Avery Up First, Thorn Hints at "Surprise"
by Net Income on May 27, 2010 6:43 AM EDT
in 2010 Coaching Search
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PrintAl Iannazzone reports that former Mavs coach Avery Johnson will be interviewed by Rod Thorn this weekend. Johnson has expressed interest in the Nets job and praised its young core and other assets. He would be the first coaching candidate--of the "four to six" Thorn is looking at--to get a face-to-face sitdown. Thorn has admitted to talking via phone to candidates.
Iannazzone suggests that even though he's the first candidate to get an interview, there's no indication he's at the top of the list of candidates. Fred Kerber has previously reported that Johnson and Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau appear to be the top candidates...but that was before Mike Brown was let go by the Cavaliers earlier this week. Meanwhile, Dave D'Alessandro reports that Thorn is saying there could be a "surprise" candidate and that he hopes to have interviews completed by around June 4. Dave D also believes Mike Brown is a real candidate and speculates the "surprise" could be Phil Jackson or Doc Rivers.
The Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports one NBA team has made contact with Brown and noted Thorn's positive comments about him Monday. Both Johnson and Brown have back-to-back 60-win seasons on their resumes along with disappointing playoff records.
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yep! Which got me a little nervous
Idon’t want people to start accepting jobs just because they are not sure what the Nets are going to do.
And so said the old man!
not a concern
1) I don’t believe Thibodeau is focusing too much on what offers he may have now.
2) his agent, if he is smart, knows quite well that Mikhail Prokhorov has more money than anyone else. Why make a commitment now without talking to the guy with the deepest pockets…particularly when at the press conference Prokhoro clearly said assistant coaches are on the list. He wasn’t talking about Patrick Ewing.
kinda
I am more concerned about the fact that we haven’t even got started yet, when most every team is well on their 3rd candidate interview, and Philly even hired theirs. Lets get crackin!
It's a long off-season
We have the right upper management in place (i hope)
-Say man when I was growing up we wanted a Jacuzzi, we had to fart in the tub.
Yup your right everybody knows this is the best job available
Forget the Chicago Hype yeah lets go there for Noah with all his dream shake and plethora of post moves smh
Actually,
Philly even hired theirs
IMO was a mistake. Why the rush to pick Collins? You have the #2 pick. You have some talent. I dont get the Collins pick.
If Thorn hires Brown...
He should be fired immediately!
Brown would be an unmitigated disaster and a huge disappointment. Avery just seems like a real good fit for this organization.
by nynjlawyer on May 26, 2010 6:28 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Brown's hiring would show that Thorn is way past his prime...
Avery is a decent match and hopefully he could turn Devin back into a defensive beast.
I still say offer Phil J 3yr/$50M!!!
Yes, but Brown and Johnson are of the same pedigree and the Cavs have gotten out of the first round EVERY YEAR THEY’VE BEEN IN THE PLAYOFFS SINCE 1998.
by diehardNFFLbarnone on May 26, 2010 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Curious point
The Cavs have only made the playoffs five times since 1998. And the caps don’t help.
And all of them came on Brown’s watch.
by diehardNFFLbarnone on May 27, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
There’s a reason he’s been out of coaching for two years while Brown has been out of coaching for less than a week.
by diehardNFFLbarnone on May 26, 2010 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes you are right
Most GMs are dumb. Brown can not make in game adjustments and gets out coached every post season.
Actually its because Brown tends to be a lot more laid back.
by diehardNFFLbarnone on May 26, 2010 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think Brown was quite THAT laid back.
by diehardNFFLbarnone on May 26, 2010 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions
He is not a pushover. In fact he could get pretty angry when he felt the team was playing listless or uninspired basketball.
by diehardNFFLbarnone on May 26, 2010 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions
uhh
Not really. Lebron ran the team. Thats pretty much the end of the story. When he got mad it was more in a “why arent you listening to me you guys!?” sort of way.
I really dont think Brown is as bad as people are saying.
Brown is a defensive coach. Thorn has already said that he wants someone to teach defense. Unfortunately Brown sucks at offense.
Brown or Avery arent my first choice either, but lets not over exaggerate.
Proky wants a splash
I don’t really care how great a coach anyone thinks Brown is……we want to set the tone for a win it fast and establish a dynasty team.
What does hiring someone who’s team (the best record team with the 2 time MVP and all star refugee supporting cast) just absolutely completely quit on them say about your vision for the future?
I think people forget that
the Cavs sucks.
Regular season and playoffs are two different things. Lebron carries that team during the regular season. Then when the playoffs come other teams have seen all the video tape and know how to stop them.
Like I said Brown isnt my favorite, but when you look at that team, they suck.
That would be solved by getting someone like Ettore Messina for offensive coordinator.
by diehardNFFLbarnone on May 27, 2010 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
No, he shouldn’t. In fact, for me, that would be deserving of an additional three years without doing anything else.
by diehardNFFLbarnone on May 26, 2010 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Great!!!
Another positive action by Nets management. Avery seems like a good fit. He is a well disciplined, hard working coach who will expect the same from his players.
So can we call Rod Thorn a Liar or just a Deceiver.
