“Knows KD/Kyrie from his yr there as assistant; Knows Ben Simmons from his yr as asst. in Philly” - Skip Bayless backs Brooklyn Nets’ decision to hire Ime Udoka
Reports suggesting Ime Udoka joining the Brooklyn Nets certainly caught analyst Skip Bayless' attention. While the move itself could spell more problems for Brooklyn, Bayless had a rather interesting and objective take on the notion of Udoka joining the Nets.
The Brooklyn Nets occupied the airwaves everywhere yet again as news of their decision to fire head coach Steve Nash was made public.
In light of their head coach's dismissal, Brooklyn is currently served by Jacques Vaughn, who plays the part of the interim head coach. However, the Brooklyn Nets have reportedly begun their search for a new coach.
While several candidates have emerged, a majority of reports suggest that the Nets have set their sights on former Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka.
Udoka is currently suspended from coaching activities after violating organizational guidelines in Boston. While he is suspended, the Celtics haven't denied him the opportunity to pursue a job elsewhere.
In light of this, the link between Ime Udoka and the Brooklyn Nets has garnered a lot of traction.
Traditionally, a move of this caliber would be ill-advised in light of the controversy surrounding both parties. However, Skip Bayless made note of why such a move would be hugely beneficial for the Brooklyn Nets.
Bayless started off by poking fun at Udoka for fumbling his head coaching job. However, he also highlighted why he would be the perfect man for the job in Brooklyn in a tweet.
"I certainly don't condone or defend the organizational rule Emu Udoka broke, costing him his Celts job. BUT STRICTLY FROM A BASKETBALL PERSPECTIVE, HE'S THE PERFECT COACH FOR THE NETS. Knows KD/Kyrie from his yr there as assistant. Knows BenSimmons from his yr as asst. in Philly."
I certainly don't condone or defend the organizational rule Emu Udoka broke, costing him his Celts job. BUT STRICTLY FROM A BASKETBALL PERSPECTIVE, HE'S THE PERFECT COACH FOR THE NETS. Knows KD/Kyrie from his yr there as assistant. Knows BenSimmons from his yr as asst. in Philly.
Skip Bayless made a fairly solid point of Udoka being the right guy for the Nets' head coaching role.
Although he spent only one season as a head coach with the Boston Celtics, Udoka was an important element in leading the team to their first NBA Finals appearance in over a decade.
Meanwhile, Bayless also noted Udoka's connections to Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons. With the trio being the driving force behind the Nets' success this season, Udoka may just be able to bring the best out of them.
However, as per Nets GM Sean Marks, the team hasn't come to a decision on who the next head coach will be as of yet. But, Udoka certainly appears to be the frontrunner.
"There are multiple media reports that you've already determined who your next head coach is. Have you?"
"No. Absolutely not, no."
Sean Marks on the Nets' head coaching search https://t.co/JL4YNwxCRW
Ime Udoka could stabilize the Brooklyn Nets
Skip Bayless highlighted Ime Udoka's resume and relationship to push his case for the Brooklyn Nets' head coaching job. However, the former Boston Celtics coach brings a lot more to the table.
The matter of addressing internal strife would be an immediate consequence of Udoka's arrival. However, he also brings a lot of schemes that could benefit the Nets on the floor with him.
As mentioned earlier, Ime Udoka was a vital cog in the Boston Celtics' system last season. When his system was realized and came to fruition, the C's looked like an absolute monster in the East.
As one of the best defensive units in the NBA, Udoka could certainly boost the Nets' defensive rotations, which are currently among the worst in the league.
While the task at hand does seem daunting, Udoka has the repertoire to back his ability as a head coach - something Steve Nash lacked. While the move itself could lead to complications with the media in the short-run, Udoka could usher in a lot of changes in Brooklyn should he join the team as head coach.