Avery Cancels Practice

by MeanMr.Mustard on Apr 29, 2008 11:04 AM CDT

Avery apparently canceled practice last night, but the players weren't having any of it.

Monday, Johnson decided to give the players a day off and meet on the plane, but they apparently figured they needed work and called a players-only practice.

You have to wonder how Mavericks owner Mark Cuban will respond to Avery not wanting to practice on the eve of an elimination game.

I've really got to disagree with Hubbard here. I don't mind one bit that Avery canceled practice.

Do you really think that Avery expected his players not to practice? Dirk's an absolute workaholic, Kidd's a future HOF that had given us nothing this series, and Josh has been playing the worst basketball of his career of late.

I really don't mind Avery putting the onus on the players. This move has a decent change of firing them up and getting them to come together as a team, something that really hasn't happened since 'The Trade.' Worst case scenario: Dallas comes out flat and gets blown out on the road. Sounds less depressing than what just happened following what could realistically be Avery's last practice as head coach —
Dallas came out flat and got blown out at home, where we own the 3rd best record in the NBA.

Pile on Avery if you wish, but he's made some good adjustments this series — Josh Howard and the bench just haven't executed.

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I read about this yesterday

And I thought it was great how the players showed initiative in calling their own practice after Avery canceled it. It made me feel better knowing that while it doesn’t seem or look like it, these guys still haven’t given up. I hope they show the effort that seems to be missing in some games and play like their lives depended on it.

by Marie on Apr 29, 2008 11:20 AM CDT reply actions

Jumpshot drills?

Any truth to Dirk forcing Josh Howard to hit 150 jumpshots before everyone could leave the gym? ;-)

I don’t have a problem with Avery’s thinking here either. He’s right. If they don’t have the drills down or know what to expect from N.O. at this point of the season (and it looks like they don’t), will one more practice help them figure it out? Doubt it. I applaud the players for conducting their own practice, and I can only pray it shows up tonight. Seriously don’t want to watch another game like Sunday night.

by Avery210 on Apr 29, 2008 11:21 AM CDT reply actions

Yeah, I think avery

canceled practice knowing the players would hold their own.

Can’t hurt I guess.

www.mavsmoneyball.com

by Wes Cox on Apr 29, 2008 11:47 AM CDT reply actions

by Wes Cox on Apr 29, 2008 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Avery canceled practice because of JHo's Bday party?

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/story/613223.html

Well…......I like where the focus of this team is….partying in South Beach during the finals….partying after a game in the first round…no wonder JHo looks like shit out there.

by Dirk Diggler on Apr 30, 2008 9:24 AM CDT reply actions