In his 13 weeks as the Nets’ head coach, Jacque Vaughn has presided over a 12-game winning streak and a seven-losses-in-11-games skid; a streak of Kevin Durant dominance that transformed the Nets into contenders and a Kevin Durant injury that sapped all momentum; a disturbing Kyrie Irving controversy and suspension followed by a scintillating Kyrie Irving renaissance; and various, befuddling iterations of Ben Simmons.
Through it all, Vaughn has consistently, unfailingly maintained the same relentlessly upbeat demeanor. There are no setbacks, just challenges to be overcome. No turmoil, just noise. No distractions, just the day-to-day rhythms of an NBA season.
It would take a considerable amount of chaos and controversy to knock Vaughn off message, or sour his sunny disposition—which is a good thing, since Vaughn’s team produces almost as much chaos and controversy as it does wins.
