Former NBA MVP Steve Nash has been fired as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets following their underwhelming start to the 2022/23 NBA season – even after a win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night
The Brooklyn Nets have fired head coach Steve Nash, according to ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski.
The decision was reportedly mutual between the Nets organisation and Nash after the former player led the team to a 2-5 record to open the season. Expectations were high heading into the 2022/23 NBA season given Brooklyn’s roster, which includes superstars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons.
Nash struggled since he was appointed head coach of the Nets in 2020. He has had to endure a number of frustrating challenges and off-court distractions, including Irving’s his stance over the Covid vaccine, which led to long stretches of ineligibility to play or even practice with the Nets due to the New York City Covid vaccine mandate
Nash was also faced with the prospect of Durant jumping ship earlier this year in the NBA offseason. Durant handed in his trade request and allegedly gave the Nets an ultimatum to either fire general manager Sean Marks and coach Nash or send him to another franchise. Ultimately, wounds were healed – but Brooklyn’s poor start to the season has led to a change of heart.