“We’re all at the whim players, front offices, ownership…We are lucky” – Steve Kerr calls Steve Nash a great coach, believes it’s all a part of bigger business
The Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday fired coach Steve Nash after a few seasons of major disappointment. Brooklyn wasn't going in the direction that they were expected to be, and Sean Marks, the team's general manager, saw enough.
The decision was an interesting one for a few different reasons. This team has plenty of issues with Kyrie Irving, Ben Simmons and Kevin Durant. Coaching those three isn't an easy task for anyone.
"Steve Nash is a good friend of mine, so more than anything I feel for Steve," Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. "I think he has all the qualities to be a brilliant coach. Brilliant."
"He has all the qualities to be a brilliant coach.”
Getting this type of praise from someone who has won four NBA championships as a coach (and five as a player) isn't something everyone gets.
Kerr added more about the situation as head coaches have to deal with things many don't realize:
"It's a good reminder to me, and I think all coaches, that we are at the whim of players, front offices, ownership – you really need a solid situation in which to thrive as a coach in this league. (Miami Heat coach) Erik (Spoelstra's) got one here. I've got one in Golden State. We're really lucky.
"You throw either one of us in that situation, we wouldn't have done any better than Steve. And that's the truth. So, as a really good friend of mine, I feel bad for Steve. But I also know if he ever wants to get back in this thing, he can be great."
"He has all the qualities to be a brilliant coach.”
Steve Kerr shows support for Steve Nash after his tenure ended as coach of the Nets https://t.co/lc33WX1epg
Steve Nash and his relationship with the Nets
The relationship that Steve Nash had with his Brooklyn Nets players wasn't one that any coach ever wanted. Players reportedly wanted him fired, and the media was all over him. Some believed he wasn't a good enough coach to get this team where they wanted to be.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Durant informed Nets owner Joe Tsai that he doesn't have faith in the Nets' direction in August:
"Sources: Kevin Durant informed Joe Tsai that he does not have faith in the Nets' direction. The meeting was described as transparent and professional, with a clear message: Keep me – or the GM and coach."
Tsai, however, immediately rejected Durant's ultimatum.
A player asking for a coach to be fired is never going to be a recipe for success in any professional sport.
NBA teams firing coaches on short notice
NBA teams have fired coaches shortly after deciding to hire them plenty of times. Mike Brown with the LA Lakers, Larry Brown, Maurice Cheeks, Gar Heard, Rudy Tomjanovich and many others have been fired quickly.