03-27-2008, 12:11 PM
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 | Contributor | | Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Chicaaago
Posts: 6,963
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| Re: Players only meeting
Quote:
The initial meeting, from what could be gathered, was organized by strength-and-conditioning coach Arnie Kander. He wanted to make sure, with the playoffs looming, that players started getting serious about taking care of their bodies.
He got on them about maintaining all the pre- and post-practice (and game) stretching and weight-room work.
The players apparently took the meeting one step further. The message, at least according to Tayshaun Prince was, not only is it time to get our bodies right, but let's get our minds right, too.
"It's just something that needed to be said," Prince said. "We have to gear up for these last 12 games, just to finish off the right way and not go into the playoffs playing up and down. It's something I've mentioned all year long. Just try to play on an even keel and stay consistent."
The last couple of years, the Pistons have allowed themselves to taper at the end of the regular season, putting more of a premium on getting rest than on maintaining sharp execution. After losing in the conference finals the last two seasons, it might be time for a different tactic.
"This is the time when guys start to relax a little bit, start thinking about the playoffs and playing less minutes," Prince said. "No matter if our minutes are cut or whatever, it's still time to play hard and play strong. These 12 games are going to go fast, that's another thing that was brought up. It's going to go fast so let's start taking care of our business right now."
| -Detnews
So, it looks like Kander called the meeting and told everyone to make sure they don't get injured. Then Prince extended the meeting and told everyone to play hard. They may not be opposing thoughts, since Kander seems to be putting an emphasis on stretching and weights and it is a pretty common belief in pro sports that you don't get injured as often if you are the aggressor. i.e. if you are on the field of play, you can't avoid injury by loafing.  |