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08:09 AM ET 10.22 | Avery Johnson may have been encouraged by a hard practice Sunday, but he wasn't done trying to toughen up the Nets upon its conclusion. He has always been partial to fighters on the basketball court. But that only served to underline a broader concern: that the Nets still lack the snarl and the defensive tenacity required of a contender. "This team does not have the personality that I thought it would have at this point," Johnson said. "That has been somewhat of a disappointment." He added: "We don't have a hit-first mentality." ... Johnson has raised these concerns before, but this was by far his strongest statement on the subject. With 11 days to go until opening night, it sounded like an alarm bell. Or a warning shot.

Avery Johnson, Icon Sports

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October 22, 2012 08:24 AM ET

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"With 11 days to go until opening night..."

Relax.

Klockwork33

Chicago , IL

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October 22, 2012 08:24 AM ET

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You can't be timid in Brooklyn.

THE BISHOP!

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October 22, 2012 09:22 AM ET

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QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 09:05 AM ET 10.22 by Docmadinejad

The problem here is Avery Johnson. The man is not a good coach.

He's a good coach... just now a coach you'd want leading a bunch of veterans... he's better suited for younger teams lacking discipline..

Swauny Jones

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October 22, 2012 09:24 AM ET

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QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 09:05 AM ET 10.22 by Docmadinejad

The problem here is Avery Johnson. The man is not a good coach.

Why...because he tells the truth? Mental toughness is essential in any winning situation.

Hllywd: Olskool

Columbus , OH

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October 22, 2012 09:28 AM ET

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QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 09:24 AM ET 10.22 by Hllywd: Olskool

Why...because he tells the truth? Mental toughness is essential in any winning situation.

Yes but telling the truth wears on veterans on a nightly basis... Johnson is too in your face for veterans to wanna work hard every night.. His drill sergeant mentality is what got him canned in Dallas and probably will be the same result in Brooklyn...

Swauny Jones

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October 22, 2012 09:42 AM ET

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QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 09:28 AM ET 10.22 by Swauny Jones

Yes but telling the truth wears on veterans on a nightly basis... Johnson is too in your face for veterans to wanna work hard every night.. His drill sergeant mentality is what got him canned in Dallas and probably will be the same result in Brooklyn...

Maybe, but the proof is in the pudding. Dallas had never been as successful before or since.

Hllywd: Olskool

Columbus , OH

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October 22, 2012 09:59 AM ET

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QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 09:51 AM ET 10.22 by Docmadinejad

"Truth" is often subjective and as far as his drill sergeant mentality goes... Congratulations. He's the new PJ Carlissimo. Maybe Deron Williams will choke him.

LOL!!! he'll get fired before Deron ever gets his hands on him...