Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov has his first NBA coach in New Jersey: ESPN analyst Avery Johnson. After breaking into the coaching business under Mark Cuban in Dallas and interviewing with New Orleans and Atlanta in recent weeks, Johnson on Wednesday struck a verbal agreement to coach Prokhorov's Nets. "His leadership qualities, knowledge of the game and ability to motivate are all talents we will be calling upon as we move forward," Prokhorov said. "This is the beginning of what I hope will be many more exciting announcements to come before the start of the season." ESPN.com
