The article is from the Dallas Morning News. Here's an excerpt... Johnson's agent, Houston-based Tony Dutt, said the Houston Rockets had inquired about speaking to Johnson regarding a position on their coaching staff. Johnson who coached numerous practice sessions during the past season, is on the fast track to becoming an NBA head coach.
Here it is: Johnson could get new role with Mavs as player-coach 06/05/2003 By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News The Mavericks probably will have a new coach soon – but he'll be joining Don Nelson, not replacing him. Avery Johnson, who has one year left on his playing contract with the Mavericks, is expected to move into a player-assistant coach role for the 2003-04 season. Sidney Moncrief said Wednesday that he might be leaving the coaching staff, which would open up a spot for Johnson. The 5-11 Johnson completed his 15th season this year, becoming only the second player under 6-feet to play in 1,000 NBA games. The 38-year-old will earn $5.445 million next season. Johnson's agent, Houston-based Tony Dutt, said the Houston Rockets had inquired about speaking to Johnson regarding a position on their coaching staff. Johnson, who coached numerous Mavericks practice sessions during the past season, is on the fast track to becoming an NBA head coach. "Houston asked to talk with him, but Mark Cuban wouldn't give them permission, which is fine," Dutt said. "Avery is very happy in Dallas and still thinks he can contribute on the court. "But it's pretty obvious that he's got a great future as a coach. He could be a lot like Doc Rivers, who stepped right into a head coaching job after he was done playing." For now, Johnson is expected to slide into the player-assistant coach role with the Mavericks for some on-the-job training. Moncrief said he is likely to leave the Mavericks to return to the private sector. "There's a good chance I could be getting out of the coaching business," Moncrief said. "It's been a fun three years [with the Mavericks], but I've worked in the automotive industry in the past, and I'm looking at getting back into that. It's still a little premature, but I should know something in the next week or two." Johnson could not be reached for comment but has said in the past he's looking forward to beginning his coaching career.
avery johnson is going to be one hell of a coach. whoever gets him is going to be one lucky, lucky team.
I disagree with most recommendations for players to be NBA level coaches right away but this might be the exception. Watching Avery over the years tell me he is very smart in his playing, his decision making ... He also always talks to his teammates and tells them where to go, what to do ... even to veterans like D. Robinson.
Avery Johnson, Mario Ellie, Kenny Smith, and Calvin Murphy should all be interviewed to be the guards coach. (if we can even get an interview with avery) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Patrick Ewing should be the big mans coach. and how about Alvin Gentry for Assistant Head Coach?
In his prime, Avery Johnson was my third most hated player in the league after Stockton and Malone, mainly because he ALWAYS managed to burn us. I'd love to have him as an assistant...
I think AJ might make a pretty good coach.. the guy I am concerned about is Calvin. Would it be possible for him to be some kind of special assistant to the Rockets and still do the TV broadcasts too? I'm sorry, but as much as some poopheads like to rag on Murph, I really enjoy him during the games. Just think back to the bad old days of McCoy McLemore next to Bill... *shudder* and IF Calvin got bumped up into an asst coach spot, who might be a good replacement for him on the broadcasts? Kenny Smith maybe? I dunno..
At least on this we agree.. AJ is one helluva smart guy, who I think would make a good coach. I wouldnt mind Mario as an assistant also, talk about a smart, no-nonsense, get in your face coach! If JVG comes...what do you guys think of the speculation that Ewing might come along as a big guy's coach?
AJ is an even better person than he is a smart guy! He'll do great in whatever he chooses to pursue. But -- didn't I see where Cubes is making him a player-coach?
The only published reports I have seen say that he is already a player-coach, and Cuban is reportedly interested in keeping him that way till after next season(when his contract expires) and then move him to assistant coach. but who really knows what really goes thru that maniacs mind?(Cuban)
Yep. You saw that too. It's strange, the little guy directing Robinson and Duncan like they were rookies. They knew who was in charge of running the floor! AJ! Even Duncan and Robinson listened to the little guy. It was amazing!
