NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 08: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Kevin Durant is pumped up to play under Steve Nash.
The Brooklyn nets left the NBA world completely shellshocked when they hired legendary point guard Steve Nash, who had no prior coaching experience, to serve as the next head coach of a team looking to ride Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to a championship. Durant, who was undoubtedly a major player in the movement to convince the Nets to hire Nash, is over the moon that one of his mentors is not officially installed as the leading man in Flatbush.
Durant thinks that Nash is the perfect hire for Brooklyn right now, citing the Hall of Fame point guard’s insight into the game and communication skills with players as traits that will help him hit the ground running.
Steve Nash has a history with Kevin Durant
Nash might not have any experience as a head coach or assistant coach, but he did spend the last few years on the Golden State Warriors’ payroll as a player development consultant. During that time, he forged a strong relationship with Durant, as he often led Durant in drills during practice, among other things.
In his introductory press conference, Nash knew how lucky he is to be able to coach Durant and Irving in his first NBA job. Nash called it a “privilege” to be able to coach one of the best players in NBA history. He clearly has plenty of respect in that locker room, but time will tell if he has the tactical skill to win in the postseason.
Nash is a complete greenhorn in the coaching arena, but his experience running D’Antoni’s futuristic offense, history with Golden State, and relationship with both of Brooklyn’s star players could help him make the transition smoother than most first-time coaches. As long as he doesn’t run afoul of Durant or Kyrie, Nash should remain in charge in Brooklyn.