Let the real interviewing begin for the Nets.
And it will today when Nets president Rod Thorn sits down with former Mavericks coach Avery Johnson to discuss particulars about the team’s vacant coaching position.
Thorn declined to confirm the meeting, but acknowledged his interview process was about to begin. There have been numerous reports of individuals interested in the Nets and of the Nets’ interest in individuals, but Thorn offered that much of it is pure speculation. And a lot of it arises because of the new Nets owner, Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov.
“Many of the things being written are because of his stature,” Thorn said.
So the process begins with Johnson, who compiled a .735 winning percentage in three-plus seasons with the Mavs.
“He’s feeling very good about the chance to meet with the Nets,” said one of Johnson’s representatives, Jeremiah Haylett. “He’s very optimistic about the team and where it is headed.”
Johnson would appear to be an early favorite, but Thorn squashed the notion anyone has the lead at this time.
“I don’t think it’s fair to say anyone is a favorite right now. It’s early,” Thorn said.
One other name that has been linked, Boston assistant Tom Thibodeau, remains in the mix because although the apparent choice in New Orleans, he has not been named to that post yet. Of course, the Celtics remain alive in the postseason.
As for the pace of the Nets’ process, Thorn noted “only one guy has been hired,” Doug Collins by the Sixers, so it’s not like he’s losing a slew of candidates. He would like a coach in place by the draft, but nothing seems etched in stone. Thorn said he would not base his hire on the notion the coach might appeal to free agents.