Kevin Ollie is the Nets’ interim head coach, but Evan has his sights set on a former coaching legend from the college ranks, one that has a lot of former players currently making waves in the New York area.
“I've had my eyes on this guy for a long time,” Evan said. “In fact, this guy's had his eyes - not on me - but on an NBA head coaching opportunity, and I believe he would flourish in Brooklyn, New York. And I believe there are some helpful coincidences that make this fit really, really work.
“Now, you've got to pay him, but you also have to remind him, geography is a thing, and the Sixers aren't changing their head coach anytime soon and the Knicks aren't changing their head coach anytime soon. So if it ain't gonna be Philly, and it's not gonna be Manhattan, why not Brooklyn? I would like to publicly endorse as the next head coach of the Brooklyn Nets - and Joe Tsai - do you care about this team? You write a massive check to make it happen.
“Jay Wright. Let's go, Jay Wright. He's the right guy for the job.”
Mikal Bridges played for Wright at Villanova, while over in Manhattan, Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart all played for Wright as well. Evan says the possibility of luring those players would be an added bonus, but really, he simply believes Wright could help take Brooklyn to new heights.
“I totally get it. It would not be as appealing as Philly. It would not be as appealing as the Knicks, but those jobs aren't open,” Evan said. “The Nets job is.
“And with a potential addition like a Trae Young or a Donovan Mitchell during the offseason via trade, Jay Wright would be in a good position to succeed.”