Inside The Nets

Mikal Bridges on what needs to change under Coach Kevin Ollie

With Ollie taking over as the new head coach, the players have expectations for the team.
Peter Sunjic|
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Brooklyn Nets

After Jacque Vaughn’s dismissal, Kevin Ollie has taken over as Brooklyn’s interim head coach. It is a challenging new role for the former NBA veteran, but he’s ready for the task, especially with his focus on energetic play.

Mikal Bridges was reportedly a vocal critic of Vaughn’s system in the locker room. He also has expectations ahead of the next 28 games under Ollie, especially since the team still wants to make the postseason.

“Just gotta be on the same page with everybody, coaching and players. Gotta hold to a certain standard, gotta hold each other accountable, gotta play hard. It’s never 100% coaches or 100% on the players; it’s a mix. It’s togetherness, it’s all of us out there,” Mikal said in a post-practice interview. 

“We all gotta be on the same string, all together. Get on each other, and nothing is ever personal, man. Our job is to win… Just all got to be together on a string and do all the little things on the court and know what we’re doing. So when we’re out there, there’s no thinking.”

A more natural approach to the game

Based on Bridges’ comments, there were some disjointed interactions between the coaching staff and players in the latter part of Vaughn’s stint. Everyone knew that JV was a fun person to be around, but there’s more to coaching than just being an approachable guy.

With a focus on playing hard, Ollie’s system will center around battling for loose balls and getting out in transition. His system revolves around playing the right way, just like he did in the NBA. As a champion coach at UConn, Ollie led the Huskies to a national championship by holding his players accountable and helping them make the right play.

Thomas and Bridges will have starring roles

As the team’s two biggest stars, Cameron Thomas and Mikal Bridges will be integral to Ollie’s system. During his time at UConn, he focused on maximizing his perimeter players, and this duo consists of the two standout perimeter players in Brooklyn.

Expect Ollie to meet Bridges’ expectations because the new coach will be more hands-on with Mikal. That will play a big role in the Nets’ goal of making the Playoffs, given the Nets are ready to.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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