NBA Rumors: Steve Nash's Job Security If Nets Eliminated by Celtics

Calls are being heard all over Brooklyn Nets' nation for head coach Steve Nash's head if the season ends in flames as expected. But NBA Insider Marc Stein says he's heard from a source that Nash's job is not in jeopardy — as of yet, he emphasizes — even if the Nets get swept by the Boston Celtics Monday night.

"One source close to the situation told me over the weekend that he thinks Nash is likely to avoid being rendered management's fall guy for the Nets' meek playoff showing," wrote Stein, "noting how much madness (and, frankly, absurdity) that the former Hall of Fame point guard faced during his second season as a head coach."

The "madness and absurdity" includes Kyrie Irving's choice way back in October, before the season even started, to remain unvaccinated, thereby rendering him unavailable for all home games, which led the Nets to banish him from the team altogether.

In January, facing extreme circumstances with player shortages due to Covid absences, the Nets allowed Irving to re-join the team on a permanent basis. But soon after that, it became apparent that the 2nd of the Nets' "big three", James Harden, was disillusioned by the situation in Brooklyn, and wanted out. He was dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons.

Simmons, who'd been sitting out all season, would now continue to sit out with a "back issue". And now, just when it appeared he would be returning to try to save the season, he's begged out again, leading to some epic scorn and backlash.

Nash never had lineup certainty all season. Even Kevin Durant missed a chunk of time to an injury shortly after Irving came back.

Stein does write that Nash shouldn't be completely absolved from any blame or criticism for the Nets' disappointing season, and that what it all comes down to is Nash's ability to retain the support of owner Joe Tsai, and, of course, Kevin Durant.

FULL story (and context) on the Nets, Steve Nash and the complicated future they'll try to stave off with a victory over visiting Boston in tonight's Game 4: https://t.co/r1gkxd5OpH https://t.co/h7dixFoyEo
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 25, 2022