TJ Ford: 'Cory Joseph needed emotional support'

TJ Ford has revealed that Cory Joseph started to "second guess himself" while struggling for playing time with the San Antonio Spurs.

During his first season in the NBA, the point guard averaged 9.2 minutes per game, increasing to 13.9 during the last campaign.

Ford, who also played for the Spurs during Joseph's rookie season, told SB Nation: "We're human. People assume that we're not supposed to be emotional about what happens on the court and off the court. It's not like that at all. I mean, we have emotions, you go up and down.

"Cory, yeah, did he get down on himself? Did he second guess himself? Yes. And that's why you gotta have a good support system to continue to keep you working. And that's what is great about the San Antonio Spurs organisation. They keep guys mentally focused and they encourage you and they help you."

Joseph featured heavily in the second half of the 2012-13 season, following Tony Parker's injury.