Nets’ Kevin Durant ‘shocked’ by Steve Nash’s exit as head coach…
NEW YORK — Nets star forward Kevin Durant said he was “shocked” when he learned of Steve Nash’s exit as Brooklyn’s coach Tuesday, a decision that was announced by the organization as mutual.
“You’re always shocked when a move like this happens,” Durant said after a 108-99 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night. “But it’s normal in the NBA. It’s about getting ready for the game tonight. It’s a quick turn always in the league, especially during the season. You’ve got practice, games coming up, so you can’t think too much about it. It
Durant developed a solid relationship with Nash during their time with the Golden State Warriors, when Nash served as a player development consultant. He was asked why he thought it didn’t work out for Nash in Brooklyn.
“A lot of stuff,” Durant said. “We didn’t have a healthy team. We just didn’t play well. And that’s what happens in the league. S— happens. That doesn’t take away from Steve’s basketball IQ, how he teaches the game. I don’t think that takes away from anything. It just didn’t work out.”
Durant said he has not yet spoken to Nash since the move became official. With Jacques Vaughn serving as interim head coach, the Nets fell to 2-6 after Tuesday’s loss. Durant has said several times over the past year, and reiterated again Tuesday night, that he believed Nash wasn’t dealt a fair hand given all the circumstances surrounding his two-and-a-half-year tenure.
