NBA: Nets fire head coach Hollins

Milwaukee Bucks’ Ersan Ilyasova, left, of Turkey, fights for control of the ball with Brooklyn Nets’ Brook Lopez during the second half of an NBA basketball game March 20, 2015, in New York. The Nets fired head coach Lionel Hollins following a dismal start to the season. AP

NEW YORK, United States — Head coach Lionel Hollins paid the price for the Brooklyn Nets’ dismal start to the season on Sunday after being fired following the team’s latest defeat.

Hollins was axed while general manager Billy King was reassigned in the wake of the Nets loss on Saturday to the Detroit Pistons.

It was a fourth straight defeat for Brooklyn, who are now 10-27 for the season with the second worst record in the Eastern Conference.

“After careful consideration, I’ve concluded that it’s time for a fresh start and a new vision for the direction of the team,” Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov said in a statement.

“By making this decision now, it enables our organization to use the rest of the season to diligently evaluate candidates with proven track records.

“It’s clear from our current state of affairs that we need new leadership. With the right basketball management and coach in place, we are going to create a winning culture and identity and give Brooklyn a team that it can be proud of and enjoy watching.”

The Nets were 48-71 under Hollins during his tenure. He successfully guided the team to the playoffs last season where they lost in the first round.