Not only do the Brooklyn Nets lack an NBA championship since owner Mikhail Prokhorov moved the team to the Barclays Center in New York, they also have no coach or general manager as of Sunday.
The team announced in a press release that it had "reassigned" general manager Billy King "within the organization" and "parted ways" with head coach Lionel Hollins. Hollins will be replaced in the interim by long-time NBA assistant Tony Brown while the GM position "will remain open until a replacement is named."
King had been in his sixth season with the Nets after being hired by Prokhorov in the summer of 2010. Hollins, however, signed with the team in 2014 but has allocated a woeful 48-71 record with Brooklyn. The organization has seen its worst start to a season since moving from New Jersey in 2015-16, currently 10-27, second-worst in the Atlantic Division and the whole Eastern Conference.
Hollins is the fourth coach to be fired since the team relocated to Brooklyn, following in the steps of Avery Johnson, PJ Carlesimo, and Jason Kidd.
Prokhorov had high expectations when he bought the team, promising a title within the first five seasons of the team's stay in Brooklyn, but the billionaire owner is evidently not satisfied without even an appearance to the Eastern Conference Finals in six seasons.
"I’ve concluded that it’s time for a fresh start and a new vision for the direction of the team,” said Prokhorov. "It’s clear from our current state of affairs that we need new leadership."
The owner also said that with new management, the Nets are "going to create a winning culture and identity and give Brooklyn a team that it can be proud of and enjoy watching."
"I can assure you that I’m more determined and committed than ever to build a winner.”