The Brooklyn Nets needed a head coach, Steve Nash was interested, and here we are.
It’s a little more nuanced than that – that’s everyone’s new favorite word, by the way. However, in this case, the word plays, so we’ll use it.
For the Nets, this was an outside the box move. Nash is a Hall of Fame player and has always been lauded for his mental approach to the game. In other words, he’s extremely intelligent.
For everything Nash is, what he wasn’t was a likely candidate for the job. Well, at least not to any of us on the outside speculating on who’s right for the job.
The room for NBA coaching candidates is currently full. Tyronn Lue, Mark Jackson, and Jeff Van Gundy are mingling by the hors d’oeuvres section. Former Brooklyn Nets head coaches, Kenny Atkinson and Jason Kidd, are in there chatting each other up. Brooklyn’s interim coach Jacque Vaughn just walked in, everyone’s showing him love for the job he did inside the bubble.
Former Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown just walked in. He came straight from the bubble after his team was bounced from the playoffs. Brown didn’t come to the room alone; Ime Udoka, his assistant coach, is a name to keep an eye on.
So, it was a surprise to all of us when the Nets decided to bring in Steve Nash. Because, Nash doesn’t have anything close to a resume for the job.
And that’s where we change the tone in the room.
I’ve read multiple articles on the Steve Nash hiring since it was made official. And how it raises questions of White Privilege. How is it, a white man, without a strong coaching resume, comes in seemingly out of nowhere, and gets the job? Meanwhile, qualified black candidates are left sitting in the room holding their stacked resumes?
How is it the young, hungry — and minority — assistant coach, who’s put in the work to get serious consideration, gets passed over?
And, it’s not just a job, it’s arguably a dream job. The Brooklyn Nets will have a loaded roster next season.
I’ve had multiple discussions about it… all in 24 hours.
And here’s the thing (because people also love saying that) …
I don’t know how you make people in charge of the hiring process look harder at qualified black candidates. I also do not know if the hiring of Steve Nash is a case of white privilege.
And I think it’s okay to acknowledge when you don’t know something.
I advocated for Jacque Vaughn on this site, not just because he’s a black man. But because he showed me why he’s qualified to be the next head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.
Vaughn coached the Nets to a 7-3 record after taking over from Kenny Atkinson. That includes a 5-3 record inside the bubble and a playoff spot. Vaughn did this with a roster which gave new definition to the term, modified. He earned the respect of his players and his peers; and it wasn’t enough.
Let’s be clear on this, I like Brooklyn’s decision.
From a relationship perspective, I can see the logic for hiring Nash. He’s a well-respected Hall of Fame point guard. Moreover, he’s already has relationships with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and general manager Sean Marks.
And, arguably most important, Durant and Irving gave their blessing on the hiring.
But there’s a legitimate argument to be made pertaining to white privilege in the NBA coaching ranks. There’s a legitimate discussion to be had on why there’s not enough black head coaches in sports. Those discussions are being held in the NFL and on the collegiate level.
The conversations must continue. The anger is justified. Are the stakeholders doing enough to address the issue?
And then, after all of that, the decision-makers in the room must still want to do it.
I believe, long as the Brooklyn Nets surround Steve Nash with strong experience, he’s going to be okay there.
But there’s another issue, a bigger one, and I see it. We all see it. I just don’t know how to solve it.
What are your thoughts on the hiring of Steve Nash as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets? Let me know your thoughts below.
