The interim of Kevin Ollie is coming to an end and the Nets staff are therefore working behind the scenes to find a successor worthy of the name while the New York franchise will finish the regular season in 11th place.
The Athletic revealed on Saturday the names of the three technicians likely to replace the former teammate ofAllen Iverson to the Sixers. Three finalists would still be in the running, two first assistants, Jordi Fernandez Kings and Kevin Young of the Suns, and a former coach currently free, Mike Budenholzer.
The latter acts as the favorite with its almost perfect course. Trained at Gregg Popovich's Spurs, he then led the Hawks then the Bucks to the top of the Eastern Conference, with an NBA championship title in 2021 with Milwaukee up for grabs. Elected coach of the year twice, he was ousted from the Wisconsin franchise after a trying year marked by an elimination in the first round of the playoffs against Miami, the future finalist. His profile seduces with the playing identity that he brings to his teams, focused on attack but also sharing the ball and responsibilities.
Sean Marks plays his skin
Jordi Fernandez and Kevin Young are regulars in the “rumors” section and remain on the lookout for a possible first experience to become a head coach in the NBA. Their names were also mentioned by Charlotte, who is also working to find a new “head coach”. Jordi Fernandez spent six years with the Nuggets before joining the Kings where he is Mike Brown's first assistant. Kevin Young has been an important part of the Suns staff for four years and also has the advantage of having already worked with Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson before the latter were transferred to the Nets in February 2023.
The three finalists are expected to meet with Nets owner Joe Tsai soon before learning more about their fate. Will Brooklyn GM Sean Marks choose “safety” with coach Bud’ or will he hire a new “rookie” coach like Brooklyn did in 2016 with the promotion of Kenny Atkinson, not without some success? At the time, the latter arrived from the Hawks after spending four seasons with… Mike Budenholzer. For his part, coach Bud' is perhaps the one who has the most affinity with Sean Marks, having crossed paths with him when he was an assistant in San Antonio.
What is certain is that Sean Marks, in office since 2016, is undoubtedly playing his last card on this new change of course and could directly pay the price for a new failure. Especially since the Nets have a workforce that is more than interesting to develop.
