The Brooklyn Nets have lost four straight games to bring their record down to 10-27 which is one of the worst marks in the entire NBA. The Nets had playoff hopes coming into the season and considering that they don't have a first round pick this year it was imperative that they make it, but now that looks all but impossible. Because of the awful start to the season the Nets have made some changes as head coach Lionel Hollins has been fired and GM Billy King has stepped down, according to NBA.com.
These changes had been rumored to happen for quite some time now but there were questions as to when they might happen. Owner Mikhail Prokhorov felt this was the right time for changes and fresh start.
"After careful consideration, I've concluded that it's time for a fresh start and a new vision for the direction of the team. By making this decision now, it enables our organization to use the rest of the season to diligently evaluate candidates with proven track records. It's clear from our current state of affairs that we need new leadership. With the right basketball management and coach in place, we are going to create a winning culture and identity and give Brooklyn a team that it can be proud of and enjoy watching. We have learned a great deal during the past six years and our experiences will guide us for the future. Following the consolidation of team ownership last month, I can assure you that I'm more determined and committed than ever to build a winner," said Prokhorov in a statement.
Assistant coach Tony Brown will serve as the interim head coach for the rest of the season while the GM job will be left vacant for now until a replacement is named. There have already been talks about Prokhorov bringing over someone from Russia as a replacement but those reports have not been confirmed.
King was in his sixth season as the general manager of the Nets and due to pressure from ownership, had to make some risky moves that didn't work out during his tenure. The moves KIng made have left the Nets in bad shape in the present and the future. King's contract was set to expire at the end of this season and he was not expected to have it renewed.
Hollins has been at the helm in Brooklyn for a year and a half and has not had much success. Hollins underachieved last season with a team that seemed like a surefire playoff team, but instead limped in as the eighth seed. This season the team doesn't have much talent but they were still expected to be better than third worst in the NBA. Hollins has two more years left on his contract but only next year is guaranteed so the Nets will still have to pay him for the rest of this season and next.
