Charlotte, N.C. ? With Sam Vincent set to be hired as coach of the Charlotte Bobcats, there are questions about his experience.

He’s spent only one season in the NBA – as an assistant.

But his former boss isn’t concerned. Dallas coach Avery Johnson spent less than a season as an NBA assistant before taking over the Mavericks.

“You’ve got to start somewhere. Every head coach, somebody had to give them a shot,” Johnson said Thursday. “When I took over, or Gregg Popovich or Phil Jackson or anybody, you always look back at your first opportunity.”

Johnson went 16-2 after he took over for Don Nelson late in his first season as an assistant. He’s gone 143-39 in three seasons.

Part owner Michael Jordan choose Vincent over experienced head coaches Paul Silas, Stan Van Gundy and Mike Fratello, and longtime NBA assistants Lionel Hollins and Herb Williams.