Mavericks Dump Coach Johnson

The Dallas Mavericks fired coach Avery Johnson in what might be one of many off-season decisions after the league's highest payroll produced a 2nd consecutive first-round knockout from the playoffs.

Avery Johnson leaves the team with an impressive resume after more than 3 seasons. However, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban wasn't happy with a bottom line of being 3-12 in the playoffs after blowing a 2-0 lead in the 2006 NBA finals. After that, the team had to deal with the embarrassment of being booted by Golden State in the opening round last year in one of the biggest upsets in NBA history. The Mavericks didn't win any road games in a 0-9 skid that was impossible to overcome.

Johnson was a championship-winning point guard for San Antonio. He became the Maverick's coach in training when he joined Don Nelson's staff in 2004. After a few months Nelson stepped dow
Johnson took over. Dallas went 16-2 the rest of that year and won the playoff series. During his first full season, the team went to the NBA Finals for the first time, making him the NBA coach of the year.

The Mavericks won 67 games, matching the 5th most in NBA history. They ended up wasting it with their opening round playoff loss to Nelson and the Warriors. Experts said that Johnson was out-coached by Miami's Pat Riley in the finals, then by Nelson. Johnson changed his starting lineup for Game 1 against Golden State even though his team was the overwhelming favorite.

Johnson's departure became imminent in the Hornets series. He admitted that he was to blame for the team being down 2-0. Afterwards, Josh Howard admitted on a local radio to show that he and other NBA players use marijuana. After losing Game 4, Johnson canceled an off-day practice but later found out that his players put themselves through a workout without him.

Johnson may not be unemployed very long. The Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks are among the teams in need of a coach. Either may be interested in a coach that preaches discipline and defense. It's hasn't been determined who Johnson's successor will be. Cuban inherited Nelson when he bought the team and then they both agreed to groom Johnson. Paul Westphal was on Johnson's staff and Del Harris is still on the payroll as a consultant. Jeff Van Gundy and Rick Carlisle are other experienced coaches who might be considered. Either way, whoever takes over will inherit a team of expensive, aging players.nn nnn