5 candidates to replace Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson next season

2. Brett Brown

Brett Brown (and the No. 1 option on are list) is still employed as an NBA head coach, but depending on what happens with the Philadelphia 76ers over these next few months, he could be one of the hottest commodities on the coaching market pretty soon.

The Sixers are in the middle of a very disappointing season, and though that’s more to blame on roster decisions and injuries than anything else, Brown could wind up being the fall guy if they once again flame out in the postseason. Brown’s decision-making has been questionable at times in the playoffs, so the margin for error will be very slim in April and May with his seat already starting to feel warm.

If Philly makes the mistake of making him the scapegoat in this unfortunate situation, the Nets would have to do their due diligence on such a well-respected and well-liked head coach — especially one who’s helmed one of the biggest turnarounds in NBA history and knows a thing or two about guiding developing players into playoff battles.

His 216-339 record (.389) with the 76ers isn’t indicative of his true coaching ability, since the first 3-4 years of his tenure were spent enduring “The Process.” But if he becomes available, Brown will immediately become one of the more attractive options out there and far superior to any of the big-name former head coaches that keep getting drudged up from the depths.