Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks is hunting former mentor Gregg Popovich to guide his star-studded roster next NBA season.
The former Tall Blacks star has added the San Antonio Spurs coaching legend to his shortlist of candidates, as he searches for the final piece to a potential championship-winning side.
Kiwi Marks played under Popovich for three seasons at the Spurs, winning a championship ring in 2005, and then claimed another as assistant coach, before transitioning to an executive role in the front office.
Popovich is currently under a long-term contract with the Spurs, so any move would likely require draft compensation in return.
The Nets were swept 4-0 out of the 2020 playoffs by defending champions Toronto Raptors on Monday.
In his season debrief, Marks notes the significance of finding the right head coach to lead a roster that will look a lot different next season, with the addition of All-Stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
The Athletic reports Popovich is on top of his shortlist.
Forward Durant sat out the entire season with injury, while guard Irving missed the playoffs. Both have previously expressed their desires to play under 'Pop'.
Among other candidates are Los Angeles Lakers assistant Jason Kidd, Clippers counterpart Tyronn Lue and coach-turned broadcast analyst Jeff Van Gundy.
