Lionel Hollins is a reported candidate for the Nets' job if he wants it. (USATSI)
Lionel Hollins is reportedly a candidate for the Nets job if he wants it. (USATSI)

ESPN reports that the Nets have an interest in hiring current Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins for their coaching vacancy should the Grizzlies decide not to re-sign him this summer. Hollins is in the last year of his deal and has had issues with the new regime that has taken over since the purchase of the team by Robert Pera and his cadre of minority owners. 

Specifically, Hollins has rejected the notions of advanced metrics as a guiding light for team building, preferring the old fashioned gut instincts and eye combination that has worked so long because it was the only thing going. The Memphis front office has been notably quiet regarding an extension or re-signing of Hollins, preferring to see how this year shakes out. But with the team within three wins of a conference finals appearance, leadership may have a hard time justifying letting Hollins go to the fan base. 

Meanwhile, Hollins would be a good middle-ground acquisition for the Nets. Not the flashiest of names but not an unknown assistant, Hollins brings respect as a tough, hard-nosed coach who prefers defense, but was also an NBA starting-caliber player who could connect with Brooklyn's notoriously well-paid star power. The improvement on defense combined with a willingness to let star players be star players would likely be well received by Joe Johnson and Deron Williams. 

But if the Nets were looking for offensive ingenuity as previously reported, Hollins is an odd choice. It'll certainly be interesting to see if the Nets make a run for Hollins regardless, forcing Memphis to make a choice their front office may not be entirely comfortable with, as Hollins has the full support of the roster.