Avery Johnson, the former NBA point guard and head coach, has died at the age of 72. The news was reported on August 11, 2026, but as of this writing, no official statement from his family or the NBA has been released, and the cause of death has not been confirmed.
Johnson, known as "Little General," enjoyed a 16-year playing career in the NBA, most notably with the San Antonio Spurs, where he hit the championship-winning shot in Game 5 of the 1999 NBA Finals. He later coached the Dallas Mavericks, leading them to the 2006 NBA Finals, and also served as head coach for the New Jersey Nets and the University of Alabama.
His coaching career included an NBA Coach of the Year award in 2006. Johnson was widely respected for his leadership and basketball IQ, and he remained active in basketball circles after his coaching stints.
As the basketball community mourns, tributes have begun to surface on social media, but official confirmations are pending. Further details will be updated as they become available.
