Popovich Recognizes Avery Johnson's Intellect

[Teletopez]

Pop talks about bringing Johnson over to Golden State and San Antonio and coaching alongside him with the Spurs.

 

“He’s got a special mind — you’re going to see it in New Jersey, even if they’re going to be young,” Popovich said of Johnson. “He taught himself what it takes to be successful in the league, and since then he’s taught others. He’ll get a defensive mentality established with the group. He’ll get Devin (Harris) in attack mode. He’ll adjust regardless of what personnel they get there.

 

“You know I hate superlatives, and how people exaggerate. I mean, the only ‘geniuses’ I know are people who do medical research. So I don’t want to overstate this, but Avery has a brilliant basketball mind. I knew it way back when, and I know it now.”

Dave D'Alessandro

 

"They’re going to be very well prepared," Popovich said. "He’s going to pound every day, trying to get stuff across. He’s going to win that battle that most NBA coaches lose as the season goes on — drilling people, being organized in practices. He will make them responsible to each other and that allows chemistry and camaraderie to form and a belief in what you’re doing.

 

"If he has trouble with a player or if there is somebody who doesn’t buy in, it’s because the guy doesn’t have the character and mental toughness to persevere and understand that things don’t come easy. If somebody is not willing to put in the time and the effort, that guy is not going to play for Avery. He’s looking for men. He’s looking for competitors."

Al Iannazzone

[Klashnekoff]

I told ya'll Avery is what we needed. Avery + Devin is a special combo.