Home Away From Home

He hasn’t been gone that long, but when a huge heart and spirit like Avery Johnson’s makes an exit, the void seems irreplaceable. Recently Johnson has returned to the city that he helped bring its first NBA championship in 1999. Only this time he is on the other side of the scorer’s table, wearing blue and white instead of silver and black. This this time he wants anything but for San Antonio to get a shot at another NBA title. Avery Johnson was one of the most visible Spurs on and off the court during his tenure in San Antonio and he continues to be that man, except now he is a member of the Spurs' Western Conference Finals foe, the Dallas Mavericks.

Though he is no longer running the point, Avery Johnson is still making an impact on the court during the playoffs for the Mavericks, in the role of assistant coach. Being a player-coach has given him the chance to transition into something new and still be around the game that he has loved his whole life. Mavs Head Coach Don Nelson welcomes Avery’s willingness to help the team, but isn’t keeping him around just for kicks. “I’m active,” Johnson says. “I’m not a token coach. Nellie’s got me working behind the scenes much more than I thought. I’ve got a voice and he takes my suggestions.” The adjustment from player to coach should be a seamless one for Johnson, who always projected the presence of a coach on the court when directing traffic and calling plays. He also feels fortunate to get a shot at coaching at time when he feels his playing days might be finished soon. “For me to be in this position (as a player-coach) is nice. There are not many players that are towards the end of their careers that have had, or will have, this opportunity.”

Avery Johnson will always be remembered fondly in the Alamo City. (Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

All of the nostalgia and Alamo City connections also create an odd feeling when it’s time to take to the court against the Spurs. The struggle against the emotions of a team and city that gave him so much -- versus wanting his current team to play well -- is sometimes overwhelming. But things are getting easier and Johnson is beginning to take it all in stride. “It’s different (playing against the Spurs). Obviously when you spend nine years with an organization, you’ve had so many great memories. But I am enjoying it.”

He is also impressed with the Spurs new digs at the SBC Center. “It’s a great facility. It‘s what I call a basketball arena!” And that is a huge thumbs-up from someone who is based at the oft-praised American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Still, for all his time spent in Dallas and on the road in other NBA towns, Johnson has a soft spot for San Antonio and always will. “I miss it a lot, you know. Fans, former teammates, (coach) Pop. This town is great for me and I have a lot of fond memories here.”

The town also happens to have fond memories of him. The “Little General” was one of the most beloved players to wear a Spurs uniform, and he certainly left his mark all over San Antonio. Whether it was making a difference in the community through his Avery Johnson Foundation, being awarded the 1999 Excellence in Sportsmanship Award, or hitting the winning shot against the New York Knicks to give San Antonio a NBA championship in 1999, Johnson will always be welcomed home in the Alamo City.