The Nets hiring of Steve Nash for their vacant coaching position came out of left field.
The two-time MVP has no formal coaching experience, although was a consultant to the Warriors, where he apparently made an impression on now-Nets star Kevin Durant.
Hot taker Stephen A. Smith chalked up Nash's hiring to white privilege.
I love Steve Nash! But....... pic.twitter.com/lo73hhoM0q
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) September 3, 2020
“This is one of the toughest positions I’ve ever had to take. Ladies and gentlemen, there’s no way around this. This is white privilege. This does not happen for a Black man," Smith, and then acknowledged that the Nets two (Black) superstars signed off on the deal.
Twitter then debated if it was white privilege -- or if it was point guard privilege.
What about Isaiah Thomas, Mark Jackson and Derek Fisher? pic.twitter.com/4dkVeKLz2g
— EDP445 Burner (@EDPBurnerClips) September 3, 2020
Just woke up and saw Steve Nash to Brooklyn news. Then saw Stephen A. Smith speak on his white privilege like he’s the first coach to be hired with no experience. Taking in information from the media is an impossible task these days. Would recommend against it.
— Gary Sheffield Jr. (@GarysheffieldJr) September 3, 2020
Did Stephen A didn’t complain when Derek Fisher took a head coaching job with no experience? Nash getting that job isn’t “white privilege”. Former players who people consider “smart” are going to get looks (unless you were a big). The game has always been the game
— El Presidente of Griselda Records (@el_budget) September 3, 2020
Come on SA. Steve Nash being chosen over Mark Jackson/Ty Lue is not “White Privilege”.. 2 superstar black athletes ultimately made the decision & we know who they are and what they are about. https://t.co/7lmTjkbiFK
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) September 3, 2020
Derek Fisher, Jason Kidd all got jobs right away because of 20 years of HIGH LEVEL BBall IQ. Please don’t question Steve Nash’s hire or make this about anything else.
— Richard Jefferson (@Rjeff24) September 3, 2020
It's got to be dispiriting for so many Black assistant coaches to see this, though. Jacque Vaughn couldn't have done more. Only 5 Black head coaches now and we're seeing a lot of front offices seem more comfortable with candidates that look and sound like themselves. https://t.co/qddEEyEcA7
— Peter Edmiston (@peteredmiston) September 3, 2020
The blackest coaching pool in years:
— Tyler R. Tynes (@TylerRickyTynes) September 3, 2020
Ty Lue
Ime Udoka
Sam Cassell
Jacque Vaughn
Adrian Griffin
Mark Jackson
Stephen Silas
Darvin Ham
Jahmahl Mosley
Jason Kidd
Wes Unseld Jr
David Vanterpool
Roy Rogers
Nate McMillan
Alvin Gentry
Mike Brown
And Steve Nash got a job w/0 experience
In 2012-13, there were 14 Black coaches in NBA. When the playoffs started, there were 8. Now it's 5: LAC's Doc Rivers, ATL's Lloyd Pierce, CLE's JB Bickerstaff, DET's Dwane Casey and PHX's Monty Williams. Still openings in New Orleans, Chicago and Indiana.
— Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) September 3, 2020
what just happened to Jacque Vaughn happens in corporate America jobs everyday. Lose your job to someone with less experience that’s less qualified but hey you can help train them and we’ll throw you a bone. It never fails when it comes to Black Coaches.
— 73-9 and they LIED 🏁 (@CuffsTheLegend) September 3, 2020
What do you think?