JJ Redick asserts Nets are equally accountable for firing of Steve Nash: "Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving is a great example of player empowerment gone too far”
The Brooklyn Nets' situation is one of the most interesting ever seen in NBA history. The antics that have gone on in Brooklyn aren't ones that any team would want to deal with.
On top of the situation with Kyrie Irving's Twitter post about an antisemitic movie, the team on Tuesday moved on from coach Steve Nash. The team announced that it was a mutual agreement, but regardless, Nash is not with the team any longer.
"You're always shocked when a move like this happens," Nets forward Kevin Durant said. "But it's normal in the NBA. It's about getting ready for the game tonight. It's a quick turn always in the league, especially during the season. You've got practice, games coming up, so you can't think too much about it. It was on my mind for a little bit today."
Kevin Durant added that he realized that the Nets had their issues while Nash was their coach:
"A lot of stuff. We didn't have a healthy team. We just didn't play well. And that's what happens in the league. S*** happens. That doesn't take away from Steve's basketball IQ, how he teaches the game. I don't think that takes away from anything. It just didn't work out."
Despite Durant saying he respected Nash and enjoyed playing for him, former NBA player JJ Redick believes this is a bad sign for Kyrie Irving and Durant.
"I am a fan of the player empowerment era," Redick said. What has happened with the Nets since they signed Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving is a great example of player empowerment gone too far."
.@jj_redick on Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant:
"I am a fan of the player empowerment era. ... What has happened with the Nets since they signed Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving is a great example of player empowerment gone too far." https://t.co/MKHHc1C2Qc
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving messed up
It would be tough to argue that Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving didn't mess up. Their antics over the past two seasons have been something most coaches wouldn't be able to deal with.
Durant reportedly asked for Steve Nash and Sean Marks to be fired in August, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania:
"Sources: Kevin Durant informed Joe Tsai that he does not have faith in the Nets‘ direction. The meeting was described as transparent and professional, with a clear message: Keep me – or the GM and coach."
Steve Nash was in a difficult situation. Showing up to work daily when the team's two best players don't back the coach typically isn't going to lead to success.
Brooklyn hasn't made an announcement about a new coach. Ime Udoka, who was suspended by the Boston Celtics, is reportedly the top candidate for the job. An announcement should be coming sometime soon.