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 and heartfelt story from the former Suns point guard. Nash recalled how a simple preseason game against the Warriors made him realize his physical limits.
How the Game Changed Everything
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.”
The Decision to Retire
Just a few days after that game, Nash made the difficult choice to retire. He explained, “I called Mitch Kupchak to tell him my decision. Steph, you’ve kicked me out of basketball (laughs).” This honest and self-deprecating confession highlights the generational shift in the NBA—from the playmaking artists of the 2000s to the shooters who changed the game.
Collaboration After Retirement
Following his retirement in 2015, Steve Nash took on the role of player development consultant from 2015 to 2020. Though not part of the full-time staff, he worked regularly with players, focusing especially on guards and point guards, helping them develop their skills.
“Steph, you’ve kicked me out of basketball (laughs).”
Steve Nash's story illustrates the impact of new playing styles and talents in the NBA, symbolized by Curry's rise and influence.
Author's summary: Stephen Curry's energetic play accelerated Steve Nash's retirement, marking a generational NBA shift, after which Nash continued contributing off the court as a player development consultant.