Stephen Curry Inspired Steve Nash's 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 from the former Suns point guard.
Nash’s Realization During a Preseason Game
Steve Nash recounted how a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors revealed the physical limits his body had reached. Nash described the game:
“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.”
This exhausting experience made Nash realize it was time to retire. A few days later, he made the decision and told Mitch Kupchak:
“Steph, you’ve kicked me out of basketball (laughs).”
The Shift Between Basketball Generations
This story highlights the transition from the playmaker-artist era of the 2000s to the rise of the shooter who transformed the NBA. Curry’s style challenged and ultimately influenced Nash’s retirement decision.
Collaboration After Retirement
After retiring in 2015, Steve Nash worked as a player development consultant from 2015 to 2020. While not a full-time staff member, he regularly assisted players, particularly guards and point guards, maintaining a connection with the game and his peers.
Author's Summary
This anecdote reveals how Stephen Curry's dynamic play symbolized a generational shift in the NBA that deeply impacted Steve Nash's career and retirement decision.