Source: Johnson ousted after Mavs' playoff exit
By Marc Stein
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: April 30, 2008, 2:12 PM ET
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The Dallas Mavericks parted company with coach Avery Johnson on Wednesday, a day following the team's first-round exit from the NBA playoffs, ESPN.com has learned.


[+] EnlargeLayne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images

Johnson failed to get the Mavs out of the first round for the second straight season.

Speculation about Johnson's future with the franchise had been mounting for weeks, ever since Dallas struggled to reach the playoffs as the seventh seed following its midseason acquisition of point guard Jason Kidd from New Jersey.

Johnson became Mavs coach during the 2004-05 season and walks away with a 194-70 record (.735), but only a 23-24 mark in the playoffs and 3-12 in the postseason since Dallas' dismantling by Miami in the 2006 NBA Finals.

Host New Orleans wrapped up a 4-1 series rout of Dallas with Tuesday night's 99-94 victory.

"This is tough for me," Johnson said after the game, not specifically responding to a question about his job security but struggling to contain his disappointment after the Mavs' second straight flameout in the first round.

NBA front-office offices sources told ESPN.com that both the Mavs and Johnson, feeling that a coaching change was inevitable, wanted to come to a resolution quickly so Dallas could begin interviewing candidates and Johnson could pursue another job.

The New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls have openings.

Sources close to the situation have said that Mavericks owner Mark Cuban actually considered firing Johnson before the playoffs, specifically after Cuban and Johnson engaged in an emotional argument after a March 18 home loss to the Lakers.

Cuban refused to speak with reporters after Tuesday's loss -- Dallas' ninth playoff defeat in a row on the road since taking a 2-0 lead in the 2006 Finals.

GOT damn, that was quick! But to be fair this is NOT Avery's fault. Although I think Cuban has done some positive things for the league he needs to step the fuck back and let the coach, coach and pick his players. Just cuz you're a fan with billions doesn't mean you're qualified to make coaching and personnel decisions on the court.
[Edited 4/30/08 11:21am]

I guess my Hornets just ruined his life. He can get on with us next year!

SCNDLS said:

No its all the critics fault. Everyone picked dallas to destroy my Hornets even Charles fat Barkley. I knew we were a better a way better team than them fools. Now everyone eating crow. Spurs of San Antonio u are next!!!

Mark Cuban is the problem.

RodeoSchro said:

MOST definitely, but you can't tell his spoiled, petulant ass that. I don't think they can get a better coach than Avery right now.

WTF this is not right at all!!!! Cuban needs to get his fat ass on the floor and run up and down the court!!!

It wasn't Avery Johnson, it's not even Mark Cuban's fault, it's the Mavericks themselves. This team has no passion, no heart, they're soft. A coach is overrated in pro basketball, at the end of the day, it's great players that win games and championships. Every great team has a leader on the team, and who's the leader for the Mavericks, Dirk??? That team lost the moment Dirk let that dude tap him on the cheek like a bitch, and didn't do shit about it.

2blax2proud said:

I agree, but it is Mark Cuban cuz he drastically affected the chemistry when he lied to Steve Nash and traded him. And what did Steve go on and do??? He was league MVP the same year the Mavs fell apart in the finals. They woulda won that year if Cuban hadn't gotten rid of Nash and I think Michael Finley. I agree Dirk is not a good leader but he relied greatly on Steve for passion and emotion. Cuban further damaged the team by trading for Jason Kidd.

SCNDLS said:

You're right, I think if they would have kept Nash and Finley (totally underrated, IMO), they would have at least gave the Spurs some competition. And no disrepect to Kidd because I know his family from around the way, but he played like a pussy also. Paul is good, but I'm not buying all the hype. He's flashly, but he hasn't been tested yet.

2blax2proud said:

I like Jason, I've known him for years since the first time he was here. BUT, even though he's the best guard on the team (I hate Jason Terry) this was NOT a good fit and I'm not even blaming him. I'm blaming Cuban.

But it's kinda funny how Jason did everything under the sun to get rid of Byron Scott in NJ that he had to watch him get his Coach of the Year award and be knocked out of contention by his team. God don't like ugly, and Karma is a beyotch!

SCNDLS said:

That was interesting wasn't it.

SCNDLS said:

"Every dog has his day...."

Let Avery coach the Knicks!