Steve Nash named Brooklyn head coach
The Brooklyn Nets were the talk of the National Basketball Association last summer when they signed both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving as free agents. Even though Durant was expected to miss the entire 2019-20 season, it was still a massive coup for the organization as they prepare to build for the future.
While the Nets did ultimately make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference finishing seventh, they were eliminated in the first round by the defending champion Toronto Raptors who swept Brooklyn in four straight games. Neither, Irving nor Durant participated in the series though as both were out injured. Durant has still yet to officially debut for his new club, but should play a massive role next season.
On Thursday, the organization made another big move in preparing for next year by signing NBA Hall of Famer Steve Nash to a four-year deal to be the team’s head coach. He replaces Jacque Vaughan who was the interim head coach. Vaughan took over for just two games prior to the league shutting down due to the pandemic and led the club to a 7-3 regular season record during his time.
Brooklyn will be Nash’s first head coaching stint as he spent the last five years as a player development consultant with the Golden State Warriors. He developed quite a strong relationship with Durant during their time with the Warriors which may be why the Nets opted to go with the 46-year-old.
“I am honoured to have this opportunity with such a first-class organization and would like to thank Sean, Joe and his wife, Clara, for having faith in my ability to lead this team forward,” said Nash in a team statement.
“Coaching is something I knew I wanted to pursue when the time was right, and I am humbled to be able to work with the outstanding group of players and staff we have here in Brooklyn. I am as excited about the prospects of the team on the court as I am about moving to Brooklyn with my family and becoming impactful members of this community.”
Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks had no shortage of interested candidates to take over, but opted to go with the man who played 18 seasons in the league after meeting with him.
“After meeting with a number of highly accomplished coaching candidates from diverse backgrounds, we knew we had a difficult decision to make,” said Marks.
“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. We are excited to welcome Steve, Lilla, Lola, Bella, Matteo, Luca and Ruby to Brooklyn.”
The Brooklyn Nets – formerly known as the New Jersey Nets – won two American Basketball Association championships in the 70s, but have never won an NBA championship. They are hoping that will change under Nash’s tutelage.
The start to the 2020-21 season is expected to start on December 1st, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
