Report: Lionel Hollins to interview with Nets

Lionel Hollins quickly emerged as the frontrunner to replace Jason Kidd with the Nets, and the process could move very quickly.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:

Hollins has emerged as the Nets focus in what could turn out to be a brief coaching search, sources said. He will meet with Nets officials within the next 24-48 hours, sources said.

Hollins had been a strong consideration for the Nets when Kidd had gotten off to a sluggish start to the season and there was discussion about replacing Kidd in late December, sources said.

The Nets should do their due diligence, and that starts with interviewing Hollins. But they should also vet Mark Jackson, George Karl and Ettore Messina – maybe including interviewing them.

It’s important Brooklyn has a coach in time for free agency and summer league, more so the latter with Paul Pierce and Shaun Livingston hanging in the balance. It’s more important Brooklyn has the best coach for the upcoming season.

I think that’s probably Hollins, but the Nets should make sure the fit is right before rushing to hire him.

Rushing to start the process, though? That’s the right move.