Reports: Adam Silver ‘may have stepped in’ after Ime Udoka became the frontrunner for next Brooklyn Nets coach
After Steve Nash departed last week, the Brooklyn Nets were reportedly zeroing in on their next coach. That coach was Ime Udoka, who took the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals in just his first year.
Udoka was suspended by the Celtics before this season for "violations of team policies." This was due to a report that surfaced about Udoka's alleged involvement in an "improper" relationship with a female on the Celtics' staff.
Brooklyn has already found itself in hot water dealing with the recent controversy involving point guard Kyrie Irving. The superstar has been suspended from the team due to his promotion of an antisemitic film on social media.
Nets owner Joe Tsai has been adamant about his disappointment in his starting point guard. According to a report from Adam Zagoria, it appears as if Tsai is also getting some "blow back" about a potential Udoka hire:
“‘Nets owner Joe Tsai is getting some blow back’ and there’s ‘too much potential drama,’ one league source said of a Udoka hiring.”
Zagoria reported that NBA commissioner Adam Silver may have stepped in. The report suggests that there have been some concerns about Udoka's hiring due from "women in leadership positions within the Nets."
“A second source said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver ‘may have stepped in’ and also said ‘there has been some concern from women in leadership positions within the Nets," Zagoria wrote.
Report: Adam Silver ‘may have stepped in’ regarding Brooklyn Nets’ hiring process of Ime Udoka ahnfiredigital.com/nba/brooklyn-n…
Brooklyn Nets looking to bounce back after numerous distractions
The start of this season has been a nightmare for the Brooklyn Nets. After an offseason of uncertainty, the Nets won just one of their first six games.
Since then, Brooklyn (4-6) has started to find some confidence, winning three of its last four games, including two in a row. They will look to make it three on Monday night against the Dallas Mavericks.
Although the team has been connected to Ime Udoka in reports, it appears as if that traction has cooled down. The team appointed longterm assistant coach Jacque Vaughn as the interim head coach after parting ways with Steve Nash.
League sources say there have been some "strong voices" urging Joe Tsai to back off the Nets' intent to hire suspended Celtics coach Ime Udoka as Steve Nash's successor given the considerable turmoil Brooklyn has already faced this season.
More to come: marcstein.Substack.com
It hasn't been the start the team hoped for, but there's still plenty of time to get back on track. Superstar forward Kevin Durant has continued to impress, averaging 31.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. KD is also shooting 52.0%, including 33.3% from 3-point range.
Brooklyn has also gotten some strong play off the bench as of late. In their last two wins, second-year guard Cam Thomas has been sensational. During that stretch, Thomas averaged 19.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg and 5.0 apg while shooting 45.8%, including 50.0% from 3-point range.