Even though Kenny Atkinson won’t be able to reap the benefits of all his hard work as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, the franchise wouldn’t be in a position to succeed like it is now without him.
Sean Marks knows this and has no problem admitting that’s the case. But when the franchise and Atkinson had a mutual parting of ways in early March, it became abundantly clear the Nets general manager was looking for something different at the head coach position.
Jacque Vaughn didn’t get much of a chance to prove he can fill the role permanently due to the league’s hiatus in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak, but he could still vie for the position.
It all comes down to whether or not Marks feels Vaughn can fulfill the duties the next Brooklyn head coach will be tasked with. The Nets GM explained how things have changed since last time he needed to hire a head coach in a conversation with Chris Carrino that was broadcasted on the Brooklyn Nets app.
It certainly differs, but it differs because the organization is in a different place now. It’s in a much different place than it was four years ago. … As we move into this next stage, we’ll be looking for a leader, for a leader of men. Somebody that can take this group and continue what we’ve already built upon and have relationships with the players. Understand what this organization is at the precipice of and who the key players here [are] — I don’t just mean that by the players on the court. Who the players are in the organization. They need to have an understanding of the performance team, of our ownership group and so forth. And all the things that go into taking this and taking the Brooklyn Nets to another level.
During the interview, Marks also noted he would like to see Vaughn get a chance to further prove himself. Vaughn was set to be head coach for the remainder of 2019-20 upon Atkinson’s departure.