It didn’t take long to see the first head coach of the 2022-23 NBA season be fired. Only two weeks after Opening Night, the Nets decided to relieve Steve Nash from the head coaching duties.
Brooklyn started the season on the wrong foot, sitting at 2-5 to be 12th in the Eastern Conference. Nash was only in his third season at the helm of the Nets, but the front office felt it saw enough.
Nash’s future was put into question since the team was swept in the first round of last season’s playoffs by the Celtics, with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving’s future also up in the air. In the end, Nash had to leave his post but showed no hard feelings.
Steve Nash releases statement after Nets firing
“Thank you Brooklyn. A very heartfelt thanks to Jose and Clara Tsai along with Sean Marks for giving me the opportunity to coach the Brooklyn Nets. It was an amazing experience with many challenged that I’m incredibly grateful for,” Nash said in a statement released on social media.
“It was a pleasure to work with the players, performance team and front office every day. I’m especially grateful for my coaching staff and video room who are a talented group with so much character and professionalism.
“Lastly, thanks to Brooklyn and the passionate fans who support this team. Family first and my family has found a home here and LOVES being a part of this beautiful community. I wish the Nets all the success in the world and the Nash’s will be rooting for our team as they turn this season around.”
Things didn’t work out, but Nash left without complaining. Now, Jacque Vaughn will serve as interim coach while the Nets search for a permanent head coach, which could be Ime Udoka.
