High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Avery Johnson (born March 25, 1965) is a former American professional basketball player and current head coach of the National Basketball Association (NBA) team New Jersey Nets. He has also coached the Dallas Mavericks, leading them to their first NBA Finals appearance and four consecutive 50+ win seasons. During his playing days, Johnson was known as the "Little General" for his small (by NBA standards) stature, his leadership skills as a point guard and floor general, and his close friendship with former San Antonio Spurs teammate David "The Admiral" Robinson.