Steve Nash’s time as the head coach in Brooklyn has come to an end.
Seven games into the 2022-23 NBA season, it was reported that Nash and the Nets organization have mutually agreed to part ways, ending a tenure that began ahead of the 2020-21 campaign and had its fair share of ups and downs.
Under Nash, the Nets stumbled out of the gates to a 2-5 start to the season, but with a roster that features Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons, among other talents, Brooklyn has the talent to turn things around, but does it have the leadership to do so?
MORE: Why the Nets fired Steve Nash
Following the news of Nash’s departure, it was announced that assistant head coach Jacque Vaughn would act as head coach for the Nets’ upcoming game against the Bulls, but no language indicated that Vaughn would remain at the helm for the entirety of the season. As the Nets look to turn things around and make an NBA title run, they could look elsewhere for their next lead man.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Udoka “has emerged as a strong frontrunner” to be the Nets’ next head coach. While Udoka might be the frontrunner, is he actually the best option for Brooklyn?
Beyond Udoka, here are some top candidates to be considered for Brooklyn’s head coaching vacancy.
Ranking Nets’ best coaching candidates
1. Ime Udoka
Udoka, who was an assistant with the Nets during the 2020-21 season prior to accepting the Celtics’ head coaching job, has a pre-established relationship with a number of Brooklyn’s players, including Durant and Irving. Udoka also worked with Simmons during his one season on the 76ers coaching staff.
While Udoka is the Celtics’ head coach, he is suspended for the 2022-23 season for violations of team policies. According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, Boston could trade Udoka to the Nets for future compensation.
2. Quin Snyder
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Snyder is also expected to be considered as a candidate for the opening in Brooklyn.
After eight seasons at the helm in Utah, Snyder and the Jazz mutually decided to part ways earlier in the year. Snyder coached Utah to six playoff appearances in eight years and would be primed to lead a team with title aspirations.
3. Charles Lee
Throughout the last several hiring cycles, Lee’s name has been one of the hottest on the market.
Lee, who will be 38 this season, is now listed as the associate head coach of the Bucks. It is only a matter of time before he’s tabbed to take on a head coaching job. If the Nets are in search of a fresh face to reinvigorate the culture, Lee is a great option.
4. Jacque Vaughn
Vaughn is next in line for the Nets. At least temporarily.
After joining the organization in 2016, Vaughn took over as the interim coach for the Nets in 2020, leading them to play inspired basketball at the NBA “Bubble.” After losing out on the head coaching job to Steve Nash, Vaughn was retained and given the title of assistant head coach.
In order to avoid shaking too much up, the team has elected to go with someone that’s already been around.
5. Frank Vogel
Defense? Check. Championship pedigree? Check.
Vogel’s time as the Lakers’ lead man came to an end less than two years after he led the franchise to its 18th NBA title. After succeeding under the scrutiny that comes with coaching LeBron James and the Lakers, any pressures that Vogel could face moving forward should feel like nothing.
6. Adrian Griffin
Griffin was known for his defense throughout his nine-year NBA career and that is again his calling card as an assistant coach, as he is in his fourth season as a member of Nick Nurse’s staff in Toronto.
If there is any coach that could be grabbed from another staff mid-season, it would be a member of Nurse’s staff. Toronto’s lead man is adamant about his assistants getting opportunities and in 2021, allowed Chris Finch to take the Timberwolves’ job mid-season.
7. Terry Stotts
Stotts last coached in the 2020-21 season, when he led the Trail Blazers to the NBA Playoffs for the eighth consecutive year.
A veteran coach with over 30 years of coaching experience, Stotts would raise the floor wherever he lands, but that might not be enough for a team with title aspirations.
