Avery

Johnson

“My desire is to get Avery in to replace me, to be the next head coach of the Mavericks if it all goes right with Mark [Cuban],” Nelson said this weekend. Johnson could join the Mavs staff as early as this playoffs.

Johnson has been out since March 13 with a strained calf.

Johnson has also received offers from the Bobcats and Spurs. The 39-year-old wants to play at least one more season before pursuing a career in coaching.

Johnson could be used as rookie Devin Harris’s top backup if the Mavs can’t upgrade at point guard.

Johnson has previously been a head coach in the NBA with the Nets and Mavericks. Most recently, he served as the head coach on the collegiate level at Alabama.

He refused to say anything directly about the officiating, but was clearly under the belief that the officials cost his team twice. The first time was the foul call on Dirk Nowitzki, as Johnson demanded that a Dallas Morning News beat writer tell the room his version of what he saw. The reporter refused and the topic was eventually changed to the Josh Howard timeout. Johnson insinuated that Howard was verifying with the bench when to call the timeout and that the officials charged him with it at that point. Johnson did a good job of avoiding direct comments on the officiating, but it was obvious that he was furious with the officials.

Rebecca Kettle filed a criminal assault complaint against Cassandra Johnson, saying she was hit on the shoulder during a verbal confrontation May 30. She and her boyfriend, Jose Martinez, said in a statement Friday that they were dropping the case. The Suns have apparently enticed the couple to drop the suit. In exchange, they get free playoff tickets next season.

Johnson’s comments on ESPN radio were very outspoken and derogatory toward the league, and while he probably won’t be suspended, a large fine is almost a certainty.

Ron Duranti, who was seated behind Johnson, said she “took at least three swings at the woman.” Duranti said the swings missed and she ended up making contact with a man. “Some lady was getting pissed off because we were cheering for the Suns,” fan Jose Martinez said. “She’s dropping [expletives] and her two kids are crying.”

This deal was actually agreed to nearly three months ago. Johnson is signing on as a player-coach. He’ll probably head to the injured list until Jason Terry, Devin Harris or Marquis Daniels gets hurt.