Avery Johnson will apparently be the first coaching candidate interviewed by the Nets and Mitch Lawrence reports that the former Mavericks coach is also Rod Thorn's favorite. 

Marc Stein says Johnson, who's also been interviewed by the Hornets, Hawks and 76ers, will sit with Thorn this week.  His chances of landing the hometown Hornets job decreased when he demanded control of the basketball operations.  The Hornets are also going through an ownership change that has slowed decision-making.  

Meanwhile, Lawrence reports the Nets like Johnson for a number of reasons, including his 124-70 record in Dallas and his "effervescent" personality which will make him easy for the New York media to deal with. He also has the endorsement of Devin Harris, who he coached in Dallas.  Lawrence says Johnson is interested.  He reports, as did Fred Kerber last week, that Johnson's main competition for the job is Tom Thibodeau, the associate head coach of the Celtics.

• Mikhail Prokhorov's plan for New Jersey Nets begins with Avery Johnson - Mitch Lawrence - New York Daily News
• Source: Avery Johnson gets second interview with Atlanta Hawks - Marc Stein - ESPN
• Coaching Candidate Number Four: Avery Johnson - Sebastian Pruiti - Nets are Scorching