Steve Nash Named New Coach of Brooklyn Nets in Shocker

The man who ran the offense for the Suns, Mavericks and Lakers during his 18-year NBA career will be in charge of guiding the offense of the Nets from the bench for the next four years in Brooklyn.

In a surprise move, the Brooklyn Nets announced on Thursday they had hired Hall-of-Fame point guard Steve Nash as their new head coach.

OFFICIAL: The Brooklyn Nets have named Steve Nash as the 23rd head coach in the franchise’s NBA history. pic.twitter.com/SG8OoN3a8g
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) September 3, 2020

“In Steve we see a leader, communicator and mentor who will garner the respect of our players,” said Nets general manager Sean Marks. “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.”

Nash, 46, has no coaching experience, but did previously have a consultant role with the Golden State Warriors and has a strong relationship with Brooklyn star Kevin Durant, who has yet to suit up for the Nets due to injury.

“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,” Nash said. “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.”

An eight-time All-Star, Nash won back-to-back MVP awards in 2005 and 2006, ranks third in NBA history with 10,335 career assists and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.

Jacque Vaughn, who served as the interim head coach in Brooklyn after taking over for Kenny Atkinson in February, is staying with the team and will be the highest-paid assistant in the league, sources told ESPN.