The Nets lost one former NBA coach, Larry Krystkowiak, to the college ranks and another, Sam Mitchell, has moved from the bench to the scouting office. John Loyer, the highly regarded assistant, followed his old boss, Lawrence Frank, to the Pistons. But their replacements may actually strength the team's bench.

P.J. Carlesimo has been an NBA head coach three times and Mario Elie has three NBA rings and three years as an assistant with the Mavericks and Kings. Both cited the lure of New York, their home town; Avery Johnson and the team's overall organization as reasons why they took the jobs. (The Nets will have six assistants once they fill the strength and conditioning vacancy. They had seven last year, but added two positions at Springfield.)

"I know Avery. I know what he wants," said Elie. "Me being from New York...now finally getting a chance to come to the east, especially going to Brooklyn next year. And me being from Manhattan [I'm] very excited to be here and just see the vision, where this team is going. Got a great owner They're about winning".

• NETS: Avery's All-Access Networking Yields Carlesimo, Elie - Ben Couch - New Jersey Nets
• NETS VIDEO: Mario Elie Interview - New Jersey Nets
• NETS VIDEO: P.J. Carlesimo Interview - New Jersey Nets