Shams reports that among the coaching candidates for the Brooklyn Nets are Mike Budenholzer and two other NBA assistants.

Shams reports that among the coaching candidates for the Brooklyn Nets are Mike Budenholzer and two other NBA assistants.

Shortly after NetsDaily’s initial report on the progress of the Brooklyn Nets’ head coaching search, Shams Charania provided further details in The Athletic. According to Charania, Mike Budenholzer, who previously guided the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship, is one of the leading contenders. Joining him are NBA assistants Jordi Fernandez from the Sacramento Kings and Kevin Young from the Phoenix Suns, all identified as “finalists” for the position. The vacancy arose in February when the Nets parted ways with Jacque Vaughn.

However, additional league sources disclosed to NetsDaily that while Charania’s report narrowed down the field, there are still other candidates being considered beyond the three mentioned as “finalists.”

Charania’s report states:

“League sources inform The Athletic that Mike Budenholzer, championship coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, Jordi Fernandez, associate head coach of the Sacramento Kings, and Kevin Young, associate head coach of the Phoenix Suns, are in contention for the head coaching role with the Brooklyn Nets.

Nets owner Joe Tsai is currently holding face-to-face meetings with these three finalists, indicating that a decision is imminent.”

NetsDaily tweeted on Saturday morning confirming the ongoing search for Jacque Vaughn’s successor, suggesting that the process has been extensive and possibly involving interviews with candidates. This could explain Joe Tsai’s recent appearances at Nets games both in Brooklyn and in Austin, Texas.

The same sources who spoke with NetsDaily following Charania’s report mentioned that the candidate pool is broader than suggested. While Charania acknowledges the consideration of other candidates, he highlights Budenholzer, Fernandez, and Young as the frontrunners.

Insiders familiar with the situation reveal that interim head coach Kevin Ollie has been part of the Nets’ considerations, along with coaches like Chris Quinn from the Heat and James Borrego from the Pelicans. However, the organization seems to have focused on newer candidates for the final decision.

NetsDaily’s report also suggests that Tsai may have conducted interviews during his recent attendance at Nets games, utilizing the proximity of candidates like Budenholzer and Fernandez.

Budenholzer stands out as a highly accomplished coaching prospect, particularly due to his past success with the Milwaukee Bucks. His departure from the Bucks last year amid circumstances surrounding injuries and personal tragedy has been noted as contentious, with ongoing financial ties to the team.