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LOS ANGELES, CA. – JAN. 1, 2012. Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni talks with point guard Steve Nash during a break in the action against the 76ers on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, at Staples Center in Los Angeles. (Photo by Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA. – JAN. 1, 2012. Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni talks with point guard Steve Nash during a break in the action against the 76ers on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, at Staples Center in Los Angeles. (Photo by Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Brooklyn Nets are making strong moves left and right to contend for an NBA championship. First, they convinced Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant to join the team; next came Steve Nash on board as the head coach. Now, Nash has recruited former Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni to his coaching staff.
This terrific ensemble might finally get the job done for the Nets. Following the hiring of D’Antoni, Steve Nash welcomed him with open arms. Nash spoke highly of his coaching staff in a recent statement.
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“We’ve assembled an experienced staff of high character individuals with varied backgrounds, both on and off the court, that will help us create a solid foundation for me and our players.
“When I set out to build this staff, I wanted to put together a committed group that would connect with our players and help put them in the best position to succeed as a team. With coaching and playing experience at the highest level and a deep background in player development, I’m confident that we’ve put the right people in place to lead us forward.”
The Nets make the hiring of Mike D’Antoni, Amar’e Stoudemire and Ime Udoka official. Coach Steve Nash said in a statement: “When I set out to build this staff, I wanted to put together a committed group that would connect with our players…”
Full statement: pic.twitter.com/XLq7MU1BQ7
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) October 30, 2020
Following Mike D’Antoni’s hiring, the staff for Nash looks fabulous, at least on paper. The trio of Mike D’Antoni, Steve Nash, and Amar’e Stoudemire are reunited for the first time since the Phoenix Suns days. One might wonder if this helps Nash in coaching the team for the first time.
Steve Nash reunites with Mike D’Antoni and Amar’e Stoudemire
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NBA Basketball – official, referee Phoenix Suns head coach, Mike D’Antoni, Steve Nash against Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland, Ohio on Nov. 10, 2004. Cleveland won the game in overtime 114-109. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images/Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images)
The trio of Nash, D’Antoni, and Stoudemire wrecked havoc in the league during the Suns‘ days. They were the team to beat for many years, at least in the regular season. But that success was never carried over to the playoffs.
After that, the Nash-D’Antoni duo was together with the Lakers, but that experiment failed as well. Maybe this time around, things will be different for them. One thing is certain, this will definitely aid Nash in managing the team. Having similar faces around while coaching will take the pressure off him.
Moreover, he has two superstars in Durant and Irving, and managing their egos will be a prominent task for Nash. If he overcomes this hurdle, the Nets should be good to go.
What do you think? Will the signing of Mike D’Antoni work in favor of Nash’s team?
