Steve Nash sat down for an interview with ESPN's Rachel Nichols to discuss his hiring as the new head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.

Nash said he felt it was time for him to “step out and take a challenge” in his post-playing days. The two-time MVP also explained he asked Nets general manager Sean Marks to toss his name into the ring.

Steve Nash went on to give praise to Nets stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, both of whom likely loomed large during the hiring process.

Marks said Durant and Irving wanted a “communicator” to lead them into the future:

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When asked what Durant and Kyrie Irving suggested that they wanted in a coach, Marks told ESPN: “They wanted a great communicator. They wanted someone they would respect. … A lot of this relationship will be built off the court. A lot of what I know of Steve is as the ultimate communicator. That's what the guys asked for … a communicator … and that's what they got.”

Naturally, his long playing career as one of the smartest and most gifted distributors at the point guard position necessitated some communication. He will attempt to bring those leadership qualities to the Nets bench.

Nichols asked the Hall of Famer about the criticism with respect to his hiring, admitting he did “skip the line” over other, perhaps more qualified candidates. Nash said he will have to “own” those criticisms, though he also feels his status as the leader of a team is perhaps more unique than other head coaching situations.

In any case, Nash takes over a Nets team many will expect to contend for a title next season with Durant and Irving both healthy. Time will tell if he is up to the challenge.