Brooklyn Nets assistant coach Steve Hetzel is making waves in the New Orleans Pelicans' head coach search, and it's a story worth following for any NBA fan. According to insider Jake Fischer, Hetzel has left a strong impression on Pelicans officials during recent discussions, adding yet another chapter to his impressive coaching journey.
Hetzel's path to this moment is a testament to persistence and skill. He joined the Nets' coaching staff under Jordi Fernandez, a move that came naturally given his reputation for developing talent and building team culture. Despite Brooklyn's rebuilding struggles over the past two seasons, Hetzel has quietly positioned himself as a rising star in the coaching ranks. This isn't his first head coach interview—he was a finalist for the Phoenix Suns job last summer before the team went with former Nets assistant Jordan Ott.
The Pelicans are looking for their next leader after a season that saw them miss the playoffs, and Hetzel brings a wealth of experience to the table. His NBA career began in 2005 as an assistant video coordinator for the San Antonio Spurs under Gregg Popovich, learning from one of the game's greatest minds. From there, he became head coach of the Canton Charge in the D-League (now G League) in 2009, before logging assistant coach stints with the Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic, and Portland Trail Blazers. That's nearly two decades of grinding, and it's all led to this opportunity.
Competition is stiff, with interim Pelicans coach James Borrego and Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham also in the mix. Both have head coaching experience—Borrego led the Hornets, and Ham guided the Bucks to a championship in 2021—but Hetzel's fresh perspective and deep-rooted knowledge could give him an edge. Even if he doesn't land the job, there's good news: the Nets recently extended Fernandez and his entire coaching staff, including Hetzel, showing their faith in his long-term value.
For basketball enthusiasts, this is a reminder that the game's future leaders are often forged in the trenches. Whether Hetzel gets his first head coaching gig or continues to shape the Nets' young core, his story is one of dedication paying off. Stay tuned—this coaching carousel could have a feel-good ending.