Avery: Let's get physical

[kriD]

Avery: Let's get physical

By ART GARCIA
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

DENTON -- Four players can't change the complexion of a team. Or can they?

The additions of Greg Buckner, Devean George, Anthony Johnson and Austin Croshere aren't the second coming of the Bad Boys. And it's not as if the Mavericks needed a toughness overhaul after a season of obvious defensive improvement.

But there were shortcomings. Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant weren't the only ones exposing the Mavs' perimeter defense, though they did inflict the most pain.

The bench last season wasn't as loaded as many believed it to be, and questions resurfaced about the team's mental fortitude in the Finals.

Enter four newcomers with 32 combined years of NBA experience and 252 playoff games. George collected three title rings with the Los Angeles Lakers, while Croshere and Johnson have played in the Finals.

"They bring veteran experience, swagger and a confidence that they've been there before," Jason Terry said after Thursday's practice at the University of North Texas.

"We were definitely missing that experience, especially in our depth off the bench. For the rest of us, we didn't have that much experience going that far in the playoffs."

Mavs coach Avery Johnson was looking for more than just experience.

"We came a long way defensively last year, but the physicality area is not good enough for us," he said. "We've just got to become more of a hit-first team. We're not there yet."

When it comes to hit-first defenders, Buckner (6-4, 210) and Anthony Johnson (6-3, 195) jump to the front of the line. They have a reputation for roughing up offensive players without being dirty.

"I hated playing against Buck," Jerry Stackhouse admitted. "He makes it hard on you."

Johnson, 32, rehashed some old memories playing a little one-on-one with his coach after Thursday's only practice. There were considerably more laughs in this battle of AJs than when both played, but neither has lost his edge.

"He's mean," Avery said of Anthony. "AJ and Buckner, they're mean guys."

Buckner returned to the organization that drafted him in 1998 to help shore up the backcourt. A reserve his first five years in the league, Buckner started roughly half the games he played the last two seasons in Denver.

Buckner knows exactly what's expected of him in Avery Johnson's scheme.

"Make guys shoot contested jump shots and finish it off with a rebound," Buckner said. "If guys penetrate in this league, you're going to have problems, whether it's a basket for themselves or creating shots for others."

George earned minutes alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Bryant during his seven-year stay with the Lakers by displaying an all-around game. Croshere is another hard-working defender with an ability to knock down a 3-pointer. He essentially replaces Keith Van Horn as Dirk Nowitzki's backup.

"Winning teams are well-balanced," George said. "One-dimensional teams don't really win. You look at the San Antonio teams and the Laker teams, all the areas were filled. They had guys that score, guys that rebound, guys that come off the bench and knock down shots.

"That's what winning teams do."

And it's what the Mavs need from their four new veterans.

"That's why they're here," Avery Johnson said. "And they make shots. That's the whole thing. It's not all lopsided. We want to keep our defense going, but we've got to be able to put the ball in the basket."

[DevinHarriswillstart]

I have become slightly more optimistic after Stack's quotes on Buck's defense. I feel like I've read this same article like four times though with minor tweaks. I'm ready now to see what they actually bring to the table rather then reading about our new acquisitions over and over.

[chumdawg]

Buck is the new Bowen!

[dude1394]

Well I must admit after watching folks do it to dirk all playoff long, I wouldn't mind having a guy who would be willing to slide a foot or two under a shooter if they keep that crap up.