Inside The Nets

Kevin Ollie is ready for the obstacles of as the Nets' new head coach

Ollie steps in as Brooklyn’s interim head coach for the rest of the 2023/24 season.

Peter Sunjic

© Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
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With Jacque Vaughn’s dismissal from the head coach position in Brooklyn, it was nearly unanimous that Kevin Ollie would be the replacement. The Nets announced that he’ll be the the team’s interim head coach for the rest of the season, a role that Ollie is not taking lightly.

The new head honcho held his first team practice after the All-Star break, including interviews with him, general manager Sean Marks, and franchise centerpiece Mikal Bridges. In those pressers, Ollie showcased why the players and front office wanted him to take over as the interim tactician.

“It's not all on JV. We all have a part in this. And I know he took a lot of bullets up here for a lot of people, and the respect I have for him is always overflowing, but it definitely has an effect with the players,” Ollie said regarding his former colleague, Jacque Vaughn.

Ollie embraces the pressure of his new role

It is a massive step up for Ollie because this is his first time being a head coach in the NBA. However, he invites the pressure of being the Nets’ new coach because he’s used to the bright lights of the league.

People should remember that Ollie was a respected NBA veteran from 1995 to 2010. The 51-year-old came into the league as an undrafted player from UConn but still carved out a 15-year career as a reliable backup guard.

“This is the life that we chose. I played 13 years for 12 different teams. So I'm experienced in all this: coaching changes, being traded, 10-day contracts, being an assistant coach at UConn, and becoming a head coach, and understanding how you can make a change and how you can make a commitment in chaos. I'm used to this. I'm built for this,” Ollie said about his new role.

The Nets have 28 games to turn the season around

As NBA teams continue to flock in in preparation for the final stretch after All-Star Weekend, the Nets sport a 21-33 record. They are only 2.5 games behind the tenth-seeded Hawks, meaning Brooklyn can go on a hot streak and catch up to the Play-In Tournament seeds.

Ollie’s coaching will be vital to that goal of making it into the Play-In due to his focus on energetic play and players holding each other accountable; there is a potential event where the Nets catch up and win more games, considering they have the second-easiest strength of schedule.

Sean Marks still enjoys "strong standing" from Nets owners in the wake of Jacque Vaughn's exit

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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