The Brooklyn Nets moving Forward without Head Coach Steve Nash
Steve Nash and Brooklyn Nets have agreed to part ways. Photo by NBC SPORTS
It’s fair to say that this is one of the most atrocious starts for the Brooklyn Nets, losing six of their eight games. On Tuesday, The Nets announced they will part ways with head coach Steve Nash after two seasons. Assistant coach Jacque Vaughn will serve as the acting head coach until the Nets fulfill that role. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Nets are negotiating with the Boston Celtics to bring coach Ime Udoka on as the new head coach. A formal agreement should be finalized within the following days as the Celtics and Nets are ironing out details. Boston will not require draft compensation from the Nets, but deals are in discussion. Boston suspended Udoka for the 2022-23 season for an improper relationship with a subordinate. The Nets have spent time vetting the situation regarding Ime Udoka to clarify the nature of suspension but are hopeful he can make an instant impact by commanding leadership in the Nets locker room.
What does the future look like for the Brooklyn Nets?
Nets big 3 still haven’t gotten on the same page losing six of eight games. (Photo by Getty Images)
Coach Ime Udoka seems to be the ideal candidate for this lack-lustered Nets squad, given his history with the organization. Udoka was a part of the Nets coaching staff during the 2020-21 season and worked closely with GM Sean Marks during their time in San Antonio. For the Nets, having a history with Udoka is a significant factor in turning this franchise around. Udoka has a track record for holding players accountable while meshing talented groups together. Coaching an array of talents from Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons can provide the Nets with continuity as they look to power through the 2-6 start.
Udoka's presence can be a stabilizer for the nets organization after a 2-6 start. Last season, Boston emerged as a top defensive team in the league, ranking in the ten for defensive ratings. Udoka reconstructed a mid-level defensive team in Boston to a top-seeded defensive team during the post-season. Inserting Udoka as the Nets' head coach can shift their defensive struggles and improve defensive efficiency, where the Nets rank 28th. With the Nets window closing, Udoka will face the task of turning this season around while creating a respectable ball club. Durant and Irving will have to buy into Udoka's system regardless of their past experiences with Nash and ownership. Udoka did a phenomenal job with the Celtics squad managing personnel while demanding a competitive spirit.
Brooklyn Nets and Kyrie Irving donating $500K to anti-hate causes
Kyrie Irving addressed the media on his recent controversial social media post
With all the controversy surrounding the Nets, there is a risk factor for bringing in Udoka. The Nets organization is under damage control following the berate media attention involving Kyrie Irving and his controversial social media post. Upper management is in the hot seat and tough decisions will need to be made in order to save this franchise. The Nets recently announced that the organization and Kyrie Irving each will donate $500K to the ADL (Anti-Defamation League). Under this partnership, ADL will work with the Nets and Kyrie to open a dialogue, increase understanding, and educate the masses within comes to anti-Semitism. Both parties will work to develop inclusive educational programming for the community members that combat all forms of hate speech and bigotry.
Many have made strong opinions on the potential punishment Irving should face. Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the efforts of the Nets but still was not satisfied, deeming Irving's apology as "unqualified". Silver is of Jewish descent, and felt slighted because of any potential anti-semitic probes relating to the film Irving endorsed on social media. Adam Silver will meet with Irving next week to discuss this matter.
"I am disappointed that he has offered an unqualified apology and more specifically, denounced the bile and harmful content contained in the film he chose to publicize.” - Adam Silver
Silver is of Jewish descent, and felt slighted because of any potential anti-semitic probes relating to the film Irving endorsed on social media. Adam Silver will meet with Irving next week to discuss this matter. If Irving receives potential punishment, this could jeopardize the Nets and potentially his upcoming contract this off-season. Following his controversial press conference, Irving has not spoken to the media. The Nets are prepping for their three-game road trip and will practice Thursday before Friday's matchup with the Washington Wizards.