too."
I finally understand why Melvin is on the team. Amy better watch out before he performs any other special favors . . .Rookie guard Melvin Sanders brought Duncan cupcakes and other treats at the Spurs' morning shootaround and sang "Happy Birthday" to him.
"He's trying to get an extended contract, so he figured the best way to do that was to be Timmy's best friend," Popovich said. "So he actually baked for him. We told him it was sad and almost depraved to watch the extent to which he would suck up for a contract. He has no pride whatsoever."
They showed a clip of this on the FSNSW news last night, and Johnson went on to say that Pop had called him yesterday morning to congratulate him. Then he joked some more about the fact that "that coach--I refuse to mention his name--needs to stop calling me." It was much funnier on tape than it reads in print. You could tell AJ was really proud of his relationship with his mentor and the respect he's gotten from him. I wonder how much AJ has relied on Pop's advice throughout the season? They supposedly talk pretty frequently, right?"Nellie was tremendous in helping lay the foundation for me. I learned a tremendous amount from him," Johnson said. "And the coach down south, who's one of the sorriest coaches in basketball, I worked with him, too."
there's lots of lols in this report
"He's the same age as Eva (Longoria)," Tony Parker said. "That's old."
rofl and
"I think it will most likely be a cold day in before Nazr shoots another three," Popovich said. "That's just a guess."
rofl
...but pop, nazr has a 100% 3pt fg percentage!
Another "Is Tim gay" thread?
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