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 memorable and heartfelt story about the former Suns point guard. Nash revealed how a simple preseason game against the Golden State Warriors made him realize his body had reached its limit.
How Stephen Curry Showed His Impact on a New Generation
During this friendly match, the Warriors scored about 50 points in the first quarter alone. Nash described how Curry was everywhere on the court, while his own body was failing him:
“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 days later, Nash made his retirement decision known:
“I called Mitch Kupchak to tell him my decision. Steph, you’ve kicked me out of basketball (laughs).”
This sincere and self-deprecating confession highlights the generational shift between the playmaker-artists of the 2000s and the shooter-driven style that Curry helped revolutionize in the NBA.
Steve Nash's Post-Retirement Role
After retiring in 2015, Nash transitioned to a player development consultant role, working from 2015 to 2020. While not a full-time staff member, he focused on mentoring players, especially guards and point guards, using his experience to guide the next generation.
Author’s summary: Stephen Curry’s dynamic play during a preseason game symbolized the changing NBA era, prompting Steve Nash’s retirement and paving the way for Nash’s influential role in player development.