Michael Cooper started off his tenure as the interim head coach of the Denver Nuggets with a team meeting during which he assessed a player's role within the system he's about to run.

Then he took them to court.

Most of the first day of practicing was dedicated to defense. The players went through the "Shell Drill," a contest in which points came easier by making stops on defense than making baskets on offense. Bodies were flying - at one point, Bryon Russell, Marcus Camby and Andre Miller all went down in a heap. Earlier in the workout, guard Greg Buckner left with a groin strain.

"The first practice was short, but it was competitive," Carmelo F Anthony said. "It was hard and to the point. We haven't been running enough. We need to get 28, 30 points off our fast break. That starts with defense. Everybody's got to play defense."

PG Andre Miller added: "Coach let the people know right to their face what he expects of them. There were no hidden agendas. That's how it should be."