When the Mavericks fired Avery Johnson in 2008, other teams called him about their job vacancies. They liked Johnson for his defensive acumen and motivational skills.
Johnson was in no hurry to coach for anyone. He was going to wait for the best situation. The Mavericks paid him to do nothing for the remainder of his contract after he was let go.
With his contract expiring, he had to look for work. Working for ESPN is something most coaches don't aspire to be doing for the rest of their lives. Johnson is no different.
Plus with young assistant coaches on the rise, Johnson could not afford to keep looking for a better job. He either had to take a job or risk being passed over in future years due to not coaching from the sidelines.
That's why he reached a deal with the Nets. The Nets are thankful for that.
There were no other coaches interested in that position no matter what Rod Thorn or Mikhail Prokhorov blurt out in public.
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Article written by Leslie Monteiro