Nets hire Steve Nash as their head coach — and Twitter melts down
NBA fans on Twitter woke up to a shock Thursday: The Brooklyn Nets signed former Hall of Fame guard and Dallas Mavericks superstar Steve Nash to a four-year contract to become its next head coach, multiple media outlets including ESPN confirmed.
Nets owner Joe Tsai and general manager Sean Marks were aggressive in recruiting Nash, ESPN reported.
“After meeting with a number of highly accomplished coaching candidates from diverse backgrounds, we knew we had a difficult decision to make,” Marks said in a statement, which was also reported by Sports Illustrated.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
Twitter went wild at the unexpected news — with some happy, some sad but many... confused. Even NBA insiders.
Fans were also thrown off by the news, but made the best of it.
However, a lot of fans and insiders took note that the Nets completely skipped over more qualified individuals for Nash, who has no coaching experience.
Fans also pointed out that Nets interim coach Jacque Vaughn, who interviewed for the job and managed to “impress” the ownership, did not receive the position, according to the Athletic. Vaughn took over coaching duties after Brooklyn parted ways with Kenny Atkinson in March.
Fans criticized the lack of NBA opportunities that have been given to more experienced Black coaches.
People were also upset that San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon was also overlooked in the search. She made history as the NBA’s first full-time assistant coach who was a woman.
Nash is beloved in Dallas after playing for the Mavericks from 1998-2004. Along with Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Finley, Nash helped lead the team to the Western Conference Finals in the 2002-03 season.
This story was originally published September 3, 2020 at 12:56 PM with the headline "Nets hire Steve Nash as their head coach — and Twitter melts down."