Could former Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki become a coach? Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Nash reportedly tried to recruit Dirk Nowitzki to join Nets' coaching staff

By Blake Harper | Last updated 9/3/20

Steve Nash was named the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, and he almost added another MVP to the mix. Nash reportedly tried to recruit Dirk Nowitzki to join the Nets' coaching staff.

According to the New York Times' Marc Stein, Nash reached out to his former teammate "to gauge his interest in coming to Brooklyn as an assistant coach." However, Nowitzki declined Nash's offer, saying that he was not interested in taking on a new position so soon after his retirement. It is not clear what exact position Nowitzki would have taken on.

New Nets coach Steve Nash sounded out his longtime former teammate and close friend Dirk Nowitzki to gauge his interest in coming to Brooklyn as an assistant coach, @NYTSports has learned, but Nowitzki is not looking to return to the game full-time so early in his retirement
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) September 3, 2020

The Nets were searching for their next head coach since parting ways with Kenny Atkinson in February. Team owner Joseph Tsai and general manager Sean Marks reportedly were "aggressive in recruiting Nash" despite the former point guard having no experience as a coach.

"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," Nash said in an official statement. "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."

Even before the Nash hiring, the Nets were among the most promising teams in the NBA heading into next season with Kevin Durant set to return to the court after missing this entire season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. Durant will be teaming up with Kyrie Irving, who is one of the most skilled ball-handlers since Nash. The duo is expected to immediately make Brooklyn a contender in the Eastern Conference.

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