Nets part ways with Nash after 2-5 start to season
The Brooklyn Nets have parted ways with head coach Steve Nash, the team announced Tuesday.
The move follows a disappointing 2-5 record to open the 2022-23 campaign.
Nash's departure was a mutual decision by the 48-year-old and the franchise, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The Nets are reportedly expected to hire suspended Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka as his replacement.
"Thank you, Brooklyn. A very heartfelt thanks to (owners) Joe and Clara Tsai, along with (general manager) Sean Marks for giving me the opportunity to coach the Brooklyn Nets," Nash said in an ensuing statement. "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 every day. 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 Nashes will be rooting for our team as they turn this season around."
The Hall of Famer first took over in Brooklyn in September 2020, his debut head coaching stint in the NBA. He went a combined 94-67 in two-plus seasons with the franchise but mustered just one playoff series victory in that time despite talented rosters headlined by Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden.
Nash's tenure was also beset by off-court controversy. Last season, the Canadian bench boss dealt with Irving's extended absence from the squad due to his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19 amid New York City's vaccination mandates.
Over the summer, Durant reportedly demanded the team either trade him or fire Nash and Marks. The Nets star and Nash ultimately moved on from that saga.
However, the spotlight once again centered on Irving this past week after the guard tweeted a link to a film filled with anti-Semitic tropes, then defended himself during a cagey postgame press conference Saturday. Irving has since deleted the tweet, though not before Nash said the team had "built an immunity" to controversies, according to the New York Post's Brian Lewis.
"We want to thank Steve for everything he brought to our franchise over the past two-plus seasons," Marks said in a statement through the team. "Since becoming head coach, Steve was faced with a number of unprecedented challenges, and we are sincerely grateful for his leadership, patience, and humility throughout his tenure.
"Personally, this was an immensely difficult decision; however, after much deliberation and evaluation of how the season has begun, we agreed that a change is necessary at this time. We wish Steve, Lilla, and their family all the best in the future."
Assistant Jacque Vaughn will serve as acting head coach against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday, according to Wojnarowski.