Who’s really to Blame for the Nets Sweep

To be quite frank; there is a myriad of different reasons someone could say why the Nets got swept, the Celtics defense, the lack of chemistry and play time for the Nets, or even their injuries, but let’s be honest Ben Simmons would not have made a difference in one game. But this series loss should fall on one person and one person only in my opinion, and that is Steve Nash.

Let’s Rewind

Let’s all take a trip down memory lane to 2019, when the Nets super-team formed, first KD, then Kyrie, then Nash and Harden. No one fan or member of the media ever doubted three of the greatest offensive players’ ability to succeed in the modern day NBA, but what, and more specifically who was doubted is important to note. After Steve Nash was hired as the Nets head coach questions arose immediately, did he have the experience, would he handle the pressure well, would he be able to handle these incredible players and their personalities. And the answer to all of those is as clear as day: NOPE.

Fast Forward to Present Day

Now after what has to be one of the most disappointing runs by a “super-team” in the history of the league, the Nets find themselves out of the playoffs with more questions than any other team in the league. Nash somehow mismanaged Harden and KD which led to a loose-loose trade, let Kyrie sit out a whole season, and most prevalent, decided to make little to no adjustments to his offense (one that is essentially give it to KD and have everyone get the F**k away). Nash should be fired after this series without any questions asked, yes I give full credit to the suffocating defense of the Celtics, and the perfect coaching job done by Ime Udoka, but Nash’s inability to change his game plan and make any sort of adjustments on both ends of the floor was shocking. This Nets team didn’t buy in on defense for even one whole game in this series, something that falls on the players yes, but Nash. I think I speak for every single fan and member of the Media when I was shocked that this team was unable to win at least one game. You could argue this team was unlucky, tarnished by injuries and bad matchups, I wouldn't argue that point but rather try to introduce a new one: if this group of players is in any way unlucky it’s because of their coaching hire two years prior.

Wrapping up

I’d be remised if I didn’t mention how great of a series this was to watch, and I say that as someone who despises both of these franchises. From Tatum’s game winner, to Kyrie’s middle fingers, it was an incredible four games of playoff basketball, and full credit to Udoka and the C’s for handling the Nets. But one thing is for certain looking forward to the future in Brooklyn: Nash must be out.