Vaughn Is The 3rd Eastern Conference Coach To Get Fired
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Andrew Rosario
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
The enthusiasm and excitement that Brooklyn Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn and the organization exhibited when they removed his interim status during the middle of the year paid off as he led the team to the playoffs for the fifth straight year. Unfortunately, they faced Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round and were quickly swept in four games. Still, coming into the 2023-24 season there was more reason for optimism. Shooting guard/small forward Mikal Bridges was returning after averaging 26.1 points per game. Defensive wizard Nic Claxton was in the top 3 in blocks. The enigma forward Ben Simmons was looking to return to his All-Star status while a member of the Sixers. No could have envisioned the basketball team (they will always be little brother to the New York Knicks) would fall hard and fast resulting in the firing of Vaughn Monday.
The nail in the coffin was loss to the Boston Celtics right before the All-Star break. The 50-point loss, 136-86 saw the Nets defense allow six players to score in double figures. Two of the Celtics coming off the bench contributed. The loss dropped their record to 21-33 leaving them in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. They are 6 and 14 in their last 20 games. Making the playoffs will be a long shot.
The organization released a statement from general manager Sean Marks saying, “Jacque has represented this organization with exemplary character and class for the last 8 years. His consistent positivity and passion he poured into our team daily will remain with the players and staff he interacted with us 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.” Assistant coach Kevin Ollie was elevated to interim head coach Tuesday and held his first practice in preparation for their first post All-Star break game when they went on the road to face the Toronto Raptors Thursday night.
Vaughn’s record was 71-68 in 3-plus seasons after taking over for Steve Nash. He failed to win a playoff game going
0-8. After Toronto, the next 3 games will also be on the road. They face Minnesota, Memphis and Orlando. The Nets come home February 29th to host the Atlanta Hawks.
