5 Reasons Steve Nash Should Join Lakers’ Coaching Staff

Scott Asai

Mar 24, 2015; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash (left) visits with Bill Bertka after the press conference to announce his retirement at the Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Nash‘s tenure with the Lakers was a disaster, but his biggest assist could be forthcoming. Proposed initially in David Murphy’s Bleacher Report piece, the Lakers should offer Nash a coaching role for the 2015-16 team. Throughout Nash’s struggles, the Lakers organization went above and beyond to support him and the best way to reward both sides is to make Nash an assistant coach. Here are 5 reasons why Nash would add tremendous value to the Lakers coaching staff:

1. Mentor Point Guards

In his prime, Steve Nash was the top point guard in the NBA. Not too many athletes can say they were the best in the league, but Nash has two MVP trophies to prove it. Point guards are extensions of the coach on the floor and Nash showed his leadership ability his entire career. Nash was never gifted athletically, but he got the most out of his talent. Longevity is a trait overlooked in the NBA yet despite Nash’s years with the Lakers, he was an example of consistency into his 30’s. As basketball players get older, their fundamentals become exposed, so with Nash’s help the Lakers guards would have a mental and mechanical edge over opponents. In the short time Nash worked with Jordan Clarkson, his court vision and change of pace improved dramatically. Imagine what he could do with the Lakers guards over a season.

Next: He Can Help With The Offense

February 9, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash (10) controls the ball against Chicago Bulls shooting guard Kirk Hinrich (12) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

2. Help With Offensive Sets

Shown by running an outdated Princeton Offense, Byron Scott isn’t an offensive genius. Nash has played under Mike D’Antoni and Don Nelson who both valued offense much more than defense. Therefore, Nash could offer his insight, based upon the makeup of the team, how to best use each player’s strengths to score more efficiently. Nash could act almost like an offensive coordinator in football by creating sets and counters for the Lakers to run. He was a conductor on the court and would be able to impart wisdom and insight to Clarkson, Kobe Bryant and other guards on how to see the game in a different light. Making his team better was Nash’s strength as a player and now he can do the same as a coach.

Next: His Love Of The Game Is Unquestioned

Feb 5, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash (10) talks with Cleveland Cavaliers small forward Anthony Bennett (left) and power forward Tristan Thompson after the Lakers

3. Love For The Game

One theory why Nash kept his distance from the Lakers after he announced he would miss the entire 2014-15 season is because it was too hard. Basketball became emotional for Nash and knowing he couldn’t help his team killed him. Nash vowed he put his all into coming back, but his body just wouldn’t cooperate. Professional athletes at the elite level have a hard time leaving the game they love so this is a perfect way for Nash to stay connected and still contribute. Scott constantly gushed about Nash as a player and person, so it seems he has the endorsement that matters most. In life, it’s always most beneficial to learn from those who have done it before and Nash still has the passion and desire to teach the next generation.

Next: Experience At The Point Guard Position

Nov 3, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash (10) drives around Atlanta Hawks point guard Jeff Teague (0) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

4. Still The Best Point Guard The Lakers Have

Jordan Clarkson is a rising star, but a healthy Nash would be the best point guard on the Lakers roster. Clarkson is more of a combo, scoring guard which has a place in this league, but learning from a pure point guard is priceless. Pass-first guards are almost an anomaly in the NBA, but a necessity to win. Nash can’t last entire games anymore, but he can still model how to score, pass and get open. Several former point guards in the NBA have become great coaches, but few had the successful career that Nash did. It would be a luxury to have Nash on the Lakers bench pointing out intricacies to the guards and helping them make adjustments on the fly. Don’t forget, Byron Scott is used to thriving with great point guards (Chris Paul, Jason Kidd and Kyrie Irving) so with Nash on his staff, the Lakers offensive numbers should surely improve.

Next: Mentors The Younger Laker Players

Oct 6, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash (10) gestures after making a three pointer during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Valley View Casino Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

5. Already Working With Jordan Clarkson & Julius Randle

Nash has voluntarily worked with Clarkson and Randle and plans to continue this summer. Essentially bringing Nash on board would be extending what he’s already doing. Nash’s brain alone is worth offering him a spot, but his willingness to invest in the Lakers prodigies is priceless. Veterans balance out a team’s locker room with their experience and voice and since Nash has been around the team for the past few years, his chemistry with the guys is already there. Former players are starting to make their impact in the league increasingly apparent so adding Nash to the Lakers staff would give them an advantage before the season even starts.

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Scott Asai

Author, blogger, speaker & die-hard Lakers Fan