Steve Nash is an NBA head coach.
The Brooklyn Nets announced Thursday that the Hall of Famer and former NBA point guard would be their next head coach taking over for Kenny Atkinson who stepped down this past March and Jacque Vaughn who served on an interim basis.
ESPN:
Hall of Fame guard Steve Nash has signed a four-year contract to become the next coach of the Brooklyn Nets, sources told ESPN.
The Nets announced the hiring Thursday afternoon.
In recent weeks, Nets owner Joe Tsai and general manager Sean Marks have been aggressive in recruiting Nash to make the leap that he had so far resisted in his retirement as a transcendent player: head coaching.
This would be Steve Nash’s first attempt at an NBA coaching gig after most recently serving as a consultant for the Golden State Warriors. That role for Nash seemed to have played some part in Brooklyn’s attempts to land the Hall of Famer given his connection and relationship with Kevin Durant.
“After meeting with a number of highly accomplished coaching candidates from diverse backgrounds, we knew we had a difficult decision to make,” Nets general manager Sean Marks said in a statement. “In Steve we see a leader, communicator, and mentor who will garner the respect of our players. I have had the privilege to know Steve for many years.
“One of the great on-court leaders in our game, I have witnessed firsthand his basketball acumen and selfless approach to prioritize team success. His instincts for the game, combined with an inherent ability to communicate with and unite players towards a common goal, will prepare us to compete at the highest levels of the league.”
It’s any interesting play for the Nets. On one hand, Nash was largely seen as one of the smartest players in the NBA over the course of his 18-year career so if anyone could make that transition from player to head coach you’d think Nash would be that guy. On the other hand, it’s no secret just how unforgiving the New York market can be and it’s unlikely Nash gets any type of honeymoon period given the money the Nets have reserved for Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Then there’s the fact that Mark Jackson still doesn’t have a job which makes you wonder what the fuck is going on with that?
