A week after firing Steve Nash, the Nets officially named Jacque Vaughn as their new coach. The Crossover staff breaks down the decision and what it means for the team going forward.
What are your thoughts on the Nets’ hiring Jacque Vaughn?
Howard Beck: It was the right move, for three reasons: 1. Vaughn has shown he’s capable during his two stints as interim coach and deserving of the chance. 2. While Ime Udoka—the Nets’ presumed first choice—has the weightier résumé, his presence wasn’t going to fix this team. They’re not making the Finals, no matter who coaches. 3. Hiring Udoka would have been, at minimum, horrible optics, especially for a franchise still embroiled in the latest Kyrie Irving controversy. Udoka is serving a one-year suspension in Boston, for having an improper relationship with a subordinate. Though the Nets are not bound by another team’s ruling, it’s not a great look or sound policy to hire someone under that sort of cloud. It arguably undermines a partner franchise, and the league itself.
