Mitch Kupchak: Steve Nash ‘around’, will work with youngsters
By Jacob Rude
After a rough three years in Los Angeles, it appears Lakers guard Steve Nash will be joining the team to help as a mentor. Mitch Kupchak, Lakers general manager, talked to the media today about his communication with Nash.
Los Angeles Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak updated fans and media on the status of Steve Nash, who has fallen under criticism after being ruled out for the season with nerve damage and subsequently disappearing from the team.
Mitch Kupchak said Steve Nash has been around, that he meets with him once a month and Nash will increasingly work with LAL's young players.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 29, 2015
More re: Steve Nash, Kupchak said Nash isn't going to go out "and advertise that he's doing it."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 29, 2015
Mitch Kupchak also said that he thinks "As the season progresses he'll (Steve Nash) be more engaged."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 29, 2015
For the Lakers, this is most likely the best case scenario given the situation. After being ruled out for the season after a summer full of rehab, it was understandable that Nash would be distraught. He distanced himself from the team and the game of basketball for many months.
However, many began calling for his whereabouts, hoping that the veteran would serve as a mentor for some of the Lakers’ younger players, including rookie guard Jordan Clarkson. As more and more injuries have begun piling up, his absence has grown more noticeable. Finally, it appears that the 40-year old veteran will be taking that role on.
Tumultuous as his time has been in LA, the Lakers could use all the veteran leadership they can get. With Kobe Bryant out for the season and Nick Young out seemingly indefinitely, the Lakers are relying on their younger players more than they likely originally planned, which has resulted in brief moments of excitement mixed in with larger moments of struggles.
With Nash as a mentor, guards like Jeremy Lin and Clarkson could learn from the perspective of one of the greatest point guards of all-time, which could never be a bad thing. It could also go at least a small way in helping mend the fences with his fans that injuries helped break down. These young, potential-filled point guards could use the guidance Nash can provide.
Do you think it’s a good idea for the Lakers to use Nash as a mentor going forward? Let us know in the comments below!
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