Avery: We Respect Jay Z's Opinion, But...

Avery Johnson spoke to ESPN Radio Friday about the playoffs ("Dallas is really deep"), Deron Williams ("we already have a strong bond") and how Billy King's advantage pursuing players ("making deals in the midnight hour when everyone else is sleeping").

But he also made sure people know that while the team respects Jay-Z, the notion (first raised by King) that he's part of the basketball decision-making process is a bit overblown.

"He understands about having the right kind of team to compete for a championship," said the coach of the minority owner.  "So, we respect his opinion. At the end of the day, though, Mikhail Prokhorov, Billy and myself