Eighteen years ago, an unknown Canadian from Santa Clara University was drafted 15th overall in the NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. Steve Nash garnered the eyes of NBA scouts after a solid career in college. Nash led Santa Clara to three NCAA Tournament appearances, and he was also named as the West Coast Conference Player of the Year twice, averaging 14.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 30 minutes of play per game.
Fast-forward to his NBA career, Nash went on to struggle playing behind the shadows of star court generals Kevin Johnson and Jason Kidd. He managed to log in 3.3 points and 2.1 rebounds in just 10 minutes per game. After his first two seasons with Phoenix, Nash was immediately shipped to Dallas in exchange for Bubba Wells and the draft rights to Pat Garrity. Nash established himself as a a daunting court general. Nash went on to averaged 14.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in six seasons while playing for Dallas. Despite his wonderful play in Dallas, the Mavericks failed to reach playoff success.
The prodigal son returned to Phoenix during the summer of 2004, joining a team loaded with superstars namely, Amar'e Stoudemire, Shawn Marion, and Joe Johnson. Steve Nash won the 2004-2005 Most Valuable Player Award, averaging 15.5 points and 11.5 assists per game. The Suns went on to grab the league's best record, 62-20, but vowed out in the Western Conference Finals against the eventual champions, the San Antonio Spurs. Despite the loss of Joe Johnson and Quentin Richardson the following year, the Suns won 58 games, and Nash secured his second straight MVP award. Nash went on to lead the Suns into the playoffs for next two years. After missing the playoffs in the 2008-2009 season, Nash and the Suns came back the year after but lost against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Conference Finals. The Phoenix Suns missed the playoffs for the next two seasons, and Steve was on the move again. On the solstice of 2012, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Steve Nash in a sign-and-trade deal with Phoenix. Nash went on to suffer numerous setbacks with the Lakers but despite the hindrances he encountered, Nash averaged respectable numbers while playing for the City Of Angels.
The old man is suffering another major setback that will take a while to heal. A once great player has got to the point where his body is simply knocking out. Despite his desire to play ball, retirement has to be the next step for Steve Nash. Let us hope that the star point guard makes the right decision for himself. Steve Nash deserves to end his career on a high note but right now it looks like it may never happen. The player, who once captured the wide imagination of fans with his silky-smooth shooting and passing, has his glory days behind him.