Magic Johnson among those who like Nets hiring Steve Nash

Not everyone is a big fan of the Brooklyn Nets’ decision to hire Steve Nash. But there’s at least a couple Hall of Famers who like the move.

Some liked the Brooklyn Nets’ hiring of Hall of fame point guard Steve Nash. Some didn’t, particularly because he doesn’t have any coaching experience at the NBA level — as either an assistant or head coach.

Either way, Brooklyn’s announcement on Thursday caught everyone by surprise.

But after thinking about what Nash did on the floor and considering he worked closely with Kevin Durant in Golden State, it made sense to some — like fellow Hall of Famer Magic Johnson:

Last year Steve Nash was working with Kevin Durant at the Lakers facility and I could see that they had a really good working relationship. With Steve’s basketball IQ, he really knows what it takes for players to go to the next level.

While others, like Nash’s former teammate, Raja Bell, think this was a natural progression for the Hall of Famer:

Steve is a communicator who really cares about people at his core. … This was a human being who cared about my family, and I cared about his family. and he had that relationship with a lot of guys. I think that’s going to speak well for him as a coach.

Alvin Gentry, who coached Nash for a few years in Phoenix, expressed a similar stance to Bell’s:

I think it’s a great hire for Brooklyn, I really do. … He just has a way from a leadership standpoint of understand exactly what is expected of them.

Former Nets forward Jared Dudley, who also played with Nash in Phoenix, likes the move, but was more excited than anything else:

Congrats to my former teammate and New Head coach of the @BrooklynNets, @SteveNash!!! Couldn’t be more excited for you and that organization… Tremendous hire by Sean Marks and @joetsai1999[.]

Retired 27-year NBA coach George Karl — who coached against Nash when the Nets head coach played — was also mong those who liked Brooklyn’s decision:

Steve Nash is one of the best leaders and PGs our sport has had. He’s always been awesome with me and my family too. Very happy for him and excited for the game!