Brooklyn NY: The Brooklyn Nets fired head coach Avery Johnson. The Nets started the season with an 11-4 record, the best start in franchise history. Johnson was named Coach of the Month in November. The move was announced by Nets General Manager Billy King just after 1pm Eastern time today.
The team struggled during the month of December, leading to Johnson’s firing. P.J. Carlesimo, Johnson’s top assistant, will be named interim head coach according to a person close to the team. Carlesimo is the only assistant on the bench with head-coaching experience. The search for a long-term successor will begin immediately.
Johnson spoke to the media at the Nets practice facility today. Johnson said he was disappointed with the decision by management. Johnson also said that if he were the owner he would not have been fired today.
Deron Williams, the Nets’ star point guard, publicly criticized Johnson’s offense last week, unfavorably comparing it to the Utah Jazz system that Williams thrived in earlier in his career.
Johnson, a class act, thanked the media before leaving the podium: “Hopefully I have given you guys all you wanted. I thank you for all you have done for me.”
Vernon McKenzie: PureSportsNY