The Brooklyn Nets are making some changes. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN and the Nets organization, the Nets have parted ways with head coach Steve Nash.
Nash became head coach of the Nets in 2020. He led the Nets to a 48-24 record in the 2020-21 season, but Brooklyn lost in the second round of the playoffs. In his second season, Nash led the Nets to a 44-38 record. Brooklyn lost in the first round of the playoffs, as they were swept by the Boston Celtics.
The Nets started this season with a 2-5 record before Nash’s departure.
Nets general manager Sean Marks spoke on the decision and praised Nash for his leadership.
“We want to thank Steve for everything he brought to our franchise over the past two-plus seasons,” said Marks. “Since becoming head coach, Steve was faced with a number of unprecedented challenges, and we are sincerely grateful for his leadership, patience and humility throughout his tenure. Personally, this was an immensely difficult decision; however, after much deliberation and evaluation of how the season has begun, we agreed that a change is necessary at this time. We wish Steve, Lilla and their family all the best in the future.”
Nash released a statement on Twitter, where he called his stint with the Nets “an amazing experience.”
Wojnarowski also mentioned that suspended Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka is the frontrunner to replace Nash. The Celtics suspended Udoka in September for an improper relationship with a female Celtics staff member. Udoka was given a one-year suspension but reports say the Celtics never intended to stop Udoka from getting a coaching job elsewhere. Now, there is a chance that a deal between Udoka and the Nets can be finalized by the middle of the week.
The Nets are off to a rough start but the right coach can turn things around.
