The Brooklyn Nets have fired head coach Steve Nash, according to ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski.
The decision was reportedly mutual between the Nets organisation and Nash after the former player led the team to a 2-5 record to open the season. Expectations were high heading into the 2022/23 NBA season given Brooklyn's roster, which includes superstars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons.
In a statement, Nash said: “A very heartfelt thanks to Joe and Clara Tsai along with Sean Marks for giving me the opportunity to coach the Brooklyn Nets. It was an amazing experience with many challenges that I’m incredibly grateful for.
“It was a pleasure to work with the players, performance team and front office everyday. I’m especially grateful to 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.”
Nash struggled since he was appointed head coach of the Nets in 2020. He has had to endure a number of frustrating challenges and off-court distractions, including Irving's his stance over the Covid vaccine, which led to long stretches of ineligibility to play or even practice with the Nets due to the New York City Covid vaccine mandate
Nash was also faced with the prospect of Durant jumping ship earlier this year in the NBA offseason. Durant handed in his trade request and allegedly gave the Nets an ultimatum to either fire general manager Sean Marks and coach Nash or send him to another franchise. Ultimately, wounds were healed - but Brooklyn's poor start to the season has led to a change of heart.
The two-time MVP led the Nets to two postseason runs, although last season's effort saw the team humiliatingly bounced in the first round by the Boston Celtics. The Celtics won the series 4-0 and didn't seem to get out of first gear as they kickstarted their run to the NBA Finals.
Nash led the Nets to a 48–24 record in his first season as head coach, but they were agonisingly knocked out of the NBA Playoffs by Giannis Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee Bucks in a thrilling seven-game series, with the final deciding clash going to overtime. The Bucks went on to win the NBA championship.
Heading into the 2022/23 season, the 48-year-old - who won Eastern Conference Coach of the Month in February 2021 - was faced with the prospect of keeping Durant and Irving happy while navigating the return to the fold of the much-maligned Simmons. The Australian fouled out twice in his first three games, with the Nets losing on both occasions.
Nash has also had to deal with Irving's posting of an antisemitic link to his Twitter. After Brooklyn moved to 2-5 with the 116-109 win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night, Nash said: “I just hope that we all go through this together. There's always an opportunity for us to grow and understand new perspectives.
“I think the organisation is trying to take that stance where we can communicate through this. And try to all come out in a better position and both more understanding and more empathy for every side of this debate and situation.”
The Nets face the 3-4 Chicago Bulls in their next match on Tuesday night.
