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Steve Nash Unveils Unexpected Challenges of Coaching Stint

Sep 26, 2022; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash talks to the media during media day at HSS Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Nash, the legendary point guard, who’s well known for his leadership on the court, has had a quieter demeanor since he parted ways with the Brooklyn Nets. Now, at the age of 50, he’s revealing more about his journey as a coach and the elements that took him by surprise in the coaching arena. Tasked with steering a potentially star-studded team with the likes of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in 2020, his termination came in November 2022, despite his impressive 94-67 record.

Though he had no background as an assistant coach, Nash confessed that the coaching experience was a far cry from his anticipations. As he candidly expressed to Eurohoops, ‘I found out that coaching meant less team involvement than I had figured. Only a few occasions like pregame, halftime, and postgame presented opportunities to speak to the team.’

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Nash went on to elaborate his understanding of fostering a successful team culture. ‘I was keen to forge a close connection with each player on an individual level, promoting a team atmosphere that would not only inspire them but also encourage their best performance. It was all about fostering the sense of individual growth within the team.’ he remarked.

Nash shared these insightful observations in Slovenia while attending a retirement event for Goran Dragic, who experienced Nash’s leadership both as his follower in Phoenix and later on the Nets team in 2022. Dragic, an experienced player brought up in the distinctive culture of Miami Heat, had previously expressed the difficulty he experienced with the Nets, citing their greater emphasis on appeasing star players rather than focusing on winning.

Irving, who had initially stated that he didn’t perceive Nash as a head coach, had frequent disagreements with Nash’s strategies. Nash, a Hall of Famer and well respected for leading winning teams as a player, found the transition to a leadership role from the sidelines a altogether different challenge.

In his conversation, Nash also highlighted the importance of open and honest communication with the players. ‘Delivering your message in various ways is essential, but what’s even more important is maintaining clarity and honesty, so that players are not left in ambiguity. Communication, from my perspective, forms the key component.’

He further disclosed, ‘I was already comfortable undertaking a leadership role and leading by example – that has been the easy part for me. The real challenge lies in understanding that coaching requires a different kind of leadership, with leadership stemming from smaller, more subtle interactions.’

In September 2020, Sean Marks, General Manager of the Brooklyn Nets and a former teammate, convinced Nash to come over to Brooklyn. Marks had made previous attempts to get Nash into their organization, progressively unfolding better opportunities until he couldn’t resist the tempting offer of becoming a head coach.

Nash stated regarding his unexpected foray into coaching, ‘I never aimed for a coaching career, but then Brooklyn happened. The transition was swift, and the job entailed managing a distinct set of dynamics with the front offices, players, and agents. The handling of personalities turned out to be a huge part of my job. Indeed, all those dynamics, personalities, and player-influenced power mechanisms pose a significant challenge.’

Despite Kevin Durant’s efforts to have Nash removed in the summer of 2022, Nets owner Joe Tsai stood firm and did not concede. However, the team decided to part ways with Nash only seven games into the next season.

Since Nash’s departure, the Nets replaced Vaughn, his successor, and Kevin Ollie, the interim coach. As we approach the new season in October, Jordi Fernandez will be at the helm, starting his maiden season as the Brooklyn Nets coach.