The Brooklyn Nets are hiring Mike D’Antoni and Ime Udoka as assistants to new coach Steve Nash, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Nash, of course, was the point guard of the “Seven Seconds or Less” Phoenix Suns, whose mission was to get up a shot extremely early in the shot clock. D’Antoni was the coach then, and Amar’e Stoudemire the power forward. Stoudemire also has been added as an assistant on Nash’s coaching staff.
D’Antoni most recently coached the Houston Rockets, stepping down after four years following the season.
Meanwhile, Udoka was the lead assistant under Brett Brown for the Philadelphia 76ers last season. But the Sixers changed coaches, hiring Doc Rivers, leaving the door open for Udoka to make a move. Like D’Antoni, Udoka interviewed for several head-coaching positions after the season.
With the likes of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving leading the way, the Nets are expected to compete for a championship. Nash is entering his first season as a head coach at any level, so surrounding himself with veteran assistants certainly can’t hurt.
