The Brooklyn Nets shocked many people when they abruptly fired head coach Steve Nash after a rough 2-5 start for the team.
Then, they surprised even more people when it was revealed that they were planning to hire suspended Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka to take over for Nash.
Today, they surprised again when they announced that Udoka would not get the job and that interim coach Jacque Vaughn would lead the team.
There were several reasons why the Nets decided against Udoka and they are now coming to light.
Factors why Brooklyn didn't hire Ime Udoka, per @ShamsCharania:
– Due diligence process taking "longer than initially expected"
– "Outcry" from people outside and inside the organization
– Concerns around the team's ability to contend after Kyrie Irving's indefinite suspension pic.twitter.com/oGka2jQEh2
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) November 9, 2022
Shams Charania has done some inside reporting about the situation.
One thing holding Udoka back from getting the job was the fact that due diligence was taking “longer than initially expected.”
Additionally, the team had concerns about the team’s ability to “contend” with Kyrie Irving‘s suspension.
Finally, the “outcry” from people outside and inside the organization about Udoka’s hiring also hurt his chances.
In the end, the Nets didn’t think Udoka and the baggage he has was worth it.
So, where does that leave him?
Udoka On His Own
Does this officially mark the end of Udoka’s time coaching in the NBA?
After his suspension in Boston and before his possible hiring in Brooklyn, many people thought he’d never get another job in the league.
This latest development doesn’t bode well for his future.
The fact that outcry from people pushed the Nets away from Udoka shows that he is still considered toxic by many.
He will now sit out for the foreseeable future and the NBA will move forward without him.
Perhaps he will get another job coaching in the league but the chances of that are dwindling every day.
NEXT: NBA World Reacts To The New Nets Head Coach