The Brooklyn Nets are diving head first into their search for a new coach. They first attempted to be the lucky team to land Phil Jackson as coach out of retirement, but the legendary former Laker rejected the offer. After firing two head coaches in one year, the Nets are in need of landing someone that can build the team for years to come. The latest name being brought up in the search current Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins.
Hollins contract is reaching its end and Memphis will have to decide whether or not to retain him come June. He has had issues with the new ownership group after the team was purchased by Robert Pera, leading to tension within the front office. Hollins has rejected the idea of advanced metrics being the guiding force behind building the team, something Pera is in full support of. As of now, the Grizzlies have remained quiet on their decision of whether or not to keep Hollins, leading many to believe he is on his way out.
The coach led Memphis to another playoff appearance and they are currently within three wins of a conference finals. This is making it difficult for the owners to justify letting Hollins go. It would sure anger the fanbase. However, the NBA is a business and who truly knows what the owners will do.
The Nets are prepared to make whatever coach they get one of the highest paid coaches in the league. Hollins would be a great mid-level acquisition for Brooklyn. He is not the flashiest name, but comes with a great deal of potential. He will push defense first which will allow star players like Joe Johnson and Deron Williams to shine more on offense.
Hollins joins the list of long-shot candidates that also includes current Boston Celtics head coach, Doc Rivers. The Celtics are unsure what Rivers' future looks like. Danny Ainge has been vocal about his assumption that Rivers will return, but the coach did not seem so positive on the notion.
The Nets are also considering Larry Drew of the Atlanta Hawks. Despite leading the Hawks to three straight playoff appearances, his contract is up in June as well and the owners are not looking to keep him around.
Brooklyn's search will get even heavier when the season is officially over and they can talk with anyone they please. The team intends on getting a big name and paying them accordingly.
