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Brooklyn Nets: Will Lionel Hollins Be The Nets Head Coach In 2015-16?

By Steve Krebs

February 20, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Lionel Hollins watches game action against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 20, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Lionel Hollins watches game action against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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You can be a great basketball mind, for what it’s worth, an even better coach, but sometimes even that cannot guarantee success when you are asked to lead a team that is woefully constructed, and vacant in any concrete plans for the future.

Such is the case for Lionel Hollins, who at best will barely amass 30 wins coaching a pitiful Brooklyn Nets team — still, the question remains, will he be asked back?

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There is no way any fan can blame Hollins for the current record, obviously well aware of the wretched state of the organization, the man still manages to conduct his business with sheer professionalism and a high degree of class.

Many would have stopped caring in January, but Hollins continues to go to work under the most horrendous of working conditions, and does his job to the best of his ability — now, if only the players had that same mentality …

It is possible that Hollins is content with having any head coaching position in the NBA, because hope for success with this cast of characters was over the first game of the season.

The fair-weather, homer and casual fan types may have had their own reason to believe this would be a winning campaign, but those who actually follow the team knew that was miles away from being the case.

If there is one thing that is for certain, it is that Hollins is a rare breed in regards to a head coach, and any team built for success would be lucky to have him at the helm — the Brooklyn Nets are designed to fail, so any live body with a pulse, would suit just fine.

Even in the darkest of times, Hollins finds a silver-lining:

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    • Most of the time, fans will want a coach removed for terrible decision making (upper management has taken care of that), and losing the proverbial locker room, but in this particular situation, I just feel bad for the guy.

    Going out there knowing your chances of winning are drastically skewed before tip-off, and maintaining a professional demeanor, is not a characteristic you will find frequently at all across the NBA — the Brooklyn Nets are lucky to have Hollins, but he is not so fortunate to have them.

    If the Nets do decide to give the man a reprieve, and not ask him to return next season, they are actually throwing a solid his way — because as it stands right now, I am not sure this job is fair to someone for two years in a row.

    When I think about all the coaches who would have either been fired already, accumulated 13 wins, or completely lost it on the court, my respect for Hollins is comparable with any coach in the league. I am hoping if not here, another organization recognizes the capabilities, and sound leadership they would inherit from his services.

    The Brooklyn Nets had the right coach, just the wrong team.

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