The NBA is all about the stars: getting along with them and getting the most out of them.
Steve Nash was a two-time MVP who helped make coach Mike D’Antoni look good in Phoenix. He is now the rookie coach of the Nets, a position that will be determined by how he gets along with his own stars, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Nash already has Durant’s respect after years as a consultant with Golden State, and his status as the most prolific point guard in history should enable him to earn Irving’s respect, if he doesn’t already have it.
“We both love the game of basketball. We have had a bond with me, in a way, being a teacher and a pupil over the years. It dates back to when I was finishing my career and we were working together and working with [Durant] with the Warriors, ”Nash told ESPN.
“I think there is a trust, a commonality and a language between us when it comes to the game that has developed over time. This is definitely important. He is one of the greatest players I’ve ever seen and having his trust is really important. “
Durant already had enough faith in Nash that he could probe the Hall of Fame before joining Golden State. And during the four years they spent there, they trained regularly after training.
Irving, meanwhile, has known Nash for years and supported the hiring.
“Ky and I have a history, not only being point guards, but he’s one of my favorite players to watch,” Nash told ESPN. “He and I spent a couple of days in the gym, I think it was 2015, in New York City working out. There is respect and admiration for me. For Ky and me, our relationship is important.
“He is the point guard and I am the coach, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to know him better and understand him, how he plays and what he sees and be here to help him perfect his skills.”
Considering Nash’s strong relationship with Durant and Irving’s changing nature having seen a bad outing in Boston, the new manager’s relationship with his point guard as his extension on the floor may be even more important.
“I’m sure he will think this is the key to his team. He will do what he has to do and understand it, “D’Antoni said via Zoom.
Both Nets stars made it clear what they wanted in a manager, and Nets CEO Sean Marks said Nash is up to scratch.
“They both expressed a high character, they wanted a great communicator, they wanted someone they respected. We hit the mark with a hired man like Steve, “Marks said in an ESPN podcast.” A lot of what I know about Steve is like the ultimate communicator. That’s what the guys asked for, and that’s what they got. ”
Richard Jefferson, who helped the Nets in consecutive NBA Finals and airs their games on YES, said Nash clearly got the star’s rubber stamp.
“I think Steve wouldn’t have been hired – a first-time coach – if Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving hadn’t believed in the hire as well,” Jefferson said. “You do it when you have great players: see what the room is.”
Durant’s management team declined to comment, but Jay Williams, who works with them on his Thirty-Five Ventures, said Nash clearly had their approval.
“Look: Does reality depend on who ultimately will trust Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving?” Williams said. “They had to put their stamp on this relationship.”
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