EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Jerry Stackhouse is getting a unique opportunity with the Brooklyn Nets this season, an opportunity the 37-year-old veteran says other people would “kill for.”
Stackhouse is going to serve under Avery Johnson in 2012-13 in a hybrid player/coach role.
“I think it’s gonna be great,” Stackhouse, who is on a one-year contract with the Nets, said Wednesday. “I know our system and am very familiar with our playbook. We have an exciting group here. I have an opportunity a lot of people would kill for, to be able to still play and compete but also see the other side of it.”
Johnson coached Stackhouse for four years during his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks.
“It’s nice. I’ve been in his shoes before,” Johnson said. “Just wanting to learn more about coaching, being an extension of the coach. He can reinforce our messages to the staff and the players, especially in the looker room, at hotels and on the road.”
Johnson revealed that there’s going to be a time this season when Stackhouse gets to run one of the team’s practices.
“If we’re in the midst of a five-game losing streak, my coaching (learning) would be on the backburner,” Stackhouse said. “But if we win nine out of 10, there might be an opportunity for me to spread my wings a bit.
“I’ve already had the opportunity to work with some guys individually.”
Said Johnson: “Sometimes it’s better from players to hear (coaching pointers) from other players. He’s really embracing his role.”