NBA News 2016: Nets Fire Head Coach Lionel Hollins; Nuggets Rookie Emmanuel Mudiay Returns From Injury
The Brooklyn Nets recently cut ties with head coach Lionel Hollins.
In a report by NBA.com, the team's general manager Billy King was reassigned as well, while assistant coach Tony Brown was relegated to the interim head coach post. The report adds that the GM position will remain vacant until such time that the team finds an acceptable replacement.
According to team owner Mikhail Prokhorov, the decision to let go of Hollins and to reassign King within the organization was for the team to have a "fresh start" and a "new vision for the direction of the team." Prokhorov adds that the reassignment of posts will give the team's management an opportunity to scout for more viable candidates.
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"With the right basketball management and coach in place, we are going to create a winning culture and identity and give Brooklyn a team that it can be proud of and enjoy watching," Prokhorov said in a statement.
In his statement, Prokhorov also showed appreciation for the service King had rendered for the team since being named General Manager on July 2010. He described King as a "tremendous friend, wonderful colleague, and loyal partner."
According to an ESPN report, Prokhorov traveled to New York from Russia to face the press, a day after the decision was announced. He said that they needed "a small reset" and that his only goal for this decision was for his team to come back, not only as a playoff team, but also a possible championship contender.
The Nets currently hold a win-loss slate of 10-28, and are currently on a five-game losing streak.
Meanwhile, Denver Nuggets point guard Emmanuel Mudiay has suited back up for his team, as they played against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.
According to a report by CBS Sports, the 19-year-old professional basketball player returned after almost a month-long layoff due to a sprained ankle. Mudiay missed 14 games because of the said injury. His return proved to be a big help for the team, as he was a big factor for their 92-95 victory.
According to a post-game report by the Denver Post, Mudiay was able to contribute 11 points, four rebounds, and six assists, throughout 39 minutes of action.
The Nuggets are scheduled to face the defending champion Golden State Warriors later today, January 13, at the Pepsi Center.
