Takeaways from Nets head coach Steve Nash, including 'skipping the line' and why Brooklyn is a perfect fit

The new head coach also touched on Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, his experience in Golden State, and more

9/9/2020, 4:35 PM
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The Nets introduced new head coach Steve Nash during a virtual press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

Nash, whose hiring took many by surprise, talked about why the Nets are a perfect fit, his relationship with Kevin Durant, whether or not he jumped the line, and much more.

Here are the takeaways...

Why were the Nets a good fit?

"It's a unique opportunity. It's an incredible roster, it's an incredible family here at the Nets. Sean (Marks') leadership, Joe (Tsai) and Clara (Wu), they support the vision for this community, for this franchise. There's a family feel and fabric that makes it very exciting to walk into and to be a part of. They are obviously at an incredible point in the history of this organization. I think the timing is fantastic, the opportunity is fantastic."

On his recent contact with Kevin Durant

"I did not talk to him specifically about this. For me it was really trying to hone in on what I could bring to the table here and put myself in a position to fulfill what this franchise is looking for. That's where I focused my time and energy once I got in touch with Sean, but I've obviously spoken to Kevin some since."

Why did he want to coach instead of becoming a GM?

"I love to compete. I love to teach, to lead, and to be a part of a team. So to be in a position where I can use all those things on a day-to-day basis and focus all my energy on those tenets is a perfect fit. While I haven't necessarily publicly stated a desire to coach, publicly it's always been on my mind."

How his experience in Golden State can help in Brooklyn

"I never played for Steve (Kerr) but I should give thanks to him as well because he taught me a lot -- whether it was with his words, with his actions, or just being around him and being able to observe the way he runs the organization. ... I'm grateful and hopefully I'll be able to lean on him from time to time as we go forward."

On jumping in with no experience

"Well I did skip the line, frankly, but at the same time I think leading an NBA team for two decades is pretty unique. While I haven't necessarily learned some of the skills that I'll seek to understand and learn as far as the technical aspects of coaching, I was never far from that."

On his relationship with Kyrie Irving

"First of all, Kyrie is one of my favorite players of all time. He's brilliant, skill-level historically off the charts, creative, guts, competitiveness. For me to get to coach him is really a pleasure. We have a relationship going back to when he was a rookie, playing against him. Got a chance to train with him for a couple of days in New York City after I retired. ... And I got a chance to speak to him since taking the job. I'm excited to develop that relationship, watch him continue to show greatness on the floor, and to get to know him in a really meaningful way because he's an incredible person."

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