Written by: Pete Tenney
by BrooklynFans.com executive producer Pete Tenney (@PeteTenney)
Brooklyn Nets head coach is through with the losing. He had two years of that in New Jersey, and enough is enough.
He knows one way to win, and it starts with defense … and his eyes tell him the Nets’ defense isn’t ready for the regular season:
video: @PeteTenney @JESchott19
Avery ran his team through their most physical practice Sunday, right before they opened Barclays Center for the fans, and put on a much friendlier show. Following two straight home losses, the Nets have work to do before the last preseason game. And much more work to do before they feel good about playing a game that counts November 1st.
How do the players seem to be taking this kind of public criticism?
Let’s put it this way — Deron’s all for his nice-guy teammates getting called out. Avery’s designing ways to light that fire, including preseason call outs to begin interview sessions. The nice guys who need to be meaner don’t like reading the media notes because they’re used to seeing their names in trade packages.
So the media tactics won’t work — but preseason embarrassments at home might, and the tough practices should lead to a more energetic and aggressive opener Nov 1st…
Avery is just as good as Art Howe when it comes to lighting a fire under his players.
Also, he needs to tell Lopez to move his rear end & to tell his players to drive to the basket. I was looking thru some highlights from when Kiki was coach & they would dunk it more. The inside game has been awful under Avery.
Avery isn’t the right guy for this team. I’ve said it since day 1.