According to the team’s beat writers that made the trip, the Nets didn’t appear to be in any sort of turmoil over Joe Johnson’s comments that the team had played selfishly and underperformed through their first six games. If anything, they’ll use it as motivation.
For one, Johnson stood by what he said:
Joe Johnson didn't back away from anything he said the past three days, & said the proof of whether they had an impact would be seen tonight
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) November 12, 2014
Joe Johnson said he is not a vocal leader on this team: "I try to lead by example. …DWill is the captain, him and Brook."
— Stefan Bondy (@nydninternets) November 12, 2014
Kevin Garnett said the message was received by the team, and offered a classic KG-ism (language NSFW, otherwise known as rated KG):
KG: "… I think for one of our star players to come out and call out our team and not an individual says a lot." #Nets
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) November 12, 2014
KG said you don't last long in "this league by just whispering or being a nice guy or a guy the ladies like. You’ve got to be an asshole."
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) November 12, 2014
Lionel Hollins dismissed the idea, saying Johnson is free to think what he wants about the offense:
Lionel Hollins on Joe's comments: "I read all of that. It means nothing. It’s one guy’s opinion. He’s entitled to it."
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) November 12, 2014
Hollins on Joe Johnson: "I think the one thing he might not have said and take back, I think he’d take back was saying 'selfish.'”
— Stefan Bondy (@nydninternets) November 12, 2014
Deron Williams admitted he didn’t like some of the play but didn’t think it was “constant”:
Deron: "At times, I think there’s definitely selfish play out there, but I don’t think it’s constant." He doesn't feel it's a big issue.
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) November 12, 2014
The Nets take on the Phoenix Suns at 9 P.M. EST tonight to kick off their three-game road trip. It’s the team’s first real test of the season, after going 4-2 in their first six games against underwhelming teams. Let’s see how they respond on the court.
