Don Nelson is resigning from Mavs!

[maddogchen]

Johnson to replace Nelson immediately

Don Nelson has resigned as Dallas Mavericks coach and been replaced by Avery Johnson, ESPN.com's Marc Stein reports.

A press conference is scheduled for later Saturday afternoon.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban told ESPN.com that Nelson resigned Saturday "for family and other reasons."

He will stay with the Mavericks as a consultant.

Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history, has missed several games in recent weeks to be with his wife while she recovers from surgery.

Nelson had been grooming Johnson to become his successor. Johnson has run most practices this season and has coached several games, sometimes with Nelson serving as an assistant. Johnson also had a 10-game stint in charge while Nelson was out following shoulder surgery. The Mavs went 7-3 in that span.

The Mavericks host the Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday (8:30 p.m. ET).

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[dethman]

oh teh noes!

 

[spacejamz]

wow...

 

[wyvrn]

Avery Johnson is a good coach. I think he will bring much needed emphasis on defense and a balanced approach to the Mavs. Plus he is closer to being a player, so may know how to motivate the younger talent Dallas has better than Nelson.

Nelson was a great coach and brought the Mavs from the depths of sports death. Cuban called him the Godfather of Mavs basketball, and he will always be a well respected member of the community. Here is hoping he and his wife live healthily and happily.

When Dampier and Stackhouse get back, the Mavs should start to roll into the playoffs with some momentum after treading water for the last few weeks.

 

[Juno]

Originally posted by: dethman
oh teh noes!