NETS ADD NEW ASSISTANT IN ROYAL IVEY

Kevin Durant once called fellow Texas Longhorn Royal Ivey his “best teammate” in the NBA. And Ivey identified as a Nets fan growing up.

Not to mention he was born in Harlem, grew up in Queens and played some high school ball in New Jersey at Blair Academy. And now, he’s joined the Nets as an assistant coach, the ninth assistant coach or development assistant on rookie head coach Steve Nash’s staff. The Nets announced Ivey’s hiring Wednesday afternoon.

Ivey, who played 10 years in the NBA including two with Durant (and Serge Ibaka) in OKC as well as a season in China. He was most recently an assistant coach with the Knicks specializing in player development. One of the few holdovers on Tom Thibodeau’s staff, he was reportedly being pursued by several teams.

A year ago, before free agency, Ivey had similar interest, from the 76ers, but the Knicks refused permission to let him talk to other teams. Instead, they reportedly gave him a raise. He was viewed as vital to New York’s pursuit of KD. Now, the two are re-united in New York ... but instead of at Madison Square Garden, he’ll be on the sidelines at Barclays Center.

In addition to Nash, the staff includes Jacque Vaughn, Jordan Ott, Adam Harrington and Tiago Splitter, all holdovers from Kenny Atkinson’s staff as well as newcomers Mike D’Antonio, Ime Udoka and Ivey. In addition, holdover Ryan Forehan-Kelly has been promoted to player development coordinator and newcomer Amar’e Stoudemire has been named player development assistant.

The Nets have a strength and conditioning coach, Dan Liburd, and a physical development coach, Daniel Jones, as well.

• Ex-Knicks assistant Royal Ivey will join Steve Nash’s Nets - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News
• Nets add former Knicks assistant Royal Ivey to coaching staff - Greg Logan - Newsday