Avery Johnson has spent much of his career adapting to new arenas. The New Orleans native carved out a 16-year NBA career, highlighted by a championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999, when he hit the game-winning shot in the Finals. After retiring, he moved into coaching, leading the Dallas Mavericks to the 2006 NBA Finals and later serving as head coach at the University of Alabama.
In recent years, Johnson has shifted his focus again—this time to the business world. Through a private equity platform he co-founded with partner John Bailey, he has been building a portfolio of real estate and federally leased properties while mentoring young athletes interested in business careers.
Johnson recently spoke with D CEO about the defining moments of his playing career, the lessons he carried into coaching, and how those experiences now shape his work in private equity.
D CEO: What stands out as the proudest moment of your athletic career?
JOHNSON: “Making the Seattle SuperSonics roster in 1988 is still one of the proudest moments of my life. There were 12 players competing for one spot, and I earned it. Winning the championship in 1999—especially hitting the game-winning shot—is right up there, too. And leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2006 was another milestone I’ll always hold close.”
D CEO: Which deal, partnership, or accomplishment are you most proud of in your business career?
JOHNSON: “My proudest achievement has been successfully pivoting from full-time sports into private equity. Giving my business partner, John Bailey, the platform to shine on a larger stage has also meant a lot. And we’re proud to have college and professional athletes intern with us so they can learn the fundamentals of private equity early in their careers.”
D CEO: Any recent deals or milestones worth noting?
JOHNSON: “Yes—we closed one of the largest federally leased buildings last year. For a firm of our size—which currently totals about $95 million—it was a major accomplishment and something we’re incredibly proud of.”
D CEO: In your view, what makes Dallas such a special place to play, coach, or conduct business?
JOHNSON: “Dallas is a remarkable place to do business. It’s a vibrant, relationship-driven community where people genuinely want to help you succeed. Because of the policies, the talent, and the collaborative environment, the trajectory for your business here is almost unlimited.”
D CEO: What stands out the most from your experience coaching the Mavericks?
JOHNSON: “Coaching the Mavericks was extraordinary because everything was in place: a highly engaged owner, a consistent superstar in Dirk, a roster full of complementary players, and a staff that was competent and committed. And, of course, an intense, loyal fan base that pushed us even on our toughest nights. It was a special era.”
D CEO: What defeat or challenging moment still resonates with you, and what did it teach you?
JOHNSON: “Losing to the Houston Rockets in the 1995 Western Conference Finals was devastating. So was losing to Miami in the 2006 Finals. But those moments teach you that people watch how you respond. You get back up, go to work, and persevere. I wasn’t here for the Mavericks’ breakthrough in 2011, but I know many lessons from 2006 played a role in that championship.”
D CEO: What song gets you into peak performance mode?
JOHNSON: “Probably something from Earth, Wind & Fire—my favorite group. Their music always puts me in the right mindset.”
D CEO: Did you have any pre-game rituals or routines?
JOHNSON: “Absolutely: no phone calls with family or friends before a game unless it was an emergency. Three and a half hours before tipoff, I ate baked chicken, brown rice, and broccoli. Then I took a 90-minute, uninterrupted nap. Same routine every time.”
D CEO: What was the first thing you purchased with your initial major contract or paycheck?
JOHNSON: “A Mazda 626”
Author
Ben Swanger
Ben Swanger
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Ben Swanger is the executive editor for D CEO, the business title for D Magazine. Ben manages the award-winning publication Dallas 500 and is the creator of The City of Champions, a special edition magazine detailing how North Texas became the sports business capital of the world. He's written about how the Adelson family gained control of the Mavs, how de-extinction company Colossal became Texas' first $10 billion private startup, and how Bell won a $100 billion U.S. Army contract. When he's not writing, he's probably busy working on his golf swing.