Stephen Curry Pushed Steve Nash into Retirement
In the latest episode of the podcast Mind the Game, co-hosted by LeBron James and Steve Nash, Stephen Curry shared a touching and humorous story from Nash’s playing days. The former Suns point guard described how one preseason matchup against the Golden State Warriors made him realize it was time to step away from basketball.
How Stephen Curry Triggered a Turning Point
During that friendly game, Curry’s pace and energy pushed Nash’s physical limits. The Warriors dominated early, exposing the toll years of elite play had taken on Nash’s body.
“They put like 50 points on us in the first quarter. He was running everywhere; my back was done, everything was off. I was dragging myself, and Steve Kerr was having them run every play through me.”
Just a few days later, Nash accepted the inevitable.
“I called Mitch Kupchak to tell him my decision. Steph, you’ve kicked me out of basketball (laughs).”
A Symbol of Generational Change
This moment symbolizes more than personal fatigue—it marks the smooth passing of the torch between two eras: the creative floor general of the 2000s and the modern marksman reshaping the sport.
Life After Retirement
After retiring in 2015, Nash continued to contribute to basketball as a player development consultant from 2015 to 2020. Though not a full-time staff member, he worked closely with players, especially guards, sharing his deep understanding of playmaking and leadership.
Author’s Summary
Stephen Curry’s energy and dominance during a Warriors preseason game made Steve Nash realize it was time to retire, symbolizing a generational shift in the NBA’s evolution.