The great Phoenix Suns’ point guard, Steve Nash, is turning 44 years old today.
His career in Arizona will never be forgotten, but here’s a reminder of just how amazing #13’s NBA career was:
Phoenix Suns
Nashty was drafted by the Suns in 1996 with the 15th overall pick in the NBA Draft. After two seasons in the Valley, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks where he proved himself to be a star alongside Dirk Nowitzki. In 2003, the Mavs rolled to the Western Conference Finals, but fell to the San Antonio Spurs in six games.
The next season, a contract year for Nash, the team took a first round exit in the playoffs. Dallas’ front office was reluctant to sign the then 30-year-old to a long term deal, and in the end, was outbid by the Suns.
Gigantic Noonan by the Mavs.
Nash signed a six-year, $63 million dollar deal to return to the team that he was drafted to, and the rest is history. It was here that the Floor General’s career took flight.
In his first year back with the Suns, during the 04-05 season, Nash put up 15.5 points on 50.2% shooting from the field and 43.1% from long-range, a league-leading 11.5 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game. His performance for the season earned him MVP honors, and the Suns made a run to the Western Conference Finals where they were taken down by the Spurs. His playoff numbers were even more spectacular than his regular season stats: 23.9 points on .520/.389 splits, 11.3 assists, and 4.8 boards.
The stud would remain atop the league during the 05-06 season, where he was again named MVP of the league. He averaged a career best 18.8 points, another league-leading 10.5 assists, and 4.2 glass grabs per game. The Suns gave another deep playoff effort, but were beaten by Nash’s former squad, the Dallas Mavericks. His playoff numbers were again, above and beyond brilliant: 20.4 points, 10.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per contest.
Nashty holds records and has received accolades from all around the world.
His number 11 is retired at Santa Clara University, where he spent four years and made multiple runs in March. He was named West Coast Conference’s Player of the Year two years in a row, and in his best season, averaged 20.9 points, 6.4 assists, 3.8 rebounds, shot 44.4% from the field, and a whopping 45.4% from behind the arc. He’s the University’s all-time leader in assists, free throw percentage, and three-pointers made. He currently sits third on the school’s all-time scorers list.
As far as NBA credentials, the list is quite lengthy:
2x MVP, both as a member of the Suns.
8x All-Star.
3x All-NBA First Team, all as a member of the Suns.
2x All-NBA Second Team.
2x All-NBA Third Team.
5x NBA Assist Leader, all as a member of the Suns (04-05 11.5/per, 05-06 10.5/per, 06-07 11.6/per, 09-10 11.0/per, 10-11 11.4/per).
Number 13 retired by the Suns.
To boot, he’s one of the most efficient shooters ever, having been a member of the 50-40-90 club four times. This exclusive membership is only given to those who shoot at least 50% from the field, 40% from three point range, and 90% from the free-throw line in a given season.
Nash also holds the NBA’s record for career free-throw percentage, at 90.4%. Yes, he’s the best free-throw shooter to ever step on an NBA court.
Next: The Great Attraction: The Phoenix Suns and Aaron Gordon
An absolute beauty.
So, here’s to a legend of the game; one of the best basketball players of all time; a Phoenix Sun to reckon with: Happy birthday to Steve Nash.