In a recent appearance on the “BackOnFIGG” podcast, NBA star Damian Lillard recalled an incident from the early days of his career that unintentionally played a significant role in the decline of NBA legend Steve Nash’s illustrious playing career.
Back in the 2012 season’s opening game, Damian Lillard, a young rookie for the Portland Trail Blazers, and Nash, who had recently joined the Los Angeles Lakers, collided knees. Lillard expressed sincere regret for the unintentional incident.
“When [Steve Nash] ended his career with a leg injury,” Lillard said. “Me and him ran into each other. I actually kneed him on accident, and that’s what ended his career.”
Damian Lillard:
“When [Steve Nash] ended his career with a leg injury, me and him ran into each other. I actually kneed him on accident and that’s what ended his career.”
(via @backonfigg) pic.twitter.com/8aGguIf1kz
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 23, 2023
Though Steve Nash showcased resilience by playing 63 more games over two additional seasons with the Lakers, the effects from the collision was evident.
He was only able to play in 15 games of the 2013–14 season due to nerve irritation in the injured leg. Later, Nash explained that the injury was a “tib-fib” fracture affecting the tibia and fibula joint in his knee, which affected his renowned performance level.
A two-time NBA MVP, Nash’s basketball career stands out with eight All-Star appearances and his innovative offense techniques that changed the game. However, Nash retired in 2015 after realizing the seriousness of the damage and how it affected his performance.
Steve Nash became the Brooklyn Nets’ head coach after a 5-year gap
After retirement, NBA legend Steve Nash transitioned into a coaching role. Announced as the Brooklyn Nets’ head coach on September 3, 2020. Despite not having formal coaching experience, Nash’s tenure as a top point guard for teams like the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers was considered for his coaching venture.
Holding a spot among the greats, Nash is fifth on the all-time assists leaderboard with an impressive 10,335 career assists, trailing only behind legends like John Stockton and Jason Kidd.
Prior to his coaching role, Nash enhanced his basketball knowledge as a player development consultant with the Golden State Warriors for five seasons. During this span, he made significant contributions to two NBA Championship-winning teams and helped the Warriors in reaching the NBA Finals four times in a row.
However, the challenges of coaching are different from playing. At the start of the 2022-2023 season, the Brooklyn Nets struggled with a 2-5 record. This rough start eventually resulted in Nash parting ways with the Nets.
In 2018, Nash’s contribution to the game was officially recognized as he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his place in basketball history.