Oakley still tough as a Bobcats assistant
In this Jan. 20, 2011 photo, Charlotte Bobcats assistant coach Charles Oakley directs players in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Charlotte, N.C. Credit: AP
CHARLOTTE -- Charles Oakley, the NBA's toughest assistant coach, has been troubled by a back injury that caused him to miss the last three games, including last night's game against the Knicks.
Oakley, 47, who joined the Charlotte staff when Paul Silas took over for Larry Brown on Dec. 22, suffered the injury -- a sciatic nerve irritation -- while working out his team's big men before the March 19 game in San Antonio.
Silas praised Oakley, who has had his mind set on coaching for a while and publicly criticized the Knicks for not giving him an opportunity. Oakley, fitting with his tough-guy persona on the court, pulls no punches as a coach, either, and Silas believes that is something necessary in today's NBA.
"It's important because not too many coaches do that," Silas said. "Players have all the power and I think they're kind of afraid to confront them and make them adhere to the principles that you're putting out there. Oak, in no uncertain terms, lets them know.
"He's had it out with a few guys here," Silas added. "He gains their respect, and that's what's most important."
Knicks fix
Ronny Turiaf's injury troubles continue as he missed his 15th game this season with a left ankle tendon injury. Turiaf has had problems with his left knee this season and was fitted for orthotics designed to alleviate the stress from the knee . . . Former Bobcats forward Derrick Brown wasn't happy about being claimed off waivers by the Knicks. And to make matters worse, he's not playing. "I mean, you just have to keep working out," Brown said. "That's how the NBA is; just be ready."
