The Nets shocked the basketball world on Thursday morning when they announced that Steve Nash would become the team’s new head coach. Nash, who hadn’t been cited as a potential candidate during Brooklyn’s search process, wasn’t even known to be seeking a head coaching job.
However, according to Anthony Puccio of NetsDaily, Nash’s name came up “very early” in the process, perhaps even as early as March, shortly after Jacque Vaughn took over for Kenny Atkinson on an interim basis. As Puccio explains, Nash was emerging as the team’s top choice by May. General manager Sean Marks has a history with Nash, having played with him in Phoenix from 2006-08, and star forward Kevin Durant among those pushing for the former star point guard.
That connection with Durant, forged during Nash’s stint as a consultant for the Warriors, will be crucial for the first-time head coach, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, who suggests that Nash’s potential as the Nets’ head coach is tied to the respect he can command from Durant and Kyrie Irving. As long as those star players are happy, the risk of Nash’s inexperience is mitigated, Bondy opines.
Here’s more on the Nets’ surprising hire:
- Nash reached out to longtime friend Dirk Nowitzki to gauge his interest in joining the Nets as an assistant coach, but Nowitzki isn’t looking for a full-time basketball job so soon after retiring, reports Marc Stein of The New York Times (Twitter link).
- Speaking to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, Nash explained why the Nets’ job appealed to him, admitting that he has always known in the back of his mind that he’d like to try coaching. The former two-time MVP also addressed his relationship with Durant. “I think that there is a trust, a commonality and a language between us when it comes to the game that has developed over time,” Nash said of his bond with KD. “That definitely is important. He’s one of the greatest players I’ve ever seen and to have his confidence is really important.”
- Tim Kawakami of The Athletic explores what Nash brought to the Warriors and what – in turn – he’ll bring to the Nets, noting that Steve Kerr is confident in the Hall-of-Famer’s ability to make the transition to coaching. “Yeah, he’ll be fine,” Kerr said. “He knows the drill. He’s been in the league forever and he knows the game as well as anybody and he understands people. And I think he’s very wise, so he’ll hire a good staff. And everything that he needs to learn, he’ll learn quickly.”
- ESPN insiders Bobby Marks, Tim MacMahon, Kirk Goldsberry, Tim Bontemps, and Brian Windhorst share their reactions to the news of the Nets hiring Nash, and explore best- and worst-case scenarios for the union.
- It may be an unconventional hire, but the Nets are getting a great teacher in Nash, says Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today.
Of all the Coaches available this was an interesting choice. Zero coaching experience with a team that’s ready to win now.
Ready to win now? They only have two star players, who’ve never played together, and then a roster full of decent players.
It takes two years just to approach the throne let alone fight for it.
Whos stopping KD in the East? Playoff Bub? Jimmy Butler? Tatum? He is walking into finals, just like LeBron did for 8 years straight
Durant didn’t do a whole lot of “walking into the finals” until he went to play for a team who already got there every year.
Dude, this is the East, huuuuge difference.
You assume KD will be the same pre-injury?
Yeah but I’m pretty sure KD doesn’t want to lose most of the finals he appears in “Like Lebron did”
That would be pretty amazing if Nash could convince Dirk to join as an assistant. He could work with Jarrett Allen on his game.
PG make the best coaches. Didn’t see this one coming. Love Nash this is a high pressure gig. Gotta admit it takes big ones to come in as Rookie coach. I guess he saw Kerr do it. He lived in NY. So he knows the Heat here. Nets expected to contend. So no one will be patient with him. He’s got talent here. Wow I wish him the best.
Nets can easily get to the ECF next year with all the decent players. If they can somehow get a Booker or Beal they can win it all. Good luck Nash but the city of NY is all about the Knicks
That’s about to change
The knix suck, LoL. Keep thinking media inside and outside NYC will talk about a perennial Lottery team when there’s a team ready to compete to win a championship. The only reason why the knix are relevant is because everyone needs a good laugh and the knix are one of the best jokes around
Seems like a good hire to me. I see a great assistant in Vaughn who had previous HC experience and wouldn’t be surprised in Gentry ends up there as an assistant as well give Nash’s relationship with him from Phoenix
Vaughn is crazy to stay. I would of told them to F Off after being replaced.
Are you kidding me? Vaughn steps right in when Nash can’t handle it. Plus Jaques salary is highest in the league. Much respect shown.
Damn…if I had known they were looking for a guy with no experience I would have thrown my hat in the ring! I am stunned. I want to see videos of player reactions to the hire.
Nash has 3 years to win a title for Brooklyn the window starting to close.
We’ll see. D’Antoni said he let Nash run the offense in Phoenix. He should be a player’s coach. Durant will keep Kyrie in line and they have a lot of talent outside Durant and Irving with Dinwiddie, LaVert, and Allen.
Makes no sense how Mark Jackson wasn’t picked.
He isn’t good he can’t coach offense.
No one wants a failed coach who hasn’t worked in 6 years.
Smart player, we shall see if he is a smart coach.
Nash was a smart PG who could shoot. Best FT in league while he played. If Kyrie learns from this guy. He can step up another level. I’m not a Ky fan. But Nash can really help him. Wow I still can’t believe this. Biggest thing now. Is if they go for big trade. Like Ky and KD wanted. Their draft pick will also get them a rotation player. Nets pick 19, there will be a solid team guy there. Nets should go after Harris. Dinwiddie and Allen could get it done.