Canadian Steve Nash to be Brooklyn Nets next head coach

Canadian NBA Hall of Fame point guard Steve Nash has signed a four-year contract to become the Brooklyn Nets next head coach, according to ESPN.

Nets owner Joe Tsai and general manager Sean Marks had been zeroing in on Nash for some time, hoping he would accept the offer after resisting coming back into the NBA spotlight following the end of his magical career.

"After meeting with a number of highly accomplished coaching candidates from diverse backgrounds, we knew we had a difficult decision to make," Marks said in a news release.

"In Steve we see a leader, communicator and mentor who will garner the respect of our players. I have had the privilege to know Steve for many years. One of the great on-court leaders in our game, I have witnessed firsthand his basketball acumen and selfless approach to prioritize team success. His instincts for the game, combined with an inherent ability to communicate with and unite players towards a common goal, will prepare us to compete at the highest levels of the league."

Though Nash, 46, is taking the helm with no coaching experience, he forged a close relationship with Nets star Kevin Durant while working in a consultant role for the Golden State Warriors. The Nets organization said that they will be keeping Jacque Vaughn on as an assistant coach.

"We are thrilled to retain Jacque as a leading member of our coaching staff," Marks said.

"Jacque has been an integral part of our program and a key contributor to the growth and development of our entire organization. His role in developing our players both on and off the court and his influence driving our culture have been invaluable. Our players will benefit from the continuity of Jacque's presence, and we are extremely fortunate to keep him in our Nets family.

"He's [Nash] someone I can talk to about anything and somebody I really respect. His basketball mind is probably the best I've been around," Durant told the San Jose Mercury News in 2018.

"He tries to simplify the game and keep me conscious of those things as well. It's simplifying and keeping it as easy for yourself. I've learned so much. So many people taught me how to play. He's continued to teach me different things I can put in my game. I'm very grateful for him and happy for him."

Marks was a fellow teammate of Nash when they both played for the Phoenix Suns, and have continued to uphold a good relationship.

Nash said in a statement released by the Nets: "I am honored to have this opportunity with such a first-class organization and would like to thank Sean, Joe and his wife, Clara, for having faith in my ability to lead this team forward. Coaching is something I knew I wanted to pursue when the time was right, and I am humbled to be able to work with the outstanding group of players and staff we have here in Brooklyn. I am as excited about the prospects of the team on the court as I am about moving to Brooklyn with my family and becoming impactful members of this community."