Over the past week, Nate McMillan has not hesitated to publicly blast his players after uninspiring performances. Some coaches pick their spots to mete out criticism in the media, or they use a more diplomatic approach behind closed doors.
But partly because McMillan's targets have been his veterans, the coach plans to assess his players in the media in the same way he addresses them in meetings: with candor.
"When we win and we play well, I'll talk about what we did to play well and the guys who contributed to playing well," McMillan said. "And if we don't play well, I think it's simple to talk about the reasons why. Sugarcoating things and not really telling the truth, I won't go for that."
Following Tuesday's 108-83 loss to Minnesota, McMillan blasted his veterans ? although not by name ? for a lack of professionalism.
Seattle's only veterans are Brent Barry, Vin Baker and Gary Payton, and all three struggled in the loss.
McMillan's public undressings won't change, he said, unless Seattle's inconsistency ends. Last night, McMillan didn't have anything harsh to say because the team played hard.