Stephen Curry Pushed Steve Nash into Retirement
In a recent episode of Mind the Game, the podcast co-hosted by LeBron James and Steve Nash, Stephen Curry shared a story that perfectly captured the transition between two basketball eras. The episode featured a genuine and amusing recollection from Nash about the moment he realized his playing days were over.
The Game That Changed Everything
Nash explained how a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors became a turning point. The Warriors completely overwhelmed his team, revealing that his body could no longer meet the demands of the NBA.
“They put like 50 points on us in the first quarter. He was running everywhere, my back was shot, everything was out of whack, I was dragging myself, and Steve Kerr was making them play everything off of me.”
Just a few days later, Nash accepted the inevitable and decided to step away.
“I called Mitch Kupchak to tell him my decision. Steph, you’ve kicked me out of basketball (laughs).”
Passing the Torch
This lighthearted confession reflected not only Nash’s humility but also symbolized the changing of generations — from the creative point guard of the 2000s to the sharpshooter who redefined modern basketball.
Life After Retirement
Following his retirement in 2015, Steve Nash stayed connected to the game. From 2015 to 2020, he served as a player development consultant, particularly helping guards and point guards improve their skills, though he wasn’t part of the full-time coaching staff.
Author’s Summary
Nash’s anecdote about being outpaced by Curry captures the moment one basketball generation gracefully yielded to the next, highlighting mutual respect and evolution within the NBA.