Avery Johnson
Avery Johnson
Avery Johnsonis an American basketball coach who is currently the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team. Johnson spent 16 years in the National Basketball Association as a player, and subsequently served as the head coach of two NBA teams: the Dallas Mavericks and New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets. He led the Mavericks to their first NBA Finals appearance and to three consecutive 50+ win seasons. During his playing days, Johnson was known as the "Little General" for his...
ProfessionBasketball Player
Date of Birth25 March 1969
CityNew Orleans, LA
Guess what? I went out on a limb for it. I stand behind it. I've done pretty much all I can do. I need to get a return on my investment. I think Damp will respond. Whatever minutes he plays, I expect him to be a terror out there on the court.
He helped carry this franchise for a lot of years and he didn't take many nights off. I think that's what I really respected about him.
He had a little swelling. It's nothing serious. It's called old age. But we got to make sure we get that swelling down.
He got some big stops and rebounds for us and stopped them from getting some rebounds and that is what he's here for.
There is going to come a time here - I don't know when - when we're going to start getting some guys back. And it's going to be very important that those guys get back on the practice court and things will get back to normal. But now isn't the time.
We're on the radar now. There is no hiding.
When he's on his game and he's playing tough, hard-nosed defense and getting rebounds, getting some assists, guarding one of the better perimeter players and scoring, I'm a much better coach.
Stack was solid, man. Stack was energized. He was ready to play. He was right in his comfort zone tonight. That's what we need from him on both ends. Obviously, he scored a little bit, but nobody will talk about how he battled those guys on defense.
Some of our players have made fun of our charge drill. But when you see them taking more charges in the game, it doesn't seem so silly.
My point is, what's the argument? There's no argument. It's a no-brainer.
My point is, what's the argument? It's a no-brainer.
My relationship with the players is very important. We think that's had a positive effect, so that when I do scream every now and then, they take it the right way.
In 1992, when I was out of the league waiting for a job, my dad passed away and my wife was pregnant. People will tell you, 'Oh, I never doubted for a moment.' Well, I beg to differ. I'm a man of faith, but there's a human side of you that wants to doubt.
I'm their motivation. We don't need outside opinion or perceptions to be motivation. I know how we need to play to get to the next level.