Playing against Steph Curry convinced Steve Nash he needed to retire
“I couldn’t have stopped him if I was 100%. I’m dragging around every action, and Stevie Kerr is putting me in every action,” said NBA Hall of Famer Steve Nash.
Reflections on the Warriors’ 2014 Preseason
During an episode of the Mind the Game podcast, co-hosts Steve Nash and LeBron James welcomed Steph Curry. The three legends reminisced about the Warriors' 2014 preseason game in Ontario, where a young Curry, then 26, scored 25 points on 8 of 11 shooting. Meanwhile, 40-year-old Nash found himself struggling on the court alongside Kobe Bryant.
“He’s running everywhere, and my back is broke,” said Nash, recalling his physical condition during that game.
After contemplating his condition for a few days, Nash realized it was time to retire.
“After three or four more days of thinking, I was like ‘Yeah, it’s time.’ And that was it.”
Curry’s Rise and Nash’s New Role
Steph Curry went on to win his first MVP that season and led the Warriors to the championship. Nash retired later that year but soon joined the Warriors organization as a consultant.
“Next thing I know, you show up at our practice and you’re teaching us pick and roll,” Curry said about Nash’s involvement with Golden State.
Curry’s Impact on the Game
The conversation also covered Curry’s innovative one-motion jumpshot and addressed claims that his style “ruined the game.”
“You kind of invented something,” Nash told Curry. “You’ve gone on to become the greatest shooter of all-time by a long margin.”
Steve Nash’s interaction with Curry marked a transition from player to mentor, highlighting Curry’s profound effect on basketball.
Author’s summary: Steve Nash decided to retire after struggling to compete against Steph Curry’s agility, later joining the Warriors as a consultant and praising Curry’s revolutionary shooting skills.