Report: Hawks to interview Avery Johnson
Avery Johnson
ESPN.com’s Marc Stein reports the Hawks will interview Avery Johnson for their vacant head coach position.
Johnson, an ESPN analyst, last coached the Dallas Mavericks. He took over during the 2004-05 season and Dallas won 60 games in 2005-06, earning Johnson Coach of the Year honors. But the Mavericks lost a six-game series to Miami in the Finals after leading 2-0. The Mavericks fired Johnson after they lost in the first round of the playoffs in both 2007 and 2008.
If the Hawks want to hire Johnson it would probably take a significant financial commitment. Johnson reportedly earned more than $4 million per year in his final contract with the Mavericks. That’s more than twice the final salary the Hawks paid Mike Woodson, who was told on Friday that he wouldn’t be retained.
Johnson isn’t assured of earning his previous coaching salary when he returns to the sidelines, but he has leverage as probably the most high-profile candidate available. He’s already interviewed with Philadelphia and New Orleans and Johnson also reportedly has interest in coaching the Nets, who were recently sold to Russian billionaire Mikhali Prokhorov.
The Hawks also are set to interview Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey.
MC
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428 comments Add your comment
Ramon
May 17th, 2010
3:15 pm
Grandad you know I meant is white lol…
doc
May 17th, 2010
3:17 pm
northcyde often your comments are so intelligent until you go off on a tangent like this. this is the land of misery dude. have you forgotten? what fan base deserves that?
D Hawks
May 17th, 2010
3:19 pm
I’m glad they’re at least going to interview him, but I have a feeling that he’ll get multiple offers which will preclude us from signing him. I think the Spirit could spend maybe the $4 mil, but accounting for inflation and the number of teams with coaching vacancies I wouldn’t be surprised to see his price escalate to $5 mil or more. My rationale for that is this: If Woody had been retained how much would it have cost? My guess is in the $3-4 mil range because you’d have to give him a bump given his success. If they weren’t prepared to pay that for a coach, then they weren’t serious in the first place.
ricknole
May 17th, 2010
3:23 pm
I think by hiring AJ, this would at least energize the fan base. Make it happen Sund!!
SWAT Native
May 17th, 2010
3:23 pm
One thing that I don’t think I’ve seen mentioned on this blog is that the ASG seems to be close to bringing in a new investor. I’m hoping that means that they will have more resources to work with, and maybe they can afford a higher priced coach.
Ron Mexico
May 17th, 2010
3:24 pm
Northcyde is completely right, went to a few games this year and it was sad how empty the arena was, despite the fact that we have had a great team all year long (Against the Raptors we scored the most points in Phillips Arena history and very close to an NBA record I believe). Its the same with the braves too. Falcons are the only team this city shows up for, and thats not cool.
Clay
May 17th, 2010
3:25 pm
You gotta love this. Sund and the ownership group is atleast trying to get this team on a REAL run for the championship and it starts with a head coach. Come on sund hire him, and give him whatever it takes
Sirreal
May 17th, 2010
3:25 pm
I like him but not for us. I think Casey may be the better candidate for the job. Avery Johnson fizzles out in the post season just like another Johnson we know around here.
northcyde
May 17th, 2010
3:31 pm
Doc . . I’m not worried about being popular on here. All I do is try to kick the truth to people.
Those of you who are season ticket holders, or regularly go to the games, shouldn’t be mad at anything that I’ve said . . cause you men and women support the team.
It’s those of you who don’t support the team by going to the games, but cry and whine about us not putting a championship product on the floor, that should be upset. My post is DIRECTLY targeted at those group of fans that treat the Hawks like a hobby . . but act die hard when it comes to personnel and ownership.
At least those of you who regularly go to the games, understand one of your roles as a fan. You understand that without YOUR SUPPORT, the Hawks can’t do what they need to do financially to compete with the elite level franchises.
It’s time for the others to understand that as well, if they expect elite level management and on the court play.
northcyde
May 17th, 2010
3:31 pm
For the record:
NBA Salary numbers:
http://hoopshype.com/salaries.htm
northcyde
May 17th, 2010
3:32 pm
NBA Attendance numbers:
http://espn.go.com/nba/attendance
so there you go folks
Section 303
May 17th, 2010
3:32 pm
Ron Mexico, the crowds were not that bad this year. There were a few (thinking Portland and Minny games) that were poorly attended. But, for the most part, the crowds were up. Fans did their part this year.
Section 303
May 17th, 2010
3:36 pm
northcyde, fair enough…but, that’s just Atlanta fans being Atlanta fans. Really, if you go by numbers, they do not support any of the teams that well. Falcons seem to be the favor-of-the-month right now. Sure they will get some nice crowds this year. Don’t really understand that, though. For game experience, Falcons are a distant last place to other ATL teams.
