Depends on whether Nicks is extended or not. If Nicks is coaching for his coaching career you hope he would pick the best team unless he doesn't care if he's extended. Even Nicks should be able to see that Sloane is cooked.
I don't think he or VB have the faintest clue. If they knew, they could easily have left him as sub. Don't forget these coaches played him at the opening bounce for his 250th as well, they're president and vice of the cult themselves.