The Brooklyn Nets are on the verge of appointing a new head coach, with Mike Budenholzer, Jordi Fernandez, and Kevin Young emerging as the leading candidates for the role, according to The Athletic.
Budenholzer, a celebrated coach who led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship, joins Fernandez and Young, both highly regarded assistants, in the final stages of the selection process.
Joe Tsai, the owner of the Nets, has been conducting face-to-face meetings with each finalist, hinting that a decision could be announced soon.
This coaching search, spearheaded by Nets General Manager Sean Marks in collaboration with Tsai, began following the dismissal of Jacque Vaughn on February 19. The search has been extensive, featuring a diverse group of coaching talents.
Despite his interim role and a modest 11-16 record, Kevin Ollie remains a contender, having stepped in as coach on February 20. He, along with other noted assistants such as Chris Quinn of the Miami Heat and James Borrego of the New Orleans Pelicans, was reviewed, but the focus has now shifted to the final trio.
Brooklyn’s coaching position is highly attractive, boosted by the presence of standout player Mikal Bridges, future draft assets, and significant salary cap space.
Budenholzer, with a solid coaching record and two NBA Coach of the Year awards, along with Fernandez and Young, known for their innovative approaches and previous candidacy for head coaching roles, are poised to potentially lead the Nets into a new era.
Under Marks’ leadership since 2016, the Nets have seen various coaching changes, with Kenny Atkinson, Steve Nash, and Vaughn all serving in the role. The new appointment will look to bring stability and success to the team as they move forward.
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