NBA

Avery Net-ting top-notch staff

The Nets may have lost out on big-name free agents, but top coaches keep rolling into New Jersey.

New coach Avery Johnson continues to shape his staff, hiring former NBA coaches Sam Mitchell and Larry Krystkowiak while adding Popeye Jones.

The Nets also retained John Loyer and Tom Barrise.

“Avery has assembled a staff that brings a wealth of NBA experience to the sidelines,” new general manager Billy King said. “Their collective knowledge of the game, gained from both playing and coaching in the league, will be an invaluable asset to the head coach as well as our players.”

Mitchell, the 2006-07 NBA coach of the year, was the Raptors coach for four-plus seasons, leading them to two playoff appearances.

Krystkowiak served as the Bucks coach for the final 18 games of 2006-07 and the following season, posting a 31-69 record.

Jones spent four seasons as a member of the player development staff in Dallas, where he worked with Johnson. He played 11 seasons in the NBA.

Loyer returns for his second season as a Nets’ assistant, and Barrise will be returning for a 15th season, his seventh season as an assistant coach.

Barrise served as the Nets’ interim coach for two games last season after Lawrence Frank was fired 16 games into the season.