NBA legend Steve Nash: “I support Mallorca and Spurs, not Madrid or Barça”
Two-time NBA MVP and former Nets coach Steve Nash is also part owner of Real Mallorca who play today in the Spanish Super Cup.
The name Steve Nash is synonymous to the world of basketball and the NBA and quite likely to generate an emotional response from older fans of the Suns, Mavs and Lakers who remember the player in his pomp.
After 19 seasons in the NBA which included 2 season MVPs, 8 All Star appearances and more than 10,000 assists, the South African born player was drafted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2018.
Before joining Brooklyn Nets as head coach in 2020, in 2016 the 50-year-old decided to embark on a business venture in a different sporting world joining former Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver in becoming a shareholder in Spanish soccer club Real Mallorca.
At the time the Palma based side were languishing in the third tier of the pyramid system but have now become established as a regular in LaLiga and last season made it to the final of the Copa del Rey and despite losing, reaching the final secured a place in the 2025 Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Nash talked to AS' David Alonso about his journey with Mallorca ahead of the second semi-final where they face Real Madrid.
-This must be a proud moment for you
-Yes, I am really excited, especially for the players and the fans. It is a great achievement to be able to play at the Super Cup and the players have earned it with their hard work last season.
-You took over at Mallorca with the team in 2ªB (third tier). Is being in Jeddah for the Super Cup seem like a dream?
-Reaching the final of the Copa del Rey last year was already like a dream. The resilience that the team showed throughout the competition made us feel extremely proud. Being able to experience that match in person in Seville was an incredible experience, even despite the defeat.
-When you joined Mallorca as as co-owner you said it was a long-term project. Are expectations being exceeded?
-The club has experienced great growth since we arrived and obviously being in LaLiga and doing well is the most important thing. Off the field we’ve taken important steps too in terms of infrastructure and with the modernisation of the stadium, which are essential for the future.
-Is it crazy to think about the Champions League in the short term?
-The achievement of being in the Saudi Super Cup already shows that everything is possible, but we must be clear and remember that everything we have achieved so far is based on discipline and honesty.
-Girona have already show the way...
-It’s a great story, but it’s a different club to ours and with different circumstances. Being part of the City group has allowed them to share some resources and that is a path that we will not be able to emulate.
-What options do you see in the game against Madrid?
-Real Madrid are masters of this type of tournament and are packed with global stars. We’ll have to be at our best and work hard and have enough confidence to have a chance. Football is unpredictable I believe and trust in the personality of our team.
-Do you also have a soft spot for Madrid or Barça?
-I’m a Mallorca fan! I’m not a fan of either of them, but I admire their history and their achievements. Both have had incredible teams over the last 25 years. I’ve always followed soccer since a child and recognise that Barça under Guardiola, were an inspiration.
-So what is your second team?
-My father has always been a Tottenham fan and I have been a Spurs fan all my life. It’s in my blood. I have been to White Hart Lane many times and I loved the atmosphere there.
-Did you play football?
-Yes. It was my first sport and goal was my first word when I was still a baby. My father was born in London and managed to play at a semi-professional level. I have always loved it, but I stopped when I was 13, when I chose basketball.
-Who would you say is the MJ (Jordan) of soccer football?
-In my opinion, Messi is the Michael Jordan of football. I think he is the best of all time.
-Which Madrid player would you like to see sit this game out?
-It’s a difficult question. I know that Mbappé hasn’t had the start that many expected, but his quality is unquestionable. Vinicius is a top player and Bellingham is a match-winner. I also love Modric, who always plays calmly and is ready to make a difference whether he’s a starter or coming off the bench. In short, it’s hard for me to choose, I’d say most of them.
-What are the differences between the NBA and LaLiga?
-Obviously, the promotion and relegation system, the player selection draft and the salary cap. Both are top competitions at international level, but these parameters make them completely different.
-Is football in Spain more passionate than the NBA in the USA?
-They are different forms of support. In Spain there are clubs that have been around for over a hundred years and have a strong following among fans. In the NBA, in general, there is less tradition in this regard, but I would also say that the competitive landscape is very different.
In Spain, soccer is the undisputed king of sports, and in the United States it is divided between basketball, baseball, American football, ice hockey and soccer itself. I would say that traditions are more deeply rooted in Spain.
In addition, the phenomenon of fans travelling with their teams, so common in their country, is not very common in American culture due to the long distances and the high volume of regular season games we have.
-Do you watch more football or basketball on television?
-I watch a lot more football than basketball. At least until the NBA playoffs come around.
-You have been a football commentator and analyst. Who will win the Super Cup?
-Mallorca, of course.
-What is your future ambition with the club?
-Dreaming big is nice, imagining Mallorca playing in the Champions League or winning competitions would be great.
However, the priority is for the club to be financially sustainable and that means staying in LaLiga. We want the fans to feel proud of their team and the club. We will continue to improve the infrastructure and evolve. Long live Mallorca!
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