NBA legend Steve Nash recently reflected on his unsuccessful coaching tenure with the Brooklyn Nets, offering some candid thoughts on his experience.
Nash was brought on as the Nets’ head coach for the 2020-21 season, a period that marked Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving’s first fully healthy season with the team. Despite leading a roster that eventually included former MVP James Harden, the Nets under Nash’s guidance never advanced beyond the second round of the playoffs.
During an interview with Eurohoops’ Cesare Milanti at the “Night of the Dragon” event—an exhibition game celebrating the retirement of Nash’s former teammate Goran Dragic—the 50-year-old shared his thoughts on his time with the Nets. Nash revealed that he hadn’t initially planned on pursuing a coaching career, but the opportunity with Brooklyn presented a “unique situation” to lead a roster filled with star talent.
Nash acknowledged that a significant part of his role was “managing personalities,” encompassing not just the players, but also the coaching staff and front office. He noted the increasing influence players hold in today’s NBA.
One aspect of coaching that took Nash by surprise was the limited interaction he had with his players. “I was surprised when I coached; you’re not with the team that much,” Nash explained. “You only get about five minutes with the players before the game, at halftime, and after the game.
Those are the only opportunities to address the team. I wanted to connect with every player individually, as it’s crucial to build a culture and environment where people believe in themselves and strive to be their best.”
Nash was dismissed by the Nets just seven games into his third season, finishing with a record of 94-67. Reports suggested that Kyrie Irving had clashed with Nash towards the end of his tenure.
While Nash was celebrated as one of the best on-court leaders during his playing days, his experience with the Nets underscored how coaching presents a whole different set of challenges.
