Although they were expected to hire suspended Celtics coach Ime Udoka, the Nets will instead elevate interim Jacque Vaughn to head coach.
Udoka’s hire was originally considered a “meme formality” considering that he was the “preferred choice” of both Durant and Nets executive Sean Marks, per Marc Stein. Durant is reportedly a “huge fan” of Udoka, per SNY’s Ian Begley.
Back in August, when news first broke that Durant wanted a new coach in Brooklyn, For The Win wrote about Udoka’s connection to the Nets. At the time, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that Durant had “grown close” with Udoka.
The Nets considered Udoka as their head coach in 2020. His name emerged as a candidate for the job. They also considered hiring him before deciding on Kenny Atkinson in 2016.
But “strong voices” reportedly urged Nets owner Joseph Tsai not to make the hire considering all of the turmoil that the organization has already faced thus far this season.
Initially, the Nets reportedly felt that Udoka’s misconduct in Boston should not warrant the end of his coaching career. But according to Jake Fischer, other franchises may not have agreed.
Durant, however, requested a trade from the Nets during the offseason. Now, it’s fair to wonder about what not acquiescing to his wishes may mean for his future with the organization.
The Brooklyn Nets have named Jacque Vaughn as head coach. pic.twitter.com/sgQZ4OtFNA
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 9, 2022
