Here are three under-the-radar coaches the Nets should consider hiring.
Is it fair to say that the Brooklyn Nets’ head coaching search is heating up just a little over a week after they were swept by the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the playoffs? Maybe not, but the rumors surfacing seemingly every couple days suggest that it will soon enter the sweepstakes conversation.
If we’ve learned anything from the latest rumblings, it’s that general manager Sean Marks is keen on hiring a high-profile coach. Look no further than the links to Spurs legend Gregg Popovich and Clippers assistant Tyronn Lue.
However, that isn’t to say Brooklyn isn’t looking to restructure the entire coaching staff. Outside of interim hero Jacque Vaughn, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Nets debut a plethora of new faces on the sidelines next season.
Spurs open door slightly for Nets' Gregg Popovich dream scenario https://t.co/QgfGLNI4cS pic.twitter.com/avMQTtKBec
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) August 31, 2020
Given that Marks clearly wants to hire somebody with a proven playoff track record in order to appeal to superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, let’s take a closer look at a few under-the-radar names the 45-year-old GM should pursue as assistant coaches.
3. Jerry Stackhouse
Jerry Stackhouse would be an intriguing option for the Nets.
Jerry Stackhouse’s coaching potential became evident after he led the Raptors 905, Toronto’s G League affiliate, to a championship in 2016-2017. That season, he was rightfully honored with the (then) NBA D-League Coach of the Year award.
How did the former two-time All-Star respond? By taking the 905 back to the finals the following year, so it’s clear he knows how to get the most out of his players.
The 45-year-old has since signed a six-year contract to become the head coach at Vanderbilt. While it would be a terrible look for him to leave the Commodores after just one season, it might be the best move for his aspirations to become the lead guy at the next level.
It’s not often that NBA organizations dip into the college coaching pool, and a positive showing as an assistant with Brooklyn could really expedite Stackhouse’s ambitions. Marks and Co. are clearly seeking out a candidate that flaunts experience in the Association, and the former UNC star fits that bill as his pro career lasted a lengthy 18 years.
We would be fully behind the Nets hiring Stackhouse.