Steve Nash already had a job. He wasn’t just hosting a podcast with LeBron James regularly. He also joined Amazon Prime as part of their NBA team. It was supposed to mark “his first foray” in NBA broadcasting. But now, it seems to be uncertain whether any of those things will happen. Why? Because Nash is returning to the Phoenix Suns.

It will be the first time back for Nash in his old stomping grounds since 2012. Owner Matt Ishbia took to X in full excitement to announce the news.

“Steve Nash was an amazing player and exactly what the Phoenix Suns are all about. His grit, toughness, and winning mentality have defined our organization in the past, and I’m so excited to share that Steve is formally joining the @Suns as a senior advisor and will help us define our future for years to come!” Ishbia wrote.

But what does this mean for ‘Mind The Game’? Until now, it was a dynamic between an active player in LeBron James and Nash’s basketball acumen. But now, they can’t keep discussing strategies and analyzing plays. Because now, they are literally rivals. Sharing their insights with others would be detrimental to their organizations.

The podcast quickly became one of the most talked-about NBA shows because of its behind-the-curtain breakdowns of strategy, play design, and leadership, something fans rarely hear directly from an all-time great and an active superstar.

In fact, JJ Redick stepped down from the podcast because he aligned with James. Of course, his role as a head coach requires his full devotion, which was the primary reason. Even then, looking at Nash’s post as “senior advisor” for the Suns, he will be working to get the upper hand on LeBron James and the Lakers.

So far, there has been no confirmation on the future of the popular podcast. Maybe it will shift to operating strictly in the offseason when both James and Nash don’t have professional commitments. It’s also possible that they don’t mind the circumstances, but that is hard to picture. All that’s known is that for the Suns, this is an amazing addition.

Steve Nash to help Suns find their identity

The Suns started the offseason by shedding much of their identity. Kevin Durant left for Houston. Bradley Beal also signed with the Los Angeles Clippers after reaching a buyout with the Suns. The team is starting from a clean slate with a completely different lineup that only sees Devin Booker as the common point.

He, just like Nash, is tasked with bringing the best out of his teammates and making the Suns formidable again. Who better to help him in that quest than the man who has done it before?

In NBA terms, a senior advisor often works as a hybrid role, somewhere between a front-office strategist and a mentor for players and coaches. Nash could have input on roster building, player development plans, and even serve as a sounding board for the coaches. As a senior advisor, Steve Nash probably won’t work every single day with the team. He will contribute to team management. But he has too much wisdom to be limited by his designation. Nash has been the central figure and worked behind some of the great coaches in the NBA. The likes of Jalen Green could benefit immensely from having him in the building.

Booker, for example, could tap into Nash’s mastery of balancing scoring with playmaking, while younger guards might learn how to control pace and read defenses the way Nash once did. His influence could shape Phoenix into a smarter, more disciplined offensive team. Steve Nash is the living example of what “grit” means in Phoenix. In a time the team needs structure, they are relying on one of their icons.  And Nash comes with truckloads of experience. In order to form their new identity, his inputs could prove pivotal in giving the young and inexperienced team some direction.

How do you rate this move from Matt Ishbia? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.