Thorn just said no one is “scheduled this week” after Mitch Lawrence wrote that Avery would interview this week.
Technically, Rod may consider Saturday to be next week. Or maybe an “exact” time wasn’t set until today.
Anyway, this should be a lesson to watch Thorn’s words carefully.
Scratch the “fire Thorn” for now.
Maybe we should wait to hear Thorn deny this news too?
People should realize that if Tom T. isn’t being interviewed, he is behind Avery Johnson.
New Orleans isn’t going to wait forever before they withdraw their offer to Tom T.
My guess is that Proky is the decider in choosing Avery. Afterall, he is the one to set the salary?
Proky could say to Rod, its your decision, but I’ll only give x dollars for Tom T. and 2X dollars for Avery, with additional concessions.
Avery is probably going to want a role in player selections, as he did in New Orleans. I would want that for him too, as he is the one who would have to do the teaching.
I highly doubt if there is another “serious” coach under consideration, but Nets wouldn’t want Avery or his agent to know that.
Brown is tarnished goods and besides, no way LeBron would come to Nets.
At least Avery has said he wants to see LeBron to be a better jump shooter so that he can compare with Jordan.
Jackson and JVG aren’t coming, although Thorn may still be hoping for Gundy to change his mind.
too many suppositions
Mike Brown who has won 61 and 66 games in back to back seasons is “damaged goods”? No Nets coach ever won more than 52.
But LeBron would be looking for a change.
I suppose he’ll get a casual interview from Thorn.
Maybe Thorn will be lazy and just talk on phone.
Two other considerations we know:
1. Proky is serious about recruiting LeBron, yet he can’t hold the team hostage should efforts fail – which is likely.
Avery would represent to LeBron the EXACT OPPOSITE from “what Brown can do for LeBron”.
LeBron should be looking for a change in coaching style. Avery says he can turn him into Michael Jordan (improve jumpshot), without having to play in Chicago to be reminded of that.
2. Proky has said the coach will “have passion” for the game. That was a give away. Seems Proky already decided.
or maybe
as of Monday, nothing had been scheduled.
or maybe
one side thought something was set in stone and the other didn’t
or maybe
Thorn didn’t wany anyone to know because it was to the NETS advantage.
So then he is just "a deceiver".
Like Bill Clinton – “I didn’t have sex with that woman,, Ms. Lewinski”, because he didn’t consider that to be “real” sex.
.
.
I am waiting to get a hint into whether Thorn will be looking to trade his #3 draft order, with #2 or #4-7.
We would know if he starts pumping up certain draft candidates, after their tryouts.
If he does however, it would also be a sign that he isn’t happy with his choices at #3. Afterall, for months he was thinking to get a good PF via free agency.
Phil or Avery
If we cannot get Phil Jackson then Avery is the best choice. He would force everybody to play defense especially to our PG. DH has shown that he can play D as well as play O. Now next coach’s job is to teach him to play both at the same time.
BTW, I want Favors above everybody. This could be a blessing in disguise. Favors was regarded better than Wall coming out of HS and he is still 18.
Now Rod, be a good fella and listen to your Master
Mr. Proky knows I got passion.
Where do I sign (smile).
.
.
“I can punish two of my players at the same time. Watch this Nets fans:”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLV3a4CgYLE
“Watch me go fishin on TNT:”
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=9ghbtjykb-0&feature=related
I'll bet the Surprise is Doc Rivers (if Avery is too difficult to sign)
And it seems like Proky would like Doc too.
Doc Rivers also has passion but he isn’t talking.
.
.
Several things would have to happen for it to be Doc Rivers.
And those odds are small; hence Rod’s cautionary statement.
Suprise?
This offseason is just tooooooo much.
by No Sleep Till Brooklyn on May 26, 2010 10:00 PM EDT reply actions
Avery Johnson has been doing the commentary of the Orlando game, on ESPN News.
He went 15 minutes straight at half time.
Appears to be in good analytical form.
Maybe he’s just happy about his Nets coaching prospects and pockets soon to be flush with Cash.
Glen Davis is down.
Reminds me of a shorter, fatter Cousins.
Cousins is going to be good, in year #1.
Too bad Nets didn’t accept Yi for Big Baby, when they had a chance.
If they did, LeBron would be on his way to 1st championship.
AND Harris for Rondo when it was discussed...
And we all said no after Harris’ possible MIP season… Ah well… Without the discipline and tutelage of Doc and the big 3, I don’t think Rondo or Davis would be as good as they are now. I can’t imagine how either would’ve developed under Kiki.
by JohnFromLongIsland on May 26, 2010 10:59 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Put Rondo on our team last year he wouldn't be doing that well
He has no jumper but playing with 3 potential Hall of famers opens things up for him a lot. You cannot underrate that, he can just dribble wherever he wants, nobody can help.
Plus Boston was looking for Harris because of his nice contract. They had to pay dearly for Rondo.
We would have less cap space, but at least Rondo has “passion”, diving for balls.
You have to admit that Harris took the year off, knowing Management wanted to lose this year.
Problem is that Nets could have won 25 games and still be in the same draft situation.
