Ime Udoka set to replace Steve Nash on Nets' bench / News - Basketnews.com

Ime Udoka appears to be the frontrunner to take the head coaching position at the Brooklyn Nets after Steve Nash was fired.

Credit: AP Photo/Steven Senne Credit AP Photo/Steven Senne

After announcing they have parted ways with Steve Nash, the Brooklyn Nets are reportedly moving to hire suspended Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka as their head coach, multiple outlets reported.

2-pointers this season

57%29,3Points made:29,3Accuracy:56,9%Place in standings:11Record max:38Record min:24Most made 2FGs:Kevin DurantTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

Nash is out as Nets coach after a disappointing 2-5 start, a day after they beat Indiana. The Hall of Fame point guardmade it to this season after Kevin Durant said he wanted him out this summer, but not much longer.

"Since becoming head coach, Steve was faced with a number of unprecedented challenges, and we are sincerely grateful for his leadership, patience and humility throughout his tenure," general manager Sean Marks said in a statement.

"Personally, this was an immensely difficult decision; however, after much deliberation and evaluation of how the season has begun, we agreed that a change is necessary at this time."

Nash led the Nets to a 92-62 record and the playoffs in two seasons. But losing Kyrie Irving and James Harden to injuries during a second-round loss to Milwaukee in 2021 was the first blow, followed by a first-round flop last season after trading James Harden.

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, former Nets assistant Ime Udoka has emerged as a "strong frontrunner" to get the head Brooklyn job, and in fact, the two sides have already begun discussions to make it official.

Udoka served as a Nets assistant in 2020-21 before being hired by Boston, which he took to the NBA Finals in his first campaign. The glory didn't last long for him, as in September he was suspended for the 2022-23 season by the Celtics over an inappropriate relationship with a Celtics staff member.

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics would indeed allow Udoka to leave for another job, and it looks like that might be in the process of happening in Brooklyn.

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