Nets Hire Steve Nash As New Head Coach

The Brooklyn Nets made a surprise announcement this morning with the hiring of hall of famer Steve Nash as its new head coach. The deal will have him in Brooklyn for the next four years.

Nash, a two-time MVP, played for 17 seasons with the Suns, Mavericks, and Lakers, averaging 14.3 points, 8.5 assists, and three rebounds per game in his career. He was also an eight-time All-Star, and made seven All-NBA teams.

Brooklyn made a coaching change in the middle of the season when they fired Kenny Atkinson back in March. He would be replaced by assistant coach Jacque Vaughn.

Many believed Vaughn would be a leading candidate to be Brooklyn’s head coach moving forward. The Nets seemed to play better under Vaughn, even finishing 7-3 and securing the No. 7 seed in the eastern conference. Vaughn will stay on as the team’s lead assistant coach.

While Nash does not have any prior coaching experience, he does have ties to Kevin Durant from his days as a consultant for the Warriors. Nash will certainly have a championship-caliber roster at his disposal to make the transition easier. With a healthy Durant, Kyrie Irving, and the emergence of Caris LeVert, Brooklyn is primed for a serious run.

The Nets will introduce Nash in a virtual press conference on Wednesday, September 9.

(Photo: AP Photo/Elise Amendola)