Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving will be coached by a two-time NBA MVP next season. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Nash: Kyrie Irving 'is one of my favorite players of all time'

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/9/20

Kyrie Irving is regarded as one of the best point guards in the NBA, and newly appointed Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash had some high praise for the six-time All-Star.

In an interview with the media on Wednesday, Nash dubbed Irving as one of his "favorite players of all time." He added that he's also looking forward to not only building his relationship with Irving, but with Kevin Durant as well.

Steve Nash: "Kyrie [Irving] is one of my favorite players of all time." pic.twitter.com/txudxGrqLR
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) September 9, 2020

There were some who were opposed to Nash being hired by the Nets as he had no prior experience as an NBA or college coach.

While he's never been a head coach, Nets management hopes he'll instill his 20 years of NBA experience into his players. Nash replaces Jacque Vaughn, who served as the team's interim coach after Kenny Atkinson was fired.

If Nash can take advantage of relationships with Irving and Durant, the Nets will be among the most successful teams in the NBA next season and certainly a favorite among Eastern Conference contenders.

Brooklyn earned the seventh seed in the playoffs this season without the likes of Irving and Durant. Irving played just 20 games while Durant missed the entire season. If the duo can stay healthy next season, there's no reason why the club shouldn't succeed.

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