The Brooklyn Nets have fired coach Lionel Hollins and reassigned general manager Billy King in the midst of their worst season since moving from New Jersey.
The Nets said Sunday that assistant Tony Brown will serve as the interim head coach, and the GM position will remain open until a replacement is hired.
“It’s clear from our current state of affairs that we need new leadership,” Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov said in a statement released by the team. “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.”
The Nets have lost four games in a row overall and nine straight at home, where attendance has dwindled at the $1 billion Barclays Center. The Nets had made the playoffs every year since relocating for the 2012-13 season, but they are 10-27, better only than the league-worst Philadelphia 76ers.
King had been GM since 2010, orchestrating a number of high-profile moves that led to just one playoff series victory. Hollins was in his second season as coach.
Source: ESPN