Steve Nash recalled a memorable moment that made him realize it was time to retire from professional basketball. After a long 16-season career, including his final two seasons with the Lakers, Nash felt the physical demands catching up with him.
During a 2013 preseason game between the Lakers and the Warriors, Nash tested his ability to still contribute on the court. Reflecting on the game, he said:
“We went to play these guys preseason in like Ontario, California, or somewhere. I think they put up like 50 in the first quarter. Maybe it was 45, but it felt like a 50-piece, right? I couldn’t have probably stopped him even if I were 100 percent.”
Nash humorously described feeling overwhelmed by Steve Kerr's strategy and his coach's challenge:
“Now I’m like dragging around Steve Kerr putting me in every action. I’m looking over at Steve like c’mon Stevie. Alvin Gentry over there laughing at me like, ‘No, let’s see what you got.’”
After reflecting on the experience for a few more days, Nash concluded it was time to retire. He said he called Lakers' executive Mitch Kupchak to discuss stepping away from the game.
“You deserve a little bit of putting me out to pasture, a little bit of my retirement. It’s not something I like to talk about in public a lot.”
Nash shared a sentiment about his relationship with Curry when the latter entered the league:
“When he came into the league, I still felt like the big brother a little bit, I still feel like I’ve got the upper hand here.”
Despite the affection for the game, Nash’s humorous story reveals how a tough game against Curry helped him accept that it was time to move on.
Author's summary: Steve Nash humorously credits a challenging preseason game featuring Steph Curry as the moment that convinced him to retire after a celebrated NBA career.