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 an amusing yet touching story about the former Suns point guard. Nash recalled how a simple preseason game against the Golden State Warriors made him realize his body had reached its limit.
How Stephen Curry Realized His Influence on the New Generation
Everything changed during a friendly match against Golden State. 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.”
Just three or four days after that game, Nash made his decision to retire. He said, “I called Mitch Kupchak to tell him my decision. Steph, you’ve kicked me out of basketball (laughs).”
This heartfelt and self-deprecating confession highlights the generational shift between the 2000s playmaker-artist and the shooter who revolutionized the NBA.
Post-Retirement Collaboration
Following his retirement in 2015, Steve Nash worked as a player development consultant from 2015 to 2020. Though not a full-time staff member, he regularly helped players, especially guards and point guards, often collaborating with the new generation that Curry represents.
Author's summary: Stephen Curry’s dynamic play symbolized a new NBA era, prompting Steve Nash’s retirement and later collaboration as a mentor for evolving players.