The Brooklyn Nets have chosen their next head coach: Hall of Fame point guard Steve Nash.
The first-time NBA head coach becomes the 23rd head coach in Nets franchise history. For the last five seasons, Nash has served as a player development consultant for the Golden State Warriors — Kevin Durant’s old team — contributing two NBA Championship teams.
“After meeting with a number of highly accomplished coaching candidates from diverse backgrounds, we knew we had a difficult decision to make,” Nets general manager Sean Marks said in the team’s announcement on Thursday. “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.”
Nets governor Joe Tsai also weighed in on the hiring:
We are excited to welcome Steve to the Nets family and look forward to a successful and meaningful partnership. Steve shares our vision for the future of this franchise and his character exemplifies the core principles of our organization in working to serve our communities. I can’t wait for Steve to get started.
Nash expressed he is “honored to have this opportunity with such a first-class organization,” thanking Marks and both Joe and Clara Wu Tsai, adding:
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. 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.
According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, Nash is signed on to coach in Brooklyn for the next four years.