Honkey Lips
May 17th, 2010
3:37 pm
Why isn’t Byran Scott being considered? He’s proven to be a great coach. Remember, he took the Nets to the NBA finals two years in a row!
tw3a
May 17th, 2010
3:38 pm
If they hire Johnson, No more Hawk fan here.
Section 303
May 17th, 2010
3:39 pm
Hit submit too soon….
To finish, I still think that fans came out for the Hawks about as well as could be expected. Weekend games & big games drew well.
Not many knowledgeable b-ball fans in this town. Only way I see the Highlight Factory being packed every night would be the Hawks landing one of the elite players. A Lebron or Kobe type that the locals see on ESPN. That would get the bandwagon charged and the crowds would come out for games on a more consistent basis.
Grandad
May 17th, 2010
3:40 pm
Ramon – I’m sorry, I really didn’t realize / typo!
I thought maybe because he was so athletic……..
just kiddin’
I really am sorry.
Section 303
May 17th, 2010
3:40 pm
tw3a, highly doubt you were that much of a Hawks fan anyways. And, I doubt your objection to Avery Johnson is really that great.
hawkville
May 17th, 2010
3:42 pm
And his record in the playoffs indicate he’s a good coach. Asking for Woodsen all over again
D Hawks
May 17th, 2010
3:45 pm
Good points about the attendance, but the logic is flawed the Heat and Cavaliers weren’t great fan bases either before Wade and LBJ signed. In fact, they were keeping the Hawks company in the bottom half of the attendance stats.
http://espn.go.com/nba/attendance/_/year/2003
Simpdawg
May 17th, 2010
3:45 pm
I would like to see Bill Laimbeer and Tom Thibodeau given an interview.
D Hawks
May 17th, 2010
3:48 pm
Another attendance factor is that Atlanta teams historically don’t draw as well during the week on school nights. The excuse has usually been the logistics of getting in and out of the city. I think the team draws well on weekends and holidays. Just getting that if someone with some star power (coach and/or player) came in, attendance would rise.
JD
May 17th, 2010
3:54 pm
Hey Wat about Byron Scott?
JD
May 17th, 2010
3:54 pm
sorry what about Byron Scott?
northcycle
May 17th, 2010
3:56 pm
OMG I need a new hobby
D Hawks
May 17th, 2010
3:58 pm
The most successful businesses invest in the business first, and the customers follow. That’s the risk in starting, buying, and building a business. If you wait for the customers before you invest the dimes, you may never get enough dimes to build your business to the level you desire. While I think the Spirit has done some of what is required, it’s obvious that they have not yet invested enough to make the Hawks a legitimate elite franchise, and I am not sure that they have enough resources to do that.
j
May 17th, 2010
3:59 pm
look here it dont matter who the coach is as long as the hawks are winning games and brang home some championship trophies ya dig
John
May 17th, 2010
4:02 pm
Avery Johnson, Byron Scott, Dwane Casey, Jeff Van Gundy, Lawrence Frank & Tom Thibodeau should all be on the hawks radar one of them should be the next hawks coach.
Mel from SW Atlanta
May 17th, 2010
4:07 pm
Man, this is Atlanta. We ain’t got no winners round here. Every one of the teams we got will always be a bunch of losers. The Hawks gonna get back Terry Stotts.
feudfinder
May 17th, 2010
4:12 pm
ASG usually does not pay big. It only hires somebody it can fire. So the low-balling saga continues.
tw3a
May 17th, 2010
4:13 pm
I know one thing section303 my seats are better than yours
Grandad
May 17th, 2010
4:14 pm
For what it’s worth:
ASG & Mr.Sund seem to be bustin’ their tail
to bring home a championship.
Given their legal impediments, Mr. Gearon
has time and again proven that they are
committing the resources necessary to compete.
Sure, Belkin has been a hindrance, but I think
he has also been a motivating factor for the
owners. You know, that to fail he gets the
last laugh. Yes they must be prudent & frugal.
That does not mean they have to spend freely
and or throw caution to the wind.
To me they have shown committment & that is all
we can ask. now let’s have fun with the task @ hand.
Atl. is what it is.
We have the Hawks & they are our team which those of us
on this board seem to be fans. We cannot worry about
(two sqirrels inside a tin can playing soccer with a ball-bearing)
which is what is going on inside some folk’s head.
