Brooklyn Nets Won't Retain P.J. Carlesimo; Jeff Van Gundy is a Top Replacement Candidate

Less than 24 hours after the Brooklyn Nets were bounced from the playoffs by Chicago, the team has announced it won’t retain interim coach P.J. Carlesimo. ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy is a top contender to fill the vacancy.

Carlesimo took over after Avery Johnson was fired in December. He guided the Nets to a 35-19 record and the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Carlesimo has never won a playoff series as a head coach, and it was widely believed his future with the team would be heavily influenced by postseason performance.

The Brooklyn job comes with a hefty payroll, viable stars and an owner who isn’t afraid to spend money in pursuit of a title — or to create a splash. So the Phil Jackson speculation starts … now.

[Photo via USA Today Sports]