Phoenix, AZ – May 8, 2025In a stunning and strategic move, the Phoenix Suns have officially announced the hiring of basketball legend and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Steve Nash as an assistant coach for the upcoming 2025–2026 NBA season. The appointment marks a homecoming for Nash, who spent the prime years of his Hall of Fame career leading the Suns with his unparalleled vision, playmaking, and leadership on the court.
The announcement was made early Wednesday morning via the team’s official social media channels and website, sparking excitement among fans, analysts, and players across the league. Suns General Manager James Jones praised the decision, calling it “a transformative addition to our coaching staff that brings elite basketball IQ, championship-level insight, and a deep cultural connection to our franchise.”
Nash, 50, returns to the bench after previously serving as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2020 to 2022. While his tenure in Brooklyn was marked by both highs and challenges, including managing superstar dynamics and injury setbacks, Nash gained valuable experience on the sideline. His return to Phoenix in a supporting role offers a new opportunity to shape the future of a team still pursuing its first NBA championship.
“This organization means the world to me,” Nash said in a press release. “Phoenix is where I grew as a player and a person. I’m incredibly honored to come back in a different capacity to contribute to the culture and development of this talented team. I believe in what this group is building, and I’m here to support that in every way I can.”
Nash is expected to work closely with head coach Mike Budenholzer, who took over the team earlier this year following the departure of Frank Vogel. The Suns are reportedly looking to reset their team identity around discipline, ball movement, and high-IQ play — all hallmarks of Nash’s own style during his playing days. His experience as a floor general and mentor is anticipated to be particularly beneficial for Phoenix’s young guards and established stars alike, including Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Beyond X’s and O’s, Nash’s presence is also seen as a boost to team morale and leadership. He remains one of the most respected figures in the sport, known for his calm demeanor, elite court vision, and inclusive leadership approach.
The Suns, who were eliminated in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, are aiming to retool and rebound with a more cohesive and competitive unit. Nash’s addition signals a commitment to both player development and a winning culture — key pillars as the franchise eyes a deeper postseason run in 2026.
As fans and media alike celebrate the return of one of Phoenix’s most iconic figures, one thing is clear: the Suns are not just looking to make headlines — they’re aiming to make history
