By Sam Amick from sports illustrated Highlight quote: "Sources say that the affable coach has helped himself by keeping his ears open to anything that could help the team and save his hide. He has been asked to push his team's pace -- a challenging proposition with Paul playing lead but mandated nonetheless. A priority has been placed on defensive aggression, as well. And above all, Del Negro has been told that ownership supports a style in which he is free to coach the stars and role players alike, with the same level of scrutiny."