Steve Nash Reflects on Stephen Curry's Role in His NBA Retirement
Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash shared that Stephen Curry played a significant role in his decision to retire after the 2013-14 season. Nash spent his final two career seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, joining a star-studded but unsuccessful lineup with Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard.
Challenges with the Lakers and Age Catching Up
After the Lakers experiment ended, Nash and his teammates had new hopes, but age began to take its toll on him. During a recent episode of "Mind the Game," hosted by Nash and LeBron James, Nash discussed with Curry how competing against the younger star confirmed his retirement decision.
Nash’s Retirement Story
“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.”
Facing Curry on the Court
Nash recounted their preseason matchup, where he guarded Curry. Despite Nash's experience, Curry was unstoppable and aggressive.
“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.”
Summary
Steve Nash credits facing the youthful and dominant Stephen Curry as a key factor in realizing it was time to retire from professional basketball.