We will see which Harris plays next year, especially if Avery is his coach again.
I think they gave up Brian Grant, another player whose name I can’t remember, and a draft pick (Rudy Fernandez) to get Rondo.
by diehardNFFLbarnone on May 27, 2010 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions
The surprise if there actually is one better be Rick Pitino. Although the way things have gone down for my team in the last 5 years, there is just about no chance of anything good happening to the Nets.
There is supposed to be litigation ongoing with him, so I doubt it.
Got to be Doc, as a backup.
side note about Pitino...
He just put his mansion in Louisville on the market this past week. He says he and his wife are down sizing; got a lot of people speculating on what this means if anything.
Prokho...
…..should sign Avery, and undercut NO and make Tom T the highest paid assistant in the league. We need a focus on defense.
Avery will run a tight ship, and he’ll know how to use Lopez. If Williams keeps his head on straight, and learns from a former PG in Johnson, that could be huge.
If we land Turner, even better. I’d rather we get him, and then use our money on a big, a back up PG, and a shooter.
So many if’s…the wait is killing me
"No one stands on the top of the world. Not you, not me, not even gods. But the unbearable vacancy of the throne in the sky is over. From now on...I will be sitting on it."
that works too.
"No one stands on the top of the world. Not you, not me, not even gods. But the unbearable vacancy of the throne in the sky is over. From now on...I will be sitting on it."
by MrDollarBills on May 26, 2010 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions
This is whats going to happen:
1) Avery is going to interview for the job this week.
2) Thorn will like what he see’s from Avery.
3) Tom T will interview for the position one Boston ends the season.
4) Thorn will like what he see’s from Tom T.
5) Thorn appoints Avery as Head Coach and Tom T as his assistant.
NO is not going to wait for ever for Tom T. to accept/turn down their offer.
But in order to offer Tom T. for high-paid asst., Avery first has to accept head coaching position and approve of Tom T.
Avery – 10 million/year
Tom T – 6 million/year.
NO seems to have some management instability that could be a turnoff.
The surprise thing is ...
Phil Jackson will make Proky drink Vodka.
Proky will do anything to sign Phil.
I like the idea of getting Tibs hired as an assistant as well.
i like avery johnson with tom T on the sidelines. would be great to have a real coach. gawd the kiki situation was awful
Tom T will not be the Nets assistant...
When he can be a head coach.
The surprise
is that Lawrence Frank is coming back.
As much as I hate Frank as a Head Coach,
if he wants to be an assistant, I would welcome him back.
This coming from a pure Lawrence “OPIE” Frank hater.
Proky could offer around 4 million per year to be assistant to Avery with option to leave after 1st year.
Although Avery isn’t that much taller than Frank, I could still see Avery grabbing Lawrence by the collar if he screws up.
Or else grab LFrank where it hurts even more.
Why in the world would Proky pay Frank $4M to be an assistant...
Common sense…please!
Because it is like me paying $40.
He might pay Tom T. over $5 million to be an assistant, if he doesn’t accept the NO offer.
To get the best assistant coach, you have to show them the money.
That is the one thing Proky can do, is spend money on best coaching staff and facilities.
He can’t do anything about Cap Space.
Ridiculous...
How many coaches make $5M per year? And Tibs currently makes $1M per year. Your business acumen leaves a lot to be desired.
this
prokhy is apparently already asking thorn to take a pay cut, what makes people think he’s going to wildly overpay for coaches.
I wonder if Carl Everett believes Jamie Moyer exists.
I believe he will for the right coach
Not L Frank as an assistant. Friggin hilarious.
I think he'll make him pretty high paid
I don’t think he’s going to make him the highest paid coach in the league.
I wonder if Carl Everett believes Jamie Moyer exists.
Here's the scenario I can see happening
Head Coach: Mike Brown Assistant Coach Monty Williams. Brown has the defensive mind and CEO mentality when it comes to coaching, step in Williams to help on the offensive side of the ball.
Can we please stop with this silliness?
by diehardNFFLbarnone on May 28, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
What silliness?
Some of us think Mike Brown is a horrible coach.
So be it...
I would be VERY disappointed if we hired Brown.
how is it a tiny minority?
who is this majority that doesn’t?
I wonder if Carl Everett believes Jamie Moyer exists.
Me, and NetsDaily, and Net Income, and a number of other posters on this site.
by diehardNFFLbarnone on May 28, 2010 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I was thinking i dont believe phil jackson goes to the nets or bulls before july1st he would only want to go somewhere there after he founds out where james is, so my point is thorn did say he wants a coach before the draft so im guessing phil jackson isnt a option now??
another thing lets just give avery johnson the head coach position who is out there thats better then him????
Rudy T!
They should just get players and coaches from the 1995 Rockets: Cassell would probably be the perfect kind of guy to get into Devin Harris’ head, Olajuwon could teach Lopez some post moves and Tomjanovich would be exactly the kind of awesome guy that Lebron James would want to play for.
This is just a joke but if he’s healthy I DO think the Nets should give Rudy T a call and ask him if he’s interested in coaching. Bias beware: I love that Rockets team
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