Johnson Takes Over 12-70 Team

That .735 winning percentage Avery Johnson compiled as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks is about to take a serious hit. He has officially been hired to coach the woeful New Jersey Nets, 12-70 a season ago.

“We are very pleased to welcome Avery as the new head coach of the Nets,” Nets president Rod Thorn said. “He has enjoyed success in this league as both a player and head coach, and we feel that he possesses all of the characteristics, including knowledge, passion and leadership, that are necessary for us to be a championship contender in the years to come.”

“The hiring of Avery Johnson as the Nets head coach is a wonderful first step towards building a winning team,” said Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov. “His leadership qualities, knowledge of the game and ability to motivate are all talents we will be calling upon as we move forward. This is the beginning of what I hope will be many more exciting announcements to come before the start of the season.