Coach Bob MacKinnon said the relationship between the Armor and the Brooklyn Nets is as good asd any in the league.
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Springfield Armor coach Bob MacKinnon was ready for the season opener against the Charge at Canton, Ohio, Saturday night.
By JIM SMITH
CANTON, Ohio – As the Springfield Armor prepared to open the 2012-2013 season Saturday against the Canton Charge, coach Bob MacKinnon reflected on a variety of topics upon completion of the team’s shootaround and meetings in the afternoon.
When discussing the main role of coaches in the NBA Developmental League, MacKinnon said that he and Armor assistant coach Chris Carrawell are relied upon to develop players for the Brooklyn Nets and for other opportunities. Specifically, the coaches are charged with “creating a winning and professional atmosphere” for the players.
MacKinnon remarked upon the relationship between the Armor and the Nets and, when discussing the partnership, cited the Nets as doing it “as well as anybody in the league.”
MacKinnon, Carrawell and Armor athletic trainer Mark Mahoney, all had the opportunity of attending Nets training camp, be with the team the entire preseason and be included in summer and pre-draft meetings.
“Coach Avery Johnson has incorporated us in everything they do so when they send a player to us or call up a player from us, that player is already ingrained in the system and nothing is new to them,” MacKinnon said.
As the season opening roster was only finalized within the last few days, MacKinnon said, “The one thing you have to be in our league is flexible. Things change quickly in our league. We tell players that if you don’t like the situation, wait four of five days as it’s probably going to change.
“The coaches have to be flexible and ready to adapt to change and I believe it makes you a better coach in the long run.
“It’s a fun league to coach in, the players are very motivated in our league and very willing to be taught.”
With only one player from last season returning to this year’s roster, MacKinnon said, “It’s really like we have a 10 brand new guys.”
During the 2011-2012 season, only three teams, Los Angeles, Austin and Rio Grande Valley, claimed winning road records. Springfield’s road record was 10-15.
The Armor opened against a Charge team they played six times last year, (including regular season and playoffs) splitting those games 3-3.
“Travel is hard,” MacKinnon said. “There are no charter flights and most of the away cities require connecting flights to get there. Often times we travel on game days. The road is a tough place to win in our league.”
With three divisions in the league this year, teams within a division play more frequently. Fort Wayne, Maine, Erie and Canton account for over 60 percent of the Armor’s games this year.
“All those games are very important. You can’t get ahead of yourself too much in this league,” MacKinnon said.
“We’re ready to go and start the regular season.”
The Armor’s home opener is Friday against Sioux Falls at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.