The Brooklyn Nets have named Steve Nash as the 23rd head coach in the franchise’s NBA history.
In addition, the team announced that Jacque Vaughn will return to Brooklyn as lead assistant coach.
Nash will replace Jacque Vaughn. Nets officials, led by General Manager Sean Marks, decided to take a splashy gamble on Nash rather than retain Vaughn or hire a more experienced replacement, believing Nash is a coaching natural who will benefit greatly from his relationship with the star forward Kevin Durant.
Nash, 46, arrived in Brooklyn this week, according to the people. An eight-time All-Star who led the league in assists five times, Nash had resisted all previous overtures to join an N.B.A. coaching staff full time, even as an assistant, since retiring after the 2013-14 season, saying repeatedly that he intended to put his coaching and front office aspirations on hold until his five children were older.
Nets GM Sean Marks on Steve Nash, the organization’s new head coach: “In Steve we see a leader, communicator and mentor who will garner the respect of our players.” Full statement:
“After meeting with a number of highly accomplished coaching candidates from diverse backgrounds, we knew we had a difficult decision to make,” said General Manager Sean 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.”
A five-time assist champion, Nash currently ranks third in NBA history with 10,335 career assists. The culmination of his brilliant playing career came in 2018 when Nash was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
I think Nash will be a great coach! he makes plays! and that's one of the important aspects on winning a game!
I'm excited to see what he can do with the Brooklyn Nets, specially he will have a very talented point-guard named Kyrie Irving in his team.
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