Walsh meets with Avery Johnson in Houston

Donnie Walsh met with Avery Johnson for several hours today in Houston, one day after the Knicks president interviewed Suns head coach Mike D’Antoni. Walsh is putting James Dolan’s private jet to good use although it is a good bet that Mark Jackson, the favorite from the start, will become the Knicks’ next head coach. Walsh also met with Herb Williams and Rick Carlisle while both Scott Skiles and Jeff Van Gundy turned down the chance to interview for the job. It is unclear if Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau will get an interview before Walsh names Jackson head coach. [link]