On WFAN: Avery Johnson Previews Nets Opener

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- New Jersey Nets head coach Avery Johnson joined Joe Benigno & Evan Roberts to talk about Wednesday's home opener against the Detroit Pistons.

"We've had a really solid training camp," Johnson said. "Now we're excited about opening night, and we're definitely excited to see all our fans."

Veteran power forward Troy Murphy will not start in the season opener. He missed the entire preseason with a back problem, and Johnson does not plan to use him until he takes part in three full workouts.

"Tonight we're going to start Joe Smith at the power forward position," said the Nets' head coach. "For now that position is going to be a revolving door."

LISTEN: Avery Johnson with Joe & Evan

Johnson said that rookie Derrick Favors, the No. 3 pick overall in the draft, will begin the season off the bench.

"Derrick Favors is 19 going on 18," Johnson said. "He hasn't quite caught up with the physicality of the game yet."

"He's good enough to be in the rotation, and then we'll see where he is at the halfway point of the season."

Listen to the full interview...