Only seven games into their 2022-23 season, and the Brooklyn Nets and head coach Steve Nash have agreed to part ways.
The Nets largely struggled under the first time head coach since his initial hiring in 2020, however how much of the blame can truly be laid at his feet remains up for debate.
Following a tumultuous tenure that saw a media circus follow the team around during the Kyrie Irving vaccination saga, Brooklyn also endured a highly publicized trade request from star forward Kevin Durant, a failed trade where Ben Simmons sat out the entire season, and open insubordination from Irving at times, the writing was on the wall when it came to Nash’s employment with the organization.
During his time with the franchise, the 48 year old compiled a 94-67 regular season record, making the playoffs in both seasons. The Nets lost in the conference semifinals in 2020-21, and were swept by Boston in the first round last year.
Brooklyn has struggled out of the gates to start the season posting a 2-5 record and feature double digit losses in nearly half their contests. The usually composed Canadian was ejected for the first time in his coaching career on October 26th in his team’s 110-99 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
With additional pressure on the club following Durant’s trade request, and Irving once again creating a media firestorm over his purported anti-semetic tweets (an allegation the star denies having any ill intent behind), it seemed only a matter of time before one of Nash, Durant or Irving were preparing to leave town.
In the meantime, Jacque Vaughn is expected to take over interim head coaching duties. However reports are swirling that the club could be in talks with currently suspended Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka.
Udoka, whom the Celtics suspended for the entirety of the 2022-23 season following a rumoured extramarital affair with a club staff member, has reportedly been granted permission by the club to enter into talks with the Nets.
With Brooklyn in action tonight against the Chicago Bulls, it’s expected that the Udoka announcement could become official within the next few days. Initial reports indicate that the Celtics are not currently seeking draft compensation from Brooklyn should they hire their former head coach, however talks are currently ongoing on that front.
Udoka’s suspension was issued by the Celtics themselves as a “team suspension” meaning should the 45 year old sign with the Nets, he could begin coaching immediately.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner
Photo: Scott L. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.