Nets’ Mikal Bridges Wasn’t A Fan Of Jacque Vaughn’s Offense

The Nets fired Vaughn today. 

Bridges is the top player on the Nets. He’s averaging 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season while shooting 45.2% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc and 82.9% from the free-throw line. 

The Nets acquired Bridges from the Phoenix Suns last season in the blockbuster Kevin Durant trade. Bridges is averaging 23.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.5 blocks with Brooklyn. 

A Villanova product, Bridges is making $21.7 million this season. Several teams were interested in trading for the swingman this season, but the Nets declined all offers for Bridges, who signed a four-year, $90 million extension with the Suns in October 2021. 

Vaughn compiled a record of 71-68 (.511) with the Nets, who are 21-33 this season. They are in 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings. 

Nets general manager Sean Marks said it was an “incredibly difficult decision” to fire Vaughn.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision, but one we feel is in the best interest of the team going forward,” Marks said in a statement. “Jacque has represented this organization with exemplary character and class for the past eight years. The consistent positivity and passion he poured into our team daily will remain with the players and staff he interacted with throughout his tenure. We thank Jacque for all he has done for the Nets and the borough of Brooklyn, and wish him, Laura and their family nothing but the best in the future.” 

According to NBA insider Ian Begley of SNY, some within the Nets had concerns that Vaughn could hinder their chances of landing a top player in free agency. Many players had also lost confidence in Vaughn.