The Brooklyn Nets and Steve Nash’s decision to part ways on Tuesday “shocked” Kevin Durant, the sharpshooter said following the team’s 108-99 loss to the Chicago Bulls.
Jacque Vanaughn was chosen as the interim coach Nash, thanks for the game.Durant was also asked about the departure.
Durant, via ESPN: “You are always shocked when moves like these happen.” It’s a normal thing in the NBA. It’s all about getting ready for tonight’s game. It is a fast turn in the league, especially during the regular season. There are practice and games, so it’s not easy to think about it. It was on my mind for just a bit today.”
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Steve Nash, Brooklyn Nets’ head coach, makes a call in the first half of a NBA basketball game, Wednesday, October 26, 2022 in Milwaukee.
(AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Durant, who scored 32 on 9-of-16 shots, said: “I mean let’s just be real. We’re pros. We’re veterans. You know what? We had a hard start. It was a rocky year. We were aware that everyone was being assessed. This is how it works in the league.
Joe Harris said that he was surprised at the seven-game decision.
“I think everybody was really surprised, it’s still so early in the year,” Harris said, via SNY. “You play so many games in an NBA season, where – even if you’re struggling as a team, individually, whatever it is – you know you have a lot of games to fight and claw your way back. It’s not surprising, given the timing.
Durant described the past few years as a roller coaster. Kenny Atkinson was the head coach when Durant first joined the team. Atkinson led the Nets into the playoffs without Durant nor Kyrie Irving. Vaughn would replace Durant and Kyrie Irving, while Nash would later join the team.
Durant stated, “I like working alongside Steve, and I like working together with the coaching staff. It was a rollercoaster the past few years.” “… But, the core of it, basketball is something that we all love to do. No matter who the coach is, no matter what the circumstances, you still have to show up to work. Steve was a great coach and I loved coming to work with him.”
After scoring a 3-pointer against the Chicago Bulls, Joe Harris, Brooklyn Nets forward, celebrates with Kevin Durant, #7 in New York.
(AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
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Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks addressed Nash’s departure before the game. He explained that he and Nash had been discussing the matter for about a week before they made the decision to change.
Marks stated that it was trending in this direction and that the team wasn’t doing what it was supposed. “We’ve fallen from our goals and of meeting our goals, and it was time now because we still have lofty aspirations of where we need get to.”
Marks claimed that the decision was made in a vacuum and without consulting any players.
Kevin Durant (7th Brooklyn Nets forward) looks up in the second half against Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center Nov. 1, 2022, New York.
(Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)
Rumors circulated immediately after Nash’s departure about the possibility of the team hiring suspended Ime Udoka, Boston Celtics coachMarks stated that he was not yet certain who will replace him, but he said it is possible.
“But I would say I will reserve that for when those decisions are made, and I couldn’t give you a timeline on that,” Marks said. “Obviously there’s a reason why we made this move when we did, because time is ticking. So we do want this process to be a thorough one, we’re not going to skip steps on that, and then we’ll do our due diligence like in any way. Everybody who was hired by the company does thorough due diligence. This ensures that you achieve the best possible outcome.
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Nash was 92-62 as Brooklyn’s coach in the regular season and the playoffs.
This report was compiled by the Associated Press.
