Brooklyn Nets Reportedly Targeting Brian Shaw For Next Coach

The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly interested in Indiana Pacers assistant coach Brian Shaw for their head coaching vacancy.

The Nets are expected to ask the Pacers permission to interview Shaw after Indiana was eliminated in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat.

The Nets are also looking into Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins, formally requesting permission to speak with him. Reports say they also contacted Jeff Van Gundy to see if they can draw him away from the announcing booth.

Sources say the team is in no rush to replace the fired P.J. Carlesimo, however, and want to conduct a thorough search.

The Nets previously had interest in former coach Phil Jackson for their position, though it didn’t appear he would have been on the sidelines. Nets general manager Billy King said early in the search that he planned to reach out to Jackson,but not necessarily as coach.

Instead, Jackson would have occupied some other kind of front-office role, similar to the arrangement Pat Riley has had in Miami. Jackson would likely have had some kind of ownership stake in the team, and it was believed he had interest in bringing in Shaw as head coach were that to happen.

Despite assembling one the best lineups in years, the Brooklyn Nets had a disappointing end to the season with a first-round exit. It led to the firing of Carlesimo and some harsh words from NBA analysts.

In discussing the Pacers-Heat playoff series, Charles Barkley said the team didn’t have what it took to be title contenders.

“I said, ‘Please Oklahoma City don’t get to the Finals. I said San Antonio, Memphis, I said Brooklyn — I didn’t realize they are softer than tissue paper, and you’ve got Indiana,” Barkley said while making an appearance to discuss the Heat-Pacers playoff series.

The Brooklyn Nets could have some competition for Brian Shaw. The Los Angeles Clippers have already contacted him about their coaching vacancy.