Steve Nash Reveals Stephen Curry's Influence on His NBA Retirement
Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash shared that Stephen Curry played a key role in his decision to retire after the 2013-14 season. Nash finished his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he joined a star lineup featuring Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard, which unfortunately did not meet expectations.
Challenges with the Lakers and Aging
After that period, Nash and the team hoped for better results, but age gradually affected his performance. During an episode of the “Mind the Game” show, co-hosted with LeBron James, Nash spoke to Curry—this week's guest—about how competing against him confirmed it was time to retire.
Nash on Playing Against Curry
“You might know this, but you deserve a little bit of putting me out to pasture, a little bit of my retirement story. It’s not something I like to talk about in public a lot. When he came in the league, I still felt like the big brother, you know, I still did. And then he started becoming who he is, and the pendulum shifted.”
Nash wanted to test his endurance against the younger Curry but found the challenge tougher than expected.
Preseason Game Experience
“We went to play these guys' preseason in Ontario, California, or somewhere. We came out, I’m guarding Steph. I think they put up like 50 in the first quarter. Maybe it was 45, but it felt like a 50-piece. He’s running everywhere, my back is broke, everything’s jacked. I couldn’t have stopped him if I was 100%, and I’m dragging around.”
This experience made Nash realize it was time to step away from the game.
Author’s summary: Steve Nash credits Stephen Curry's dominance on the court as a decisive factor in choosing to retire, marking the end of his remarkable NBA journey.