According to a recent report by Russia’s TASS news agency, former Cavs coach David Blatt is “priority one” for the Nets as they seek a new head coach. Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders first reported that the Nets were interested in Blatt, but an article by Fred Kerber of the New York Post this past weekend relayed that Tom Thibodeau was Brooklyn’s probable top target. Team owner Mikhail Prokhorov reportedly wants to hire a GM before he hires a coach, and the team’s goal is apparently to have a GM in place before the February 18th trade deadline. Blatt has also been linked to the Lakers and Timberwolves, though both teams have publicly stated that they are committed to their current coaches.
Tony Brown has been serving as Brooklyn’s interim coach since the team fired Lionel Hollins earlier this month. It is highly unlikely that he will land the position on a long-term basis, though that is merely my speculation. Prokhorov, like TASS, is from Russia, and Blatt used to coach the Russian national team, which has received significant financial backing from Prokhorov in the past. That could give Blatt a leg up on his competitors for the position, provided he’s interested of course.
Earlier reports have linked the Nets to Luke Walton, John Calipari, Monty Williams and Chris Mullin, but Prokhorov has so far reportedly balked at Calipari’s price tag. The owner has also expressed a preference for a separate GM and coach, which isn’t the dual role that Calipari is reportedly seeking to make the jump back to the NBA. This brings me to the topic/question of the day: Which of the potential targets for the Nets listed above would be the best hire for the franchise? Why?
Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the subject. We look forward to what you have to say.
Instead of hiring a coach that has flameouts with other teams like Williams, Thibs, and Blatt: Why don’t they try and hire an up and coming coach who has offensive/defensive pedigree? This is a players league and you can’t have the same coaches keep being stubborn and refuse to be a little lenient on both sides of the ball. How about go after Sam Cassell? He has the respect around the league both as a player AND a coach. Also he’s won titles and has played with some great or HOF type players. His preaching wouldn’t be heard on deaf ears. The problems with these coaches are either they aren’t qualified to be in the NBA as a HC (see Blatt) or the game has changed too much for them (Cal), or they are stubborn and don’t listen to anyone like Thibs or Monty Williams. Nets need a coach that’s not a sexy hire but a long term fit both team and FO wise.
I agree with your point about bringing in a new face. But if I were the Nets, I’d try to find a Brad Stevens-type college coach to hire. NOT Calipari. Instead, how about Shaka Smart? He’s a heck of a coach and may be just what the team needs.
The problem with the Nets can’t be fixed by a coach so they might as well hire me, I can use the money. Thibs, however, might attract some decent free agents. Blatt certainly will not. Thibs problem was mainly with the front office not the players as exemplified by Jimmy Butlers comments about HoiBoy. Thibs can maximize a low skill roster so why not but don’t think any coach will make them contenders for some time after 2020.
The next coach will almost certainly be someone (a) desperate for a job; (b) with nothing to lose; (c) looking to learn on the job. Why on earth would a respected, established coach like Thibs agree to coach this garbage-fire of a roster? Why? There’s no upside?
The new coach should be a long-time player, first-time coach who will work his tail off to make progress, be open to guidance from some trusted Assistants and will get in line with the next GM tasked with pulling rabbits out of hats the next 2-3 years to keep them somewhat competitive.
I think this is the perfect spot for Patrick Ewing, actually.
Well, maybe if the players listened and bought into Blatt instead if Lebron, who undermined him, maybe people would have a different idea of Blatt’s coaching.
I understand that the Nets are certainly not an attractive destination in the league, but people do realize that if you want to be a HC in the NBA there are exactly 30 jobs available, right?
Some of the guys listed will not get hired by other teams, so if the Nets come calling, why not sign up for a year or two? Expectations are at rock bottom, so any success they did have would look great on the coach.
Assuming they don’t get hired elsewhere, I think Blatt makes the most sense, followed by Walton. Although Chuck’s idea of Ewing is interesting too.