Originally Posted by dude1394
Dumbass Avery...he could definitely use a therapist.. Crazy Napoleon complex.
"Mentally tough
Pro teams spend millions of dollars to treat players’ knees, elbows, backs and other body parts but, Eppright says, most probably don’t allocate enough for players’ minds.
In the spring of 2000, sports psychologist Kalkstein was with the Rangers at Yankee Stadium when his cellphone rang.
The caller informed Kalkstein that new Mavericks owner Mark Cuban wanted to hire him. Furthermore, Cuban wanted Kalkstein to be full-service, attending as many practices and games as possible.
Twelve years later, Kalkstein says he believes he remains the only full-time NBA team psychologist.
“To me, it made common sense,” Cuban says.
Why?
“Guys have got to be ready to play,” Cuban says. “That includes your head, too. It’s not an easy business. Any way we can add value, put our guys in position to succeed, we’re going to do it.”
Kalkstein implemented mental skills programs. His less-official capacity is “sounding board,” for players as well as coaches.
“I do a lot of observation, and then bring those observations to the attention of the athletes at times,” Kalkstein says. “And vice versa. They bring some things to me, and we communicate what it is they would like to do, on a more consistent and optimal basis.”
Kalkstein’s Mavericks tenure was interrupted in January 2006 when, according to Cuban, coach Avery Johnson decided to “get rid” of the psychologist. Five months later, the Mavericks had a 2-0 NBA Finals lead against Miami but unraveled and lost the series after blowing a 13-point lead late in Game 3.
“That didn’t work out, so we brought him back,” Cuban says. “And we don’t win without him."
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