(Basketball news) The Brooklyn Nets and Steve Nash have agreed to part ways after a poor start to the season. A decision regarding their new head coach will be made soon as Ume Udoka is the favourite to take over according to rumours. When the former MVP joined the Brooklyn Nets at the start of the 2020-21 season, they were expected to compete for a NBA championship with a team filled with All-Stars as they had the duo of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant later joined by James Harden.
However, after they finished second in the Eastern Conference, they lost in the playoffs to the Milwaukee Bucks. The following season was even more disappointing as Kyrie Irving sat out large parts of the season due to him not getting vaccinated. James Harden on the other hand struggled with injury and then he was eventually traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in a deal that saw Ben Simmons to Brooklyn, and the Nets were completely swept in the first-round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics.
The problems seem to have only increased in recent months as in August, Durant reportedly wanted to be traded unless the Nets would fire Nash and Marks. Simmons, who is a former No 1 overall pick, has been woeful in the recent matches. Crucially, the Nets are struggling on court as their 2 wins and 5 losses record puts them in 12th out of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference and Nash appeared unable to unite his team. The Nets have underperformed since hiring Nash as a first-time coach in 2020, armed with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and a fluctuating third star, the 48-year-old Nash won nearly 60% of his regular-season games but he registered a 7-9 playoff record which included a sweeping first-round loss in April.
In a statement, Nash thanked the Nets for an “amazing experience with many challenges that I’m incredibly grateful for.”
“We want to thank Steve for everything he brought to our franchise over the past two-plus seasons,” said General Manager Sean 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.”
Brooklyn Nets Governor Joe Tsai said, “I’ve gotten to know Steve during his time in Brooklyn, and he is not one to shy away from challenges. My admiration and respect for him grew over time as he brought hard work and positive attitude to our organization every day, even in periods of exceptional storm surrounding the team. Clara and I want to thank Steve, Lilla and their family for making this extraordinary commitment. We began this journey as colleagues, we part as friends.”
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