http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1084515918140730.xml EXPERIENCE PREFERRED Avery Johnson's dream job is to coach the Hornets, but he falls short of the team's main criteria Friday, May 14, 2004 By John Reid and Jimmy Smith par Staff writers New Orleans native Avery Johnson has played 16 seasons in the NBA, playing for six teams and winning a championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999 as their starting point guard. He has stood the test of time. But even those impressive credentials might not help him land his dream job -- head coach of the Hornets. The team's majority owner, George Shinn, is seeking an experienced coach who has had success in the NBA. And, with no previous head coaching experience, Johnson -- a guard with the Golden State Warriors -- is a long shot on a list of candidates that includes Byron Scott, Mike Fratello, Brian Hill and George Karl, all former NBA head coaches. According to a league source, three to five candidates are expected to interview in the coming week. Scott is expected to interview Monday. But Johnson is not expected to be among that group. "I would be interested in them, if they are interested in me," Johnson said of the Hornets. "There's only three head coaching jobs I've ever wanted in my life -- New Orleans, Dallas and San Antonio. Those are jobs that I would retire for, but I can continue playing. It's not like I'm a broken down 39-year-old point guard. Retiring is a big step for me, and I don't have to do it for anything right now." Tony Butt, Avery's agent, said he has had conversations with Shinn about the coaching vacancy. But Shinn has emphasized that he wants an experienced coach. "I kind of explained to them my reasons why I didn't think that just should be automatically a criteria," Butt said. "Unless New Orleans is willing to adjust their criteria, I don't see anything happening. "People have to look at Avery from a lot of different ways. In one sense you can say he's had 13 to 14 years of coaching experience. Everywhere he's been, Avery has been kind of a player and coach." Johnson is known for his leadership qualities and especially his work with younger players. In his final season with the Mavericks in 2002-03, Johnson was allowed to run some practices and assist Coach Don Nelson's staff during the playoffs. Last month, Johnson was a candidate for the Boston Celtics' head coaching job that went to former Orlando Magic coach Doc Rivers. Johnson remains under contract with the Warriors until July 1. He's likely to continue exploring his coaching options, even if the Hornets don't consider him as a serious candidate. Johnson could take an assistant's job with the Mavericks. In March, Nelson sent Johnson an e-mail saying he would welcome him as an addition to his coaching staff when Golden State's season came to an end. But the league ruled that the e-mail was inappropriate with Johnson under contract, and Johnson did not join the team. "I've said this all along, after the season was over, I would evaluate my options," Johnson said. "I know the Western Conference, but if there is somebody out there who is a better fit in the eyes of the Hornets' ownership, then they'll have to make that decision." All of the teams Johnson has played for have been in the Western Conference -- Seattle, Denver, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Golden State. Johnson was a member of St. Augustine's 1982-83 team that went 35-0. He played at two junior colleges before transferring to Southern. Johnson started his professional career playing in the United States Basketball League before signing as a free agent with the SuperSonics in 1988. He played for five teams before finally sticking with the Spurs for seven seasons. He has the second-most assists in Spurs history with 3,377. Last season with the Warriors, Johnson averaged 4.6 points in 46 games. --

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