Steve Nash is no longer the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets after the team started the year 2-5, according to a statement the team released Tuesday. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the decision was mutual between Nash and the Nets front office.
“We want to thank Steve for everything he brought to our franchise over the past two-plus seasons. 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,” GM Sean Marks said in a statement.
In another statement, Nash thanked management for an “amazing experience with many challenges that I’m incredibly grateful for.”
During his time as Brooklyn’s head coach, Nash had a record of 94-67 in the regular season and 7-9 in the playoffs. As an NBA player Nash played 17 seasons and averaged 14.3 points per game to go along with 8.5 assists. The decision to make Nash the head coach with zero coaching experience was openly questioned by many when Brooklyn hired him before the 2021 season.
Steve Nash Out As Nets Coach
Assistant coach Jacque Vaughn will lead the team while they begin their search for a replacement. Wojnarowski’s sources have told him that former Utah Jazz coach Quin Snyder and suspended Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka are on Brooklyn’s shortlist. The team would like Udoka to take over if he’s allowed to leave Boston, and all indications are that he’ll be free to do so.
Kevin Durant Already Feeling Pressure
NBA superstar Kevin Durant has recently been vocal about the team’s struggles, pointing to the mounting injury issues, among other things.
“When you look at the grand scheme of things, we haven’t been healthy at all for two years. Each playoffs [in 2021 and 2022], we didn’t have major guys, not just role players but guys that make a lot of money. So when you got $50 million on your bench this last playoffs with Joe Harris and Ben and then the playoffs before that. … I want to see what our team looks like in full, with guys being healthy. With us having a little bit of continuity.”
The Brooklyn Nets will play host to the Chicago Bulls Tuesday night.
