Copy of the e-mail to the Nets

Apparently my letter didn't get their in time, so hopefully community relations will do their job and sent this on to the big man on top.

Screen shot of my computer from when I sent the e-mail:

Apparently I didn't get the job

According to a report by ESPN the Nets have agreed to hire Avery Johnson as their next coach, filling the position that I applied for but never got the interview. While Mr. Johnson may be the glamorous choice, New Jersey needed a home grown talent that understands what Net basketball means to the state.

Born in state, I grew up with the Nets, watching them rise from a middle of the road franchise to an Eastern Conference power with the likes of Jason Kidd and Vince Carter. I was also there for the downfall, witnessing the 12-70 season and even contemplating fan free agency. Where was Avery during this process? Sitting at a nice plush desk giving half time analysis that my friends Nick or Craig could have given with their eyes closed.

The Nets made the wrong choice, you'll be hearing more from me on this later in the week.

An open letter to Mr. Prokhorov

June 4, 2010

Dear Mr. Prokhorov,

This letter is to express my intent to bring my services to your organization as the next head coach of the New Jersey Nets. I’ve considered applying for the position in the past, but never before has there been an owner committed to rebuilding a history that won two ABA Championships in the 1970s.

After a difficult 12-70 season Nets fans are looking towards the future, and that future starts with hiring Sean Shapiro as the 20^th coach in franchise history, even though it technically should be 19^th (you can’t seriously count Tom Barrisse two-game stint between Lawrence Frank and Kiki Vandeweghe this past season).

Likely on you short list of coaches you’ve already considered Avery Johnson, Mark Jackson, Tom Thibodeau and maybe even former Net’s coach Byron Scott. All of these gentleman would bring you a winning mentality, but I’d bring you something better.

With a team that suffered 70 losses and at one point was given the moniker, “Unlovable Losers” by Sports Illustrated, you need a coach that can restore a winning mentality and get the best out of his players. I have never lost an NBA game and while I would technically be a rookie head coach I have proven track record in getting results.

You want proof of my results? I once ran an offensive system that allowed Mike Conley, a career .385 3-point shooter, to break the NBA record for most 3-pointers in a game. While the game may have been played on a Playstation 3, Conley smashed the old record of 12 buckets from 3-point range with an eye-popping 19.

Amongst other players who have had breakout performances in my system include Peja Stojakovic, Brent Barry and Robin Lopez. If I can work my magic on these players, imagine what I could do with Devin Harris and the No. 3 pick in this upcoming NBA Draft.

My coaching expertise recently shined in a second round NBA playoff game between the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns. Tied at 67 with three seconds remaining, Grant Hill stole an inbound pass intended for Carmelo Anthony and connected on a 3-pointer from just above our own foul line to beat the buzzer and give the Sean Shapiro lead Suns a 70-67 victory. Most coaches would have called a time out in this instance, but my better judgment lead to the stunning victory.

It’s also important to note that buzzer-beater spurred a sweep of that top-seeded Nuggets team and took the No. 5-seeded Suns to the NBA finals.

I’m also a proven play-calling expert; the Nets under my tutelage would have one of the most difficult to defend inbounding teams in NBA history. My inbound passing playbook is over 15 pages long, and the element of surprise not only confuses opponents but also puts spectators in the seats, something every franchise needs.

I am looking forward to our meeting in person and the meshing of our ideas will not only rescue basketball in New Jersey, but also change the face of the NBA for decades to come.

Sincerely,

Sean C. Shapiro