The Nets hired Steve Nash despite the Hall of Famer not having any coaching experience.
It all happened so fast.
The last we heard of the Brooklyn Nets’ coaching search came on Tuesday, when The Athletic reported that fan favorite Jacque Vaughn, who led the team to a 5-3 record in the bubble, formally interviewed for the position and left a lasting impression on ownership.
We also found out that Spurs boss Gregg Popovich, who has long been on the radar of general manger Sean Marks, put his two-story mansion in San Antonio up for sale. As expected, this prompted the fanbase to think that there was actually a chance the legendary coach could spurn the franchise with which he spent the last 24 seasons and won five championships.
A lot to take from Caris LeVert’s workout in Cali back in 2016. Nets Assistant Coach Adam Harrington sent him out there to join Kevin Durant and Steve Nash, both whom were with Warriors org at the time.
— Anthony Puccio (@APOOCH) September 3, 2020
Now, three of them are with the Nets.https://t.co/N552mcOKXQ
Then, however, Thursday morning happened and, out of nowhere, the Nets signed Steve Nash to a four-year contract to become their next head coach.
For all we know, we could still be in shock from this bombshell, but it hasn’t taken very long for us to warm up to the decision. While this certainly isn’t the high-profile name fans in Brooklyn were expecting, here are three reasons why hiring Nash is actually smarter than you might think.
3. He Could Work Wonders With Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving’s one-dimensional play could use Nash’s guidance.
Before you come at our necks, nobody is saying that Kyrie Irving’s scoring repertoire needs an upgrade. The Nets point guard has averaged more than 23 points for four straight seasons and is one of the most elegant finishers in the game.
However, if there’s one aspect of Irving’s game that could use polishing, it’s his vision or willingness to pass. That’s not to suggest that the six-time All-Star is a poor playmaker — he’s averaged 6.4 assists for his career — but he’s always been a shoot-first ball handler.
That’s where Nash, who is indisputably one of the greatest passers the sport has have seen, comes in. Across his 18-year career, he compiled 10,335 assists (which ranks third all-time) and led the league in that category in five different seasons.
Nash’s vision and knack for keeping his dribble alive while maneuvering around the trees in the paint was a sight to behold, and Irving could take his game (and the Nets) to another level if he’s willing to sit down and listen to the former two-time MVP’s wisdom.