Stephen Curry Pushed Steve Nash Into Retirement
In the latest episode of Mind the Game, the podcast co-hosted by LeBron James and Steve Nash, Stephen Curry shared a memorable story about the former Suns point guard. Nash revealed how a preseason game against the Warriors made him realize his body had reached its limit.
How Stephen Curry Influenced a New Generation
The turning point came during a friendly match against Golden State. Nash recalled:
"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 days later, Nash made the decision to retire. He explained:
"I called Mitch Kupchak to tell him my decision. Steph, you’ve kicked me out of basketball (laughs)."
Generational Shift in the NBA
This honest and humorous confession highlights the shift between two basketball eras: the playmaker-artist of the 2000s and the revolutionary shooter era led by Curry.
Post-Retirement Collaboration
After retiring in 2015, Steve Nash became a player development consultant from 2015 to 2020. Though not a full-time staff member, he regularly worked with players, focusing especially on guards and point guards, collaborating closely with the Warriors organization.
Author's summary: Steve Nash’s retirement reflected the evolving NBA landscape, as Stephen Curry’s dynamic style symbolized the rise of a new generation of players.