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

Avery Johnson and 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.