Steve Nash Credits Stephen Curry in His NBA Retirement Decision
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, where he joined a super team including Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard, an experiment that did not meet expectations. Age eventually caught up to him and influenced his choice to step away.
Discussion on “Mind the Game” Show
During a recent episode of the “Mind the Game” show, hosted by Nash and LeBron James, Nash shared with Curry, the guest, how competing against him made Nash realize 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,” Nash said. “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.”
The Challenge of Guarding Curry
Nash explained how facing the much younger Curry tested his body more than expected.
“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 Final Years
- Nash’s Lakers tenure was marked by injuries and struggles despite the star-studded lineup.
- The physical demands of guarding Curry highlighted Nash's declining condition.
- This experience solidified Nash's awareness that his playing days were ending.
Author’s summary: Steve Nash credits Stephen Curry’s relentless play and youthfulness as a decisive factor that confirmed to him it was time to retire from the NBA.