Brooklyn Nets’ conditions for Kyrie Irving’s return to the team a deliberate ploy to eventually release him as he would be unlikely to complete all six items
The Brooklyn Nets have been the talk of the NBA the past few weeks. Not because they were racking up wins, but because of off-court issues.
Last week, All-Star guard Kyrie Irving gave a formal apology via Instagram regarding his unintentional promotion of an anti-Semitic film. The picture, titled "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America," contained elements of antisemitism.
Prior to his apology, the Brooklyn Nets suspended the seven-time All-Star for five games without pay. According to the organization, Irving must complete six steps in order for him to get back on the floor. Irving seems to have completed two items on the list and will be moving forward with the other four.
However, according to some, the six steps that the Nets came up with could be a plan to get Irving out of the league. As of now, this hasn't been confirmed, but Marc Stein of the New York Times strongly believes that this could be the case.
There’s a ‘feeling’ that Brooklyn’s remedial measures list was crafted with the knowledge that Kyrie Irving would be unlikely to complete all six items and could lead to a potential outright release 😳
(Via @TheSteinLine marcstein.substack.com/p/the-nbas-hea…) https://t.co/LoS3yqxuyJ
Kicking controversial players out of the NBA isn't new. Last season, Enes Freedom (formerly Enes Kanter) was waived by the Houston Rockets in February. Many, including the Turkish center, believe that his activism against China had a lot to do with it. But commissioner Adam Silver has denied the accusations.
Also read: Jaylen Brown believes Kyrie Irving doesn't have anti-semitic beliefs: “The terms for his return, they seem like a lot, and a lot of the players expressed discomfort with the terms"
Who's the right coach for the Brooklyn Nets?
Aside from the issues that the Brooklyn Nets have faced regarding Kyrie Irving, they're also looking for a new coach. Last week, the Nets announced that they and Steve Nash were going their separate ways. The Nets then assigned Jacque Vaughn as the interim head coach.
There were rumors about the Nets pursuing Ime Udoka, who was suspended by the Boston Celtics during the offseason for breaking the franchise's work policies. But that could be hindered by the league themselves. After Udoka became the frontrunner for the job vacancy, there were reports that Adam Silver may have "stepped in."
Out of all the available coaches in the NBA, here are a few that the Nets can consider:
Mike D'Antoni
Not the best coach available, but Mike D'Antoni's fast-paced system could be the right one for Ben Simmons. His last coaching gig was with the Houston Rockets in the 2019-20 season.
D'Antoni also has experience being with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving as he was an assistant coach for the Nets for a year.
Quin Snyder
In the past seasons, Quin Snyder was one of the main reasons the Utah Jazz became one of the top regular-season teams in the Western Conference. After eight years with the Jazz, he decided to part ways this offseason. He's currently a coaching advisor for the New Orleans Pelicans and could be the next coach for the Nets.
Mark Jackson
A respectable coach with his peers and players, Mark Jackson could be the guy to fix the Nets. The last time he coached, he unlocked the potential of Steph Curry and sparked a championship dynasty.
He could unlock something from Ben Simmons if the Brooklyn Nets decide to hire him, probably not his shooting though.