I wanted to say northcyde but I was afraid he would get mad
and not realize I was kiddin’, so, I won’t say northcyde!
cliff1
May 17th, 2010
4:15 pm
One question rather joe were to stay or leave what do you think the hawks could get for crawford and his expireing contract.Crawford had a great year but on defense crawford though not near as bad as bibby is still a defensive liability and his trade value will probally never be higher.This team needs a coach who holds himself and team to a balls 2 the wall effort every game rather it be practice,regular season,or playoffs. And Mr.Sund the next time your on sports talk radio it would sound better if you were 2 no comment the next time someone asks you about Hubie Browns comments about J.Smoove arguing with the refs instead of getting back on defense YOUR RESPONSE MR.SUND was he got poked in the eye and thats the problem instead of being an enabler why dont you give J.SMOOVE a video motage of all of his whining episodes so maybe he can man up.And MR.SUND dont forget the summer memo 2 the players.1]Dont forget the weights because D.Howard only gone get stronger and#2 Please dont act surprised when the next playoff goon[see KURT THOMAS]trys 2 chump you.P.S. This team needs toughness on offense and deffense and in the words of the 2010 ATLANTA FALCONS ad campaign.ATLANTA HAWKS ORGANIZATION YOU NEED TO RISE UP.
Mr. G
May 17th, 2010
4:19 pm
I wonder will Steve Smith, Mark Price, or MArk Jackson will get a chance to be interviewed. Mark Price would be a great due to the fact he was a great point guard and played for Lenny Wilkens who was a great point guard himself. Mark Jackson would bring the Hawks more toughness and also would probably more discipline on the team. He would also be the one could light a fire under the players on the team. Steve Smith would be a great coach due to his wealth of knowledge he has on the game of basketball as well as with the organization. Everyone is always screaming Avery Johnson but forget he has flaws with a championship caliber team. With Byron Scott, we don’t know if he would play the rookies or vets. You get a first year coach with knowledge basis of Jackson, Smith, or Price, we should be able to make it to the conference finals with the discipline and offensive skill sets to take advantage of the team.
The University of Georgia Tech
May 17th, 2010
4:21 pm
this is a move in the right direction. add a coach with nba winning head coaching resume and now make minor moves via draft and free agency and the hawks are super close. maybe closer than ever! yet sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo far away
tw3a
May 17th, 2010
4:22 pm
The Bottom line is these are grown men making big dollars, so the new coach will have to be someone they all will play all out for, it’s all about respect. Look at the Celtics Doc Rivers his guys play hard for him because he is respected.
Q
May 17th, 2010
4:22 pm
EVERYBODY LOVES AVERY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tony Marbelitz
May 17th, 2010
4:23 pm
JSS is a girl.
honest_abe
May 17th, 2010
4:26 pm
i’m really high on doug collins. the way he breaks down the game is very simple and articulate. his credentials would demand instant respect from the players. but i know the asg is too broke to hire a proven head coach so my 2nd choice would be tyrone corbin. can’t go wrong with a jerry sloan disciple. always liked tryone’s scrappy game too…
BravesFan79
May 17th, 2010
4:28 pm
Wow….everyones jumping on the wrong bandwagon. Avery Johnson rode in on the coat tales of Don Nelson….i never saw him do anything special with the Mavericks. All that talent, and Nelson beats him with the Warriors! Nelson, not Avery was behind the Mavs run to the finals!
Brandon
May 17th, 2010
4:28 pm
HIRE HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m TALKING 60 wins a season!!!!!!!!!!!
jsmith
May 17th, 2010
4:30 pm
who cares about the hawk?? the nba is god aweful
BravesFan79
May 17th, 2010
4:32 pm
the #1 man for the job is Jeff Van Gundy: Knicks were the top defensive team in the NBA under Gundy, as were the Rockets. If honest_abe is right….. as far as cheap options go.. any disciple of Jerry Sloan would be a good choice.
The Truth
May 17th, 2010
4:34 pm
Regarding the 2010 NBA Attendance numbers:
Of the top 10 teams, 7 have at least one NBA Championship. So there seem to be some correlation between winning a championship and a high attendance. It could therefore be a cultural thing. If the Atlanta Hawks could ever win a championship, then Phillips attendance numbers will no doubt move drastically higher. The question really is what comes first, the chicken or the egg?
Jello Biafra
May 17th, 2010
4:35 pm
Avery Johnson will never take the job. He’s having too much fun playing for the Spurs.
jean
May 17th, 2010
4:36 pm
let hope was resign flip start crawford and focus on the frontcourt
jean
May 17th, 2010
4:37 pm
let jj resign flip…start crawford and focus on the frontcourt
jean
May 17th, 2010
4:37 pm
walk damn touch phone
Jello Biafra
May 17th, 2010
4:43 pm
The guy we need: Tim Duncan. We should just tank this next year so we could end up with the #1 pick. Duncan is a no-brainer and can you imagine him alongside Mount Mutombo? Then, after we trade Mookie for Pippen, we sign Damon Stoudamire. He’s the future of the NBA…I can feel it.
Grandad
May 17th, 2010
4:45 pm
cliff1:
“This team needs a coach who holds himself and team to a balls to the wall effort every game rather it be practice,regular season,
or playoffs”
One of the best statements I’ve seen on this board!
Plaudits to you my fellow blogger.
GATA.