Former Brooklyn Nets head coach Avery Johnson will once again join ESPN as an NBA analyst. Johnson worked for ESPN from 2008-2010 before he took the job coaching the then New Jersey Nets.
During Johnson's tenure with the New Jersey and Brooklyn Nets he went 60-116, before being replaced by interim coach P.J. Carlesimo, who is also employed by ESPN.
According to USA Today's Jeff Zillgitt, Johnson will appear on NBA Coast 2 Coast, NBA Tonight and, of course, SportsCenter. Johnson told Zillgitt, of his preparation as a TV analyst, "I had to watch games morning, noon and night, and it really made me feel like it was the next best thing close to coaching. It reminds me of the preparation I undertook as a coach."
Johnson also talked to Zillgitt briefly about his former team, the Brooklyn Nets, and how he thinks they'll fare this season with a new head coach and a revamped lineup.
"Obviously, having coached the Nets, I'm intrigued about whether they can bring it all together in another make or break year and make it to the Finals," he said. "Or are they going to be early-round out when there's a lot of pressure on them to get to the Finals, especially with their significant payroll and new additions?"
Johnson will make his in-studio debut on October 21.
- Avery Johnson re-joining ESPN's NBA coverage team - Jeff Zillgitt - USA Today