EXIT Interview With AUDIO: Josh Howard

   To the very end, Josh did it with defiance.

   “A lot of people wrote me off, and wrote my teammates off,’’ said Josh Howard, conducting his Thursday Exit Interview while wearing a T-shirt emblazing with a picture of a nude woman. “We won a series and proved everybody wrong.’’

    For now, we offer up Exit Interview Quick Takes – complete with AUDIO at the AAC – this one from J-Ho. Here’s Josh in his own words:

   *On what he learned this year: “I learned to keep quiet sometimes.. (Assistant coach) Darrell Armstrong got me through a lot. He was a major part of me growing up.’’

    *On rebounding from off-the-court issues: “I showed my commitment this year. Things humble a man for a reason. I kept fighting.’’

   *On Rick Carlisle:“I had to get to know coach. Just getting to know him. … Being with Avery, he made sure everyone was consistent.’’

  *On his health: “Health was a major issue. … I’m gonna talk to my agent about the ankles and my wrist. I’m gonna have surgery on my left ankle and clean out all the junk.’’

   *On Jason Kidd: “It would be devastating if he didn't come back.’’

    *On the state of the Mavs: “I think we can match any team offensively and defensively. … In my third season we brought something they never had (an NBA Finals appearance). ... Towards the end of this year, with all negative stuff, we pulled together.’’

    *On his future with the club: “It's a business, you know? It's Mark's team. He's going to do what he believes is best. If that involves me leaving or staying, that's up to him. … I’ll be ready for whatever.’’

AUDIO at the AAC: JOSH’S OWN WORDS:

Josh Howard

As always, you can get Angry Trey’s thoughts on the Mavs and whatever else I feel like writing about over at AngryTrey.blogspot.com

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945am may 15 2009