Tennie Sumague
EBC New York Bureau

NEW YORK (Eagle News) — The Brooklyn Nets hosted a virtual press conference Wednesday afternoon to introduce two-time NBA MVP and Hall of Famer Steve Nash as the organization’s 23rd head coach.

Nash enters the job with no formal coaching experience. Despite the lack of experience, the eight-time All-Star is confident that he will find success at the helm.

“I did skip the line, frankly, but at the same time leading an NBA team for two decades is pretty unique,” said Nash. “So while I haven’t necessarily learned some of the skills that I’ll definitely seek to understand and learn as far as the technical aspects of coaching, I was never far from that.

“So to lead a team in such a unique position, to be the head of the team on the floor, to think on the fly, to manage personalities and people, skill sets, and bring people together, collaborating with a coach and a coaching staff for almost two decades, it’s not like I was in a vacuum. I learned a tremendous amount during my career.”

Nash had a stellar 18-year career in the NBA playing for the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and the Los Angeles Lakers. His teammates included Shaquille O’Neal, Amare Stoudamire, Dirk Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant, and Dwight Howard. After retiring in 2015, Nash spent time as a player development consultant with the Golden State Warriors and developed a strong relationship with Kevin Durant. Known also as one of the best point guards to ever play in the league, Nash hopes to develop Kyrie Irving’s game to a higher level.

“First of all, Kyrie is one of my favorite players of all-time,” Nash said. “He’s brilliant, his skill level — historically off the charts, creative, guts, competitiveness. For me to get to coach him is really a pleasure. I’m excited to develop our relationship, watch him to show greatness on the floor, and get to know him in a meaningful way because he is an incredible person.”

(Eagle News Service)