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Avery Up First, Thorn Hints at "Surprise"

Al 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.

  • Nets to Interview Avery - Al Iannazzone - In The 'Zzone
  • Avery Johnson gets Nets interview - Al Iannazzone - The Record
  • NBA eyes will also be on Phil - Al Iannazzone - The Record
  • Nets Coaching Search Timetable: Very Fluid - Dave D'Alessandro - Nets Blast
  • There's appreciation, not anger, in Mike Brown's farewell comments - Brian Windhorst - Cleveland Plain-Dealer
  • Twitter / Brian Windhorst: In talking to sources over ... - Brian Windhorst - Twitter
  • Hornets zeroing in on Thibodeau - Julian Benbow - Boston Globe
  • From New Jersey to L.A., some good gigs are still available - Shaun Powell - ESPN