Tom Thibodeau, Knicks sorry to hear Nets cut ties with Steve Nash

GREENBURGH, N.Y.--The shock waves from the Nets’ seismic decision to fire Steve Nash early Tuesday afternoon were felt in Westchester.

Professionally and personally.

Following the Knicks’ practice at the MSG Training Facility, Tom Thibodeau, Julius Randle, and R.J. Barrett each spoke about Nash being relieved of his duties just seven games into the 2022-23 season. 

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Thibodeau said. “Steve, No. 1, he’s a great guy. I think he’s a heck of a coach. But it’s the unfortunate part of this business. I know he’ll do well. I just have a lot of respect for him.” 

In 161 games over slightly more than two seasons, Nash compiled a 94-67 record for a .584 winning percentage and qualified for the playoffs in 2020-21 and 2021-22. However, the Nets won only one playoff series despite having squads built around stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Under Nash, the Nets were 7-9 in the playoffs, including being swept in the first round by eventual Eastern Conference champion Boston last spring.

Following a tumultuous offseason which saw potential trades involving Durant and Irving not materialize, the Nets began this season with a 2-5 record following Monday night’s 116-109 win over Indiana. 

The Nets, who hosted the Bulls Tuesday night, made the announcement a little before 1 p.m. Jacques Vaughn will be the interim coach, and ESPN is reporting that the organization has targeted Ime Udoka to be its new coach.

“It’s part of the business, obviously,” Julius Randle said. “I know Steve, so it’s unfortunate. But he’s a great coach and I’m sure he’ll be back on his feet soon.”

Entering Tuesday night’s game at Barclays Center, the Nets ranked 18th in the NBA in scoring offense, averaging 113.9 points per game. Which is suboptimal when you allow 120.3 points per game. Brooklyn is 28th in the NBA in points allowed. Brooklyn ranked 21st in points allowed in 2020-21, yielding 114.1 points, and slightly improved to 18th last season, where they gave up 112.1 points per game.

Nash received criticism for Brooklyn’s defensive deficiencies, but Thibodeau praised the Hall-of-Fame point guard.

“I’ve been to practices where Steve has coached,” Thibodeau said. “Very impressed with his teaching. Great respect for him as a player, having coached against him, being around him, just the way he carries himself. And as I said, unfortunately it’s part of the business, and I’m hopeful that he’ll move forward and be fine, but you feel for him.”

 No one more so than Barrett, Nash’s godson. 

The swingman learned about the firing just before he met with reporters.

“I didn’t really have much time to process it. But that’s Uncle Steve, that’s family. I don’t really know what to say yet.”

 The Knicks host Atlanta and Trae Young Wednesday night. The game will be the second for Young at the Garden since the 2021 playoffs. 

“He’s as tough a cover as there is,” Thibodeau said of Young. “He’s clever, can shoot it from anywhere. Great range. Great first step. Crafty. You got to look at a lot of pick-and-rolls. We’re going to have to be ready.”