The Brooklyn Nets have found their next manager, and it’s a surprise: Hall of Famer and two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash.
Nash has spent the past five seasons as a player development consultant with the Golden State Warriors, where he met All-Star Kevin Durant, who now plays for the Nets, but there was no indication that Nash wanted the job. of the Nets.
“Training is something I knew I wanted to pursue when the time was right, and I am honored to be able to work with the exceptional group of players and staff we have here in Brooklyn,” Nash said in a statement released Thursday morning. “I am as excited about the team’s prospects on the pitch as I am about moving to Brooklyn with my family and becoming impactful members of this community.”
Nash was not among the names that were publicly considered for the job. Credit to Nets CEO Sean Marks for keeping his cool and allowing the trial to unfold.
“After meeting a number of highly skilled coaching candidates from diverse backgrounds, we knew we had a tough decision to make,” 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 of knowing Steve for many years.
“One of the great leaders on the court in our game, I witnessed firsthand his basketball acumen and selfless approach to prioritizing team success. His instinct for the game, combined with an inherent ability to communicate and uniting the players towards a common goal will prepare us to compete at the highest levels of the championship. “
Jacque Vaughn, who was Brooklyn’s acting manager after Kenny Atkinson was fired in March, will remain on staff as Nash’s chief assistant.
