George Karl's Return Speaks Loudly, Even if His Voice Does Not

Filed under: Nuggets, NBA Coaches, NBA Preseason

DENVER -- Just in case, George Karl showed up with a whistle.

Tuesday marked the first day of practice for the Denver Nuggets coach since he was lost in March for the final 1 1/2 months of last season due to a form of throat cancer. If Karl's voice didn't hold up, an electronic whistle was in his pocket.

Karl said he didn't use the whistle except to joke around with players. His voice, although a bit strained following Monday's media day and team meetings, was good enough to make it through the first day of training camp.

"When you have a bad practice and guys have a lazy mentality, you might use it then,'' Karl said. "But (Tuesday) was very professional and very solid.''

And very uplifting. Nuggets players were thrilled to have their coach back on the court.

"Seeing him energetic, positive, you can tell he's excited about it,'' said forward Carmelo Anthony.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Ashanti Ashlee Simpson Ashley Greene