Hustling Kris Humphries keeps team first

You could say Kris Humphries is having a career year on and off the court.

The rugged Nets' power forward has been linked romantically to reality television star Kim Kardashian and is scheduled to appear in her new show on the E! network. But Humphries is more concerned with being recognized for his work inside in the paint. He deservedly is getting that recognition in this, his seventh NBA season.

"Humphries is what our program is all about," coach Avery Johnson said Thursday before the Nets flew to Washington for tonight's game. "Hard work. No excuses. Day in and day out, he comes in and gets after it. He's an attacker. He sets really good examples for the rest of our guys."

Humphries, who is averaging 8.1 points and 9.3 rebounds, appreciated what his coach said.

"That's a great compliment coming from him," Humphries said. "But I think we all have that attitude. Look at the lineup. Look at guys who have played and not played, [been] inactive, active. Everyone has been ready and there for us and we don't have any attitudes on this team about things being about them and not about the team."