3 reasons why Brooklyn Nets opted out of Ime Udoka as head coach

The Brooklyn Nets hung a U-Turn and elevated former interim head coach Jacque Vaughn to head coach, which ended their pursuit of Ime Udoka. Following the firing of Steve Nash, reports quickly surfaced that Brooklyn was imminently hiring the suspended Boston Celtics head shot-caller.

Kevin Durant and GM Sean Marks were reportedly favoring the hiring of the former Nets assistant coach before Vaughn was hired. As the interim coach, he led the Nets to a 2-2 record.

The Brooklyn Nets have named Jacque Vaughn as head coach. https://t.co/sgQZ4OtFNA

With the new head coach officially named, here are possibly three reasons why the Nets opted not to hire the controversial Udoka:

The hiring process for Ime Udoka could have taken long

Vetting Ime Udoka 100% could have taken longer than what the Brooklyn Nets could afford.

The Boston Celtics refused to divulge the full details of the sexual misconduct that Ime Udoka committed. But during the press conference with team governor Wyc Grousbeck and president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, they stressed that the one-year suspension was “warranted.”

Additionally, when the Nets were rumored to be hiring the former NBA vet, the Celtics weren’t keen on getting compensation. This was a loud statement from Boston’s front office considering Udoka was instrumental in turning around their campaign last season.

“I’m told Brooklyn…over the last 48 hours, they have been vetting Ime Udoka. (The Celtics) will allow Udoka to go freely to Brooklyn.”

NBA Insider @ShamsCharania reports on the Nets parting with Steve Nash and plans to hire the former Celtics head coach. https://t.co/zXaF1NhwlE

In 2013, when the LA Clippers hired Doc Rivers from Beantown, the Boston Celtics received an unprotected first-round pick from the Clippers. They wouldn’t even consider that for Ime Udoka if the Nets wanted to hire him.

While the Brooklyn Nets are floundering, Sean Marks couldn’t wait for the vetting process to linger. They had to move on, which in this case meant making Jacque Vaughn the head coach.

Objections within the Brooklyn Nets

GM Sean Marks may have encountered strong pressure from within the organization with the potential Udoka hiring.

Without 100% certainty regarding the scope and nature of Ime Udoka’s situation with the Celtics, the Brooklyn Nets played it safe. The franchise didn’t want to alienate certain voices within their ranks, particularly the women, who weren’t comfortable with the high-profile hiring.

Outside influence could have also been crucial in the Nets’ decision to forego getting Ime Udoka. Sponsors, season ticket holders and die-hard fans could have aired their legitimate concerns. They certainly want their team to win, but not at the expense of morals.

The Nets just announced they have named Jacque Vaughn as head coach.

I reported Sunday night that Nets owner Joe Tsai was being strongly urged to abandon the team’s intent to hire suspended Celtics coach Ime Udoka to replace Steve Nash.

More NBA from me: marcstein.Substack.com twitter.com/thesteinline/s…

The NBA isn’t entirely all about the players. When sponsors and fans speak up, the franchise tends to listen. In this case, their collective voice could have been loud enough for the Nets to change their minds.

Kyrie Irving's suspension affecting the Nets

The Brooklyn Nets may have wanted to avoid even more controversy with Udoka's hiring.

Kyrie Irving has been suspended indefinitely by the Brooklyn Nets for his post containing a link to a film with anti-Semitism claims. Irving has since apologized for what he has done and has met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, but will have to fulfill “remedial measures.”

Considering the backlash following Irving's recent controversies, the Nets didn't want to invite more criticism. Vaughn was a safe hire whether "Uncle Drew" returns to play or not.

BREAKING: the #Nets have pulled back and will NO LONGER hire former #Celtics HC Ime Udoka. They will stick with and hire Jacque Vaughn.

Speculation is the move has to do with public opinion following the recent Kyrie Irving transgressions. https://t.co/3c3vNldbdI

The Nets made this statement about Vaughn to announce his hiring:

“Jacque’s basketball acumen, competitiveness and intimate knowledge of our team and organization make him the clear-cut best person to lead our group moving forward. He has a proven ability to get the best out of our players, hold them accountable and play a cohesive, team-first style of basketball.”

The Nets do not hire Ime Udoka, taking the interim tag off of Jacque Vaughn: https://t.co/3epo5UYYwr

It may not be purely for media consumption and the Nets believe Vaughn can handle the Kyrie Irving situation better than Ime Udoka.