“I’m Built for This”: Nets’ Temporary HC Kevin Ollie on Picking up Jacque Vaughn’s Slack

While players across the league are using the all-star break to their leisure, the Brooklyn Nets are making moves. Earlier, they fired head coach Jacque Vaughn due to a dismal 2023-24 season. With that, Vaughn’s tenure in Brooklyn concluded with a 71-68 record. Even though the Nets traveled to two postseason stints under his guidance, the team failed to secure a playoff victory, going 0-8.

In response, the Nets have appointed assistant coach Kevin Ollie as the interim head coach. Speaking to the media about his new role, Ollie exuded confidence, highlighting his experience with changing dynamics by stating, “I played 13 years for 12 different teams.” Additionally, he emphasized his ability to navigate through chaos, saying, “Understanding how you can make a change and how you can make a commitment—I’m used to this, I’m built for this.”

Ollie seems poised to bring about a positive transformation in the Nets’ roster. The 51-year-old coach is now tasked with reviving a struggling 21-33 record team. The Nets are currently in the lower segment of teams, occupying the 11th spot in the Eastern Conference. They have lost five of their last six games and will face the Toronto Raptors to continue their season.

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Interestingly, Vaughn initially assumed the role of the Nets’ head coach through an interim position. Joining the franchise’s coaching staff in 2016, he stepped into the interim head coach role in 2020 when the Nets parted ways with Steve Nash. However, last season, around the trade deadline, the Nets secured Vaughn with a multiyear contract, officially appointing him as the head coach.

Who can be the next HC of the Brooklyn Nets?

It is not necessary that like Vaughn, Ollie will also transition to erase the interim tag on his coaching role. With that, it is anticipated that the Nets will hire a seasoned coach in the off-season.

Coach Mike Budenholzer, who led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA title in 2021, recently parted ways with the Bucks citing personal reasons. Nevertheless, the two-time Coach of the Year’s names can resurface in NBA coaching conversations in the coming months.

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Another notable name in consideration is Mike D’Antoni, currently serving as an advisor with the New Orleans Pelicans. Given his impressive offensive skillset, it would not be surprising if the Nets came calling for his leadership. The Nets’ youthful and athletic roster could greatly benefit from D’Antoni’s high-paced offensive strategies, reminiscent of the successful approach seen with the Indiana Pacers this season. Furthermore, D’Antoni already has a bit of experience with the Nets, having played a small role during the 2020-21 season.