Cutting Down the Nets

02/20/2024

By: Jeff Yoder

Brooklyn Fires Head Coach Jacque Vaughn, Names Kevin Ollie Interim Head Coach With Season in Flux

The Brooklyn Nets surprised a few people with a shock firing on Monday morning following the NBA All-Star break. Brooklyn fired head coach Jacque Vaughn after a 21-33 season and immediately announced Kevin Ollie will serve as the interim coach for the rest of the year. Vaughn took over for Steve Nash when the Nets’ super-team era fell apart two-plus seasons ago. He was just 71-68 in the regular season and 0-8 in two playoff series (two sweeps). The move comes less than a year after Vaughn signed a multiyear contract extension . Brooklyn hopes Ollie can revamp a roster that is ranked near the bottom in both offensive and defensive efficiency in 2024.

Taking Down the Nets

Brooklyn has slipped into the background noise of the NBA ever since the franchise sent Kevin Durant to Phoenix last offseason for Mikal Bridges and draft capital. There are some good pieces on the Nets’ roster, including Bridges, Cam Thomas, Ben Simmons, Cam Johnson and more. Unfortunately, their 21-33 puts them 11th in the East and just outside the playoff picture. They were .500 (15-15) the day after Christmas (Dec. 26). That’s a 6-18 dropoff. Things hit rock bottom after an ugly 50-point loss to the Celtics last week.

Vaughn thanked the Nets brass on his way out in a classy move, but Ollie will now attempt to salvage what’s left of the season.

ABC News: Nets Fire Jacque Vaughn With Team in 11th Place at the All-Star Break

Photo: Dustin Satloff / Getty Images