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Steve Nash should be a first ballot Hall of Famer

By Assane Drame

OKLAHOMA CITY - DECEMBER 29: Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns goes to the basket against Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 29, 2008 at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY - DECEMBER 29: Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns goes to the basket against Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 29, 2008 at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Steve Nash, a 2018 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame candidate, is deserving to be a first ballot inductee.

Nash, a two-time NBA MVP, is a first-time Hall of Fame finalist along with former Suns Jason Kidd, Grant Hill, along with Ray Allen, Becky Hammon, and Tina Thompson.

Due to his credentials, there is no doubt that the Canadian Floor General should get in on the first ballot.

Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns /

Phoenix Suns

His on-court credentials are without question worthy of this honor, while his off-court credentials are as great as his court vision – he is a benevolent global ambassador of the game.

Nash has spent 15+ years in the league giving fans great memories with his world class point guard play. Helping bring a fun and revolutionizing element to the game which has in part led to the style of basketball you see today.

Now a look at the numbers.

Nash is 3rd all-time in career assists (10,335), the all-time leader in FT% (.90%), and is 9th all-time in 3P% (.42%). A league leader in assists per game for five different seasons, Nash was ranked in the top-10 every season from 2001-02 to 2011-12. Futhermore, he also ranked in the top-10 among regular season leaders in FT% (x12) and 3P% (x9). Nash also has four 50/40/90 seasons to his name.

Among his playoff numbers, Nash is 7th all-time in total assist with 1061, 9th all-time in assists per game with 8.8, and 7th all-time in FT% st a blistering .90%. Nash went to the postseason 12 times in his career, which also included seven with the Suns where in two of those seasons he reached the Western Conference Finals.

In addition to becoming a two-time MVP, Nash is an eight-time all-star and was selected as an all-NBA player seven times.

Off the court Nash is a recipient of the Walter Kennedy Citizenship award, an NBA award that recognizes the work of players who are active in providing great service in their community.

In addition, he has also received the Order of Canada, one of the highest honors in Canada.

In 2001 the Steve Nash Foundation was launched, a charity that helps underprivileged children excel in fitness, health, personal development, and education.

Nash’s charity also helped with numerous projects. It became a key backer in Educate Arizona, which donated over $800,000 to non-profits organizations in the British Columbia province, and contributed to opening two hospitals in Paraguay.

Next: A History of the Phoenix Suns on Christmas

In conclusion, Steve Nash means a lot to basketball fans as one of the greatest point guards of all-time. With that said, he means a lot to many people off the court. These acumens add up to a first ballot hall of famer.

Long live the run and gun.

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