The GIST: Somebody call the Beastie Boys because there’s probably been no sleep in Brooklyn after a week of whiplash-inducing Nets moments, punctuated by yesterday’s decision to “mutually part ways” with head coach Steve Nash. Pure chaos.
Off the court: The Nash firing comes while the aforementioned Irving faces ongoing backlash (including from the NBA Players Association) after doubling down on sharing an antisemitic film and book on social media last week.
- As discussed on yesterday’s episode of The GIST of It, Nets ownership and the NBA shared their own statements condemning Irving’s post, but have yet to actually hold him accountable.
- And this is just the latest in Brooklyn’s soap opera–worthy saga. The other Nets superstar, Kevin Durant, memorably gave the team an ultimatum over the summer — fire Nash or trade him. Looks like KD got his wish after all.
On the court: As expected, the off-court mess resulted in some pretty bad basketball. The supposed-to-be-contending Nets posted a dismal 2-6 record over the first two weeks of the season. Some superteam, huh?
What’s next: The best way to fight fire? Apparently more fire. The Nets are expected to hire suspended Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka (who served as a Brooklyn assistant during the 2020-21 season) to replace Nash.
- Yes, the same Udoka who Boston suspended before the season for using crude language and having an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. Make it make sense.