AJ quips: "Pop is average"

Avery Johnson’s goal in tonight’s “simulated game” against San Antonio is to get everybody who’s healthy some minutes. He said his plan for this preseason, which is always subject to change, is to get his main guys into about six or seven of the eight games.

In case anyone’s forgotten – how could they? – Johnson had this to say about tonight’s foe: “They’re the champions.” He also couldn’t help but poke a little fun at his former team.

“The coach is average,” Johnson quipped, “but the players are great.”

Expect San Antonio skipper Gregg Popovich to offer similar words of praise when the Spurs roll into American Airlines Center today.

Johnson was asked about the Spurs’ decision to retire his number. The ceremony is taking place Dec. 22 at the SBC Center.

“What a thrill,” he said. “What an honor. It’s pretty special. You often go into different arenas around the NBA and they’re not many guys whose jerseys are hanging in the rafters.”