Pete Carril was in his element Thursday after the official practice.

Teaching. Pointing out the finer points of his craft. From his coaching seat, he went over backdoor screens on paper to an attentive, if thoroughly sapped and sweat-soaked, Peja Stojakovic. Carril pumped in chest passes and lobs to a weary, sore-shouldered Vlade Divac in the paint, imploring the veteran to head-fake, spin, go glass.

And to make those darn free throws. Not enough knees, son. Not enough bend, he seemed to say with a glance when Divac barely hit the rim on one attempt.