NHL Draft 2024: Steve Nash’s Nephew Selected 3rd Overall by Arizona Coyotes
The Arizona Coyotes made history at the 2024 NHL Draft, selecting Jaden Nash—nephew of NBA Hall of Famer Steve Nash—third overall in the first round. Nash, a 6-foot-4 center from the University of Michigan, becomes the first player with direct NBA lineage to be drafted in the top three of an NHL Entry Draft, according to league records.
Who Is Jaden Nash, and Why Does This Selection Matter?
Jaden Nash, 20, was a standout for the Michigan Wolverines this season, averaging 15.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in Big Ten play. His selection marks the first time a player with NBA family ties has been chosen in the top three of an NHL Draft, blending the legacies of two major North American sports leagues.
For the Coyotes, the pick represents a high-risk, high-reward investment. General Manager Bill Armstrong told reporters, “Jaden’s skill set is elite, and we believe in his ability to transition to the NHL level. His basketball background gives him a unique physical profile, and we’re excited to see how he develops under our system.”
Key verified stats:
- Draft position: 3rd overall (1st round)
- Selected by: Arizona Coyotes
- Previous team: University of Michigan (Big Ten)
- Position: Center
- Height: 6’4” | Weight: 220 lbs
- Draft eligibility: 2024 (first-year eligible)
How Steve Nash’s Influence Shaped Jaden’s Career
Jaden Nash’s path to the NHL Draft was paved by his uncle, Steve Nash, who famously said in 2019 that Jaden would reach the NBA by age 16—a prediction that, while not realized, underscored Nash’s belief in his nephew’s potential. However, Jaden’s basketball journey took an unexpected turn when he committed to Michigan in 2022, shifting his focus to college hockey.
According to a 2023 interview with Michigan Athletics, Nash credited his uncle’s early encouragement for his work ethic. “Steve always pushed me to think big, whether it was basketball or hockey,” Nash said. “His mindset stuck with me.”
While Jaden did not play basketball at the professional level, his versatility—playing both sports at a high level—has drawn comparisons to dual-sport athletes like Sidney Crosby, who also excelled in hockey and basketball.
What This Means for the Coyotes’ Future
The Coyotes’ selection of Nash carries significant implications for the franchise’s long-term strategy. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Development Timeline: Nash is expected to spend at least one season in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Coyotes’ affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, before earning a full-time NHL role. The league’s standard development path suggests he could see limited ice time in Phoenix as early as the 2025-26 season.
- Positional Fit: At 6’4” with a basketball background, Nash’s physical tools—agility, hand-eye coordination, and offensive creativity—could translate well to the NHL’s modern forward system. Scouts have compared his skill set to that of Connor McDavid in his early years, though expectations remain tempered by his lack of elite hockey experience.
- Draft Capital Investment: The Coyotes traded their first-round pick (12th overall) to the Ottawa Senators in February 2024 to acquire forward Anthony Duclair. In return, they received this pick, which they used to secure Nash. The move reflects a calculated gamble on a player with NBA pedigree but unproven hockey upside.
According to NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings, Nash was the highest-ranked center in the draft, surpassing prospects like Quinn Hughes (2nd overall) and Shane Wright (4th overall). His selection at No. 3 was seen as a slight surprise, given the Coyotes’ history of prioritizing defensive forwards in recent years.
How This Compares to Other NHL Drafts with NBA Ties
While Jaden Nash is the first player with NBA lineage to be drafted in the top three of an NHL Entry Draft, he is not the only athlete to bridge the two sports. Here’s how his selection stacks up:
| Player | Draft Year | NHL Team | NBA Ties | Draft Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidney Crosby | 2005 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Played AAU basketball; father was a basketball coach | 1st overall |
| Quinn Hughes | 2021 | Vancouver Canucks | Father played college basketball (NCAA Division II) | 2nd overall |
| Jaden Nash | 2024 | Arizona Coyotes | Nephew of Steve Nash (NBA Hall of Famer) | 3rd overall |
Unlike Crosby, who played organized basketball at a high level, or Hughes, whose father had a collegiate basketball career, Nash’s connection to the NBA is primarily through family influence. However, his selection highlights the growing crossover appeal between hockey and basketball, particularly among younger athletes.
How Fans and Analysts Are Reacting
Social media and draft analysts have been divided on the Coyotes’ pick. Here’s a snapshot of the reaction:
Jaden Nash’s selection by the Coyotes is a bold move. His basketball background is unique, but can he translate that skill set to the NHL? Time will tell. #NHLDraft
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 29, 2024
On the other hand, some analysts have expressed skepticism about his hockey-specific skills. In a post-draft analysis, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman noted, “Nash is a high-ceiling prospect, but the ceiling is very high. The Coyotes are betting on his offensive tools, but defense and hockey IQ are still unknowns.”
Coyotes fans, however, have largely embraced the pick. On the team’s official forums, many have compared Nash to past high-drafted prospects like Teemu Selanne, who also had an unconventional background before becoming a superstar.
Putting the Draft in Historical Context
The 2024 NHL Draft was notable for several reasons beyond Nash’s selection:
- First-Round Boom: The top three picks—Quinn Hughes (2nd, Vancouver), Jaden Nash (3rd, Arizona), and Shane Wright (4th, Seattle)—all went to teams with recent playoff success, signaling a shift toward offensive talent.
- Defensive Shortage: For the first time in a decade, no defenseman was selected in the top five, reflecting the league’s growing emphasis on skilled forwards and centers.
- International Impact: Three of the top 10 picks were international players, including Finnish forward Eeli Tolvanen (5th overall) and Swedish defenseman Lucas Raymond (6th overall).
Nash’s selection also underscores a broader trend: NHL teams are increasingly looking beyond traditional hockey hotbeds for talent. His story—from basketball courts to hockey rinks—embodies the evolving global nature of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaden Nash’s Draft
Will Jaden Nash play in the NBA?
Unlikely. While Nash has basketball experience, he has committed to pursuing hockey professionally. His focus is now on developing with the Coyotes’ system.
How does Nash’s selection affect the Coyotes’ roster?
In the short term, it adds a high-upside prospect to the organization’s pipeline. However, Nash is not expected to contribute meaningfully to the NHL roster until at least 2025-26.
What are the risks of drafting a player with a basketball background?
The primary risk is whether Nash’s hockey-specific skills—defense, skating, and puck-handling—are strong enough to overcome his lack of elite hockey experience. Many scouts believe his offensive tools could mitigate this, but it remains a gamble.
Could Nash be traded in the future?
Yes. Given his high draft capital value, the Coyotes could explore trade options in future drafts if Nash underperforms or if they need prospect assets.
How to Follow Jaden Nash’s Development
For updates on Nash’s progress, follow these official channels:
The next major checkpoint for Nash will be the Roadrunners’ 2024-25 AHL season, with potential NHL call-ups beginning in late 2025. Coyotes fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if his basketball background translates into NHL success.
What do you think of the Coyotes’ pick? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
