Maybe Kevin Durant misses the Warriors culture more than we thought after he skipped town for the Brooklyn Nets last summer?
It would partially explain why a piece of the Warriors’ winning ways is surprisingly joining him in New York.
No one has to come out and say it, but it’s obvious the former Warriors star had a little something to do with the Nets’ hiring Thursday of Hall of Famer Steve Nash, who spent the past five years as a Warriors consultant. Even if it was just to apply an enthusiast rubber-stamp to the decision to name Nash head coach, despite never coaching before.
During his three years with the Warriors, Durant was one of Nash’s biggest fans. Durant has talked about how Nash played an important role for him with Golden State, even if it wasn’t widely publicized.
“He’s someone I can talk to about anything and somebody I really respect. His basketball mind is probably the best I’ve been around,” Durant told this organization in 2018. “He tries to simplify the game and keep me conscious of those things as well. It’s simplifying and keeping it as easy for yourself. I’ve learned so much. So many people taught me how to play. He’s continued to teach me different things I can put in my game. I’m very grateful for him.”
Nash seems to have all the characteristics suggesting he can become a successful coach, but having the backing of a superstar or two (Kyrie Irving is also a big Nash fan) also goes a long way. Just ask David Blatt.
“(KD) is one of the greatest players I’ve ever seen and to have his confidence is really important,” Nash told The Undefeated’s Marc Spears. “There is a respect and admiration there for me.”
Durant and Nash were sometimes seen on the basketball court working together at practices and before games during their time with the Warriors.
“We both love the game of basketball. We got a bond, over me in a sense being a teacher and a pupil through the years,” Nash said. “It dates back to when I was finishing my career and we would work out together, and working with him with the Warriors. … I think that there is a trust, a commonality and a language between us when it comes to the game that has developed over time. That definitely is important. He’s one of the greatest players I’ve ever seen and to have his confidence is really important.”
It was Durant’s original admiration for Golden State’s culture that he credited for convincing him to leave Oklahoma City and sign with the Warriors. Now he and Nash are looking to bring some of that old Warriors magic to Brooklyn.
