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NBA: 5 Teams That Should Hire Luke Walton As Head Coach

By Aaron Ferguson

Dec 6, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Golden State Warriors interim head coach Luke Walton during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Golden State Warriors interim head coach Luke Walton during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) reacts against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Nets 101-87. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) reacts against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Nets 101-87. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets have had a terrible season, only to get worse by injuries and lack of production. They own the NBA’s third-worst record with a record of 12-33. Lionel Hollins was fired on Jan. 10 and general manager BIlly King was reassigned from his role, according to the New York Post. Interim head coach Tony Brown is 2-6 since taking over.

Why would Walton want to coach such a bad team after his recent success with the Warriors? It’s pretty simple, really. The Nets are set to have more than $28 million come off the books following the 2015-16 season. They could also free up an additional $11.7 million in cap space due to player and team options. Since the Nets do not own their first round pick until the 2019 season, expect them to free up as much cap space as possible to try and make a run at Kevin Durant, or other high-profile free agents.

With all of that cap space and a talented free agent class this offseason, Walton could shape the team how he wants it and build off of cornerstone Brook Lopez. Having Thaddeus Young is an added bonus due to his offensive production and rebounding skills. Working to find a good backcourt and wing player to complement the front court could have the Nets contending for a playoff spot.

The Nets aren’t in as bad of a position as most people would think, however they aren’t in the greatest of positions without their draft picks, either. Only one person knows if Walton sees it that way, or is even considering becoming a head coach, but the Nets should make a run at him.

Next: Los Angeles Lakers