Avery Johnson is proud to have two former NBA head coaches as his assistants. Sam Mitchell, like Johnson a Coach of the Year, and Larry Krystkowiak, worked the sidelines for the Raptors and Bucks. And if you count Tom Barrise's 0-2 gig with the Nets last season (he'd probably like it if you forgot), the number rises to three.
What would get them (and Lawrence Frank, now of the Celtics staff) to move down the bench after coaching the likes of Jason Kidd, Chris Bosh, Michael Redd, etc. in the big chair? Steve Aschburner of NBA.com writes it's pretty simple: "[It's] a way to stay ready and visible and polished for the next top job that opens up ... well, there are only so many TV gigs to go around."
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Former head men slide down bench to be ready for next gig - Steve Aschburner - NBA.com