Adrian Wojnarowski weighs in on Brooklyn Nets' attempt to hire Ime Udoka: "This is probably the last-ditch effort to make this team work
Rumors linking the Brooklyn Nets to suspended Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka have garnered a lot of attention. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski has now shared his take on the matter.
The Brooklyn Nets made a rather large splash when they announced the firing of head coach Steve Nash. The decision was announced prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls.
In light of Nash's dismissal, the Nets have had Jacque Vaughn step in as interim head coach. However, this may be a short-term promotion as Brooklyn have already set out in search of their next head coach.
In this regard, the Nets are rumored to have set their sights on suspended Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka.
As Udoka serves his suspension from Boston for violating organizational policies, the Celtics have allowed him to pursue other opportunities. This gave the Nets a chance to interview Udoka for their head coach role.
Considering that the news came way out of left field, it caught everyone by surprise. To make sense of the matter, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski addressed the situation on Get Up. He said:
"A formal agreement could be reached as soon as today. Ime Udoka could be on the Nets bench by as soon as this road trip this weekend.
"For Brooklyn... Sean Marks, he sees a coach in Udoka, who I think, he will believe commands a respect of that locker room. He will improve them defensively. He was on Steve Nash's staff before he went to Boston. And remember, coached Ben Simmons also in Philadelphia."
Woj highlighted that a major task for the Nets was to get Ben Simmons going this season. While this hasn't come to fruition yet, Udoka could make this happen.
When additionally asked about whether hiring Udoka could be a last resort, Wojnarowski added:
"This is probably the last ditch effort to make this [Nets' team] work."
.@wojespn weighs in on the Brooklyn Nets finalizing a deal to hire suspended Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka:
"This is probably the last-ditch effort to make this [Nets team] work." https://t.co/Q4OIsqSrH3
As Wojnarowski mentioned, the Boston Celtics didn't place any restrictions upon Ime Udoka to prevent him from looking for another job. Additionally, Udoka appears to have a solid connection with the existing superstar trio in Brooklyn.
Given his success with the Celtics last season, Udoka certainly commands a certain level of respect within this team. In many ways, he would be the ideal coach to take over as well.
The Brooklyn Nets were in negotiations with Ime Udoka before Nash was fired
As the dust settles from the bombs dropped in the last few days, recent rumors have suggested that the Brooklyn Nets were in contact with Ime Udoka earlier as well.
The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that the BrookareNets were likely to announce Udoka as the head coach within the next few days. However, these discussions started before Steve Nash was relieved of his duties.
Charania said:
"This goes back to the weekend: Sunday into Monday. They started discussions with Ime Udoka, I'm told, even before the firing of Nash. As far as the concept of hiring Ime Udoka.That is a process that is underway. There's obviously different steps they have to take."
according to @ShamsCharania the #Celtics "will let him go without any compensation..."
Shams says on #RunItBack Ime Udoka is still slated to be the #Nets next head coach and Brooklyn started discussions with Udoka before Steve Nash was fired
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Charania mentioned that the Celtics would have to give their permission to allow the Brooklyn Nets to hire Udoka.
Given that Boston gave Brooklyn the freedom to do so, Udoka finds himself in a solid position to take on the job.