Dallas ? Listen up: NBA coaches aren’t too pleased about wearing microphones during nationally televised games.

Dallas’ Avery Johnson and Denver’s George Karl became the first to clip on the little wires when their teams met in a game shown on TNT on Thursday night. Both made it clear they’re only doing it because they have to, reflecting an attitude shared by colleagues throughout the league.

“I wouldn’t say (I’m) ready. But with the company I work for, it’s mandatory,” Johnson said before tip-off. “We just have to adjust.”

The microphones are only part of some new rules aimed at taking fans a step closer to the action whenever TNT, ESPN or ABC cameras arrive. Other changes:

¢ Remote-controlled cameras in the locker room can capture pregame, halftime and postgame discussions.

¢ Players will be asked to wear microphones, too. Dallas’ Jerry Stackhouse and Denver’s Eduardo Najera became the pioneers Thursday night.

¢ Coaches will be subject to interviews during the game, the visiting coach talking between the first and second quarters, the home coach between the third and fourth.

“You just don’t know where it’s going to go. You just don’t really know,” Johnson said. “Let’s go to another subject. I’ve already been fined. Let’s just make it work.”

Johnson was fined $25,000 Monday for failing to leave the court in a timely manner and for verbal abuse of a game official. Swearing, however, is not something Johnson does too often. He pointed out Thursday, “I don’t say anything that needs to be censored.”