Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Top-ten free agent signings in Phoenix Suns history

By Adam Maynes

PHOENIX - DECEMBER 3: Steve Nash #13 and Quentin Richardson #3 of the Phoenix Suns talk during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 3, 2004 at America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. The Timberwolves won 97-93. 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 Licence Agreement. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX - DECEMBER 3: Steve Nash #13 and Quentin Richardson #3 of the Phoenix Suns talk during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 3, 2004 at America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. The Timberwolves won 97-93. 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 Licence Agreement. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX – APRIL 16: Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns is on the court during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 16, 2005 at America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns won 116-98. 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 2005 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX – APRIL 16: Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns is on the court during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 16, 2005 at America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns won 116-98. 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 2005 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Steve Nash

(77.2 WS / .181 WS per-48)

If you thought that there was a chance anyone else might end up at the end of this list, then you must be too young  to remember Steve Nash, and the incredible second stint he had with the Phoenix Suns.

Originally drafted by Phoenix, Nash was shipped off to Dallas after his second season, where he would spend he following six seasons that included two All-Star appearances.

But approaching the age of 30, and believed to be breaking down by Dallas Owner Mark Cuban, Nash was allowed to sign elsewhere, and when the Suns couldn’t land either Kobe Bryant or Tracy McGrady, they turned their attention to the long-haired point guard, and hitched their horse to his wagon.

Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns /

Phoenix Suns

The pairing up of Nash and Head Coach Mike D’Antoni was a match made in heaven. D’Antoni’s seven seconds or less approach, which even sped up the run-and-gun style that Phoenix had long been known for, took the idea that Nash was a good player, and made him a great  one.

Winning two consecutive MVP’s in his first two seasons with Phoenix, and catapulting a team that wasn’t expected to make the playoffs in 2005 into the team with the best record in the league, Nash led the Suns to two consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances.

Along with the two MVP’s, his second stint included six All-Star games, three All-NBA First Team and two All-NBA Second Team honors. He would lead the league in assists six times, free throw percentage three times (with the greatest career percentage in league history, 90.4%), true shooting percentage twice, while shooting an incredible 43.7% from 3-point range, including two seasons that still stand as two of the top-ten best 3-point shooting seasons in club history, his 47.0% in 2007-08 being his personal best.

Next: Top-15 best draft picks in Phoenix Suns history

Nash’s accolades go on and on, but one in particular speaks for itself: like Grant Hill, had Nash not come to Phoenix, there is a chance that his career does not end with him a Hall of Famer. Unlike Hill who was truly great in Detroit well before coming to Phoenix, it was Nash’s second Suns stint (which began at the age of 30) that skyrocketed his career as being one of the greatest of all-time.

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