Steve Nash on Stephen Curry's Influence on His NBA Retirement
Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash revealed that Stephen Curry played a key role in his decision to retire after the 2013-14 season. Nash spent his final two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, joining Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard to form a team that ultimately did not meet expectations.
In an episode of the "Mind the Game" show, hosted by Nash and LeBron James, Nash spoke to Curry, explaining how competing against him confirmed it was time to retire.
“You might know this, but you deserve a little bit of putting me out to pasture, a little bit of my retirement story. It’s not something I like to talk about in public a lot. When he came in the league, I still felt like the big brother, you know, I still did. And then he started becoming who he is, and the pendulum shifted.”
Nash wanted to challenge his body against the younger Curry but found it tougher than anticipated.
“And so we went to play these guys’ preseason in Ontario, California, or somewhere. We came out, I’m guarding Steph. I think they put up like 50 in the first quarter. Maybe it was 45, but it felt like a 50-piece. He’s running everywhere, my back is broke, everything’s jacked. I couldn’t have stopped him if I was 100%, and I’m dragging around.”
Context of Nash's Late Career
- Nash’s last seasons were marked by injuries and decreased physical ability.
- The Lakers team he joined was considered one of the worst "super teams" due to lack of chemistry and results.
- His encounter with Curry highlighted the contrast between his aging body and Curry’s youthful agility.
These experiences led Nash to accept that it was time to step away from professional basketball.
Author’s summary: Steve Nash credits Stephen Curry’s extraordinary skill and youthful energy as a significant factor in his realization that retirement from the NBA was inevitable.