Phoenix Suns veteran Steve Nash still not past his prime - NBA Update
Phoenix Suns star Steve Nash is 38 years old and naturally not as active as he used to be in his salad days. However, his skills even at this age are completely intact.
Nash, who has led the league in assists 5 out of 7 times in his last seven seasons, is looking to make it six out of eight, as he is again leading in assists this shortened season.
Nash scored 12 points, grabbed 7 boards and dished out 11 assists on Monday in Suns successful outing against the Washington Wizards. His outstanding display not only earned him praise from his teammates and the coach, but from
other contempraries as well.
"He's doing exactly what he's been doing his whole career, which is playing at a high level; he's a model of what a point guard is. He leads that charge. It's pretty remarkable that he's doing it at this age, but he works so hard
that it's not all that surprising." Said Warriors Stephen Curry, who won the All-Star skill's challenge while competing against Nash last season.
Nash, who is playing his 16th season, at one time did not look like making it to more than 5 seasons even, after he was diagnosed with a back problem. However, the veteran did not give up and worked hard on his fitness
throughout and even now, he is one of the fittest players in the league.
Warriors coach Mark Jackson also showered praises on Nash.
"He has taken care of his body, which takes a beating in pick-and-roll basketball," said Mark " People are trapping and trying to be physical with him, so it's amazing what he's doing. It looks like there's no end to it."
Nash recently revealed that he wishes to play till 40 and looking at his fitness at the moment, it looks like he will easily make it. He is also nearing a milestone this season.
If he finishes with an average of 11 assists this season, he would become the third player in the history of the NBA, after the legendary Magic Johnson and John Stockton, to average 11 assists for three consecutive seasons.
However, milestones and accolades do not matter much to him anymore as he already has loads to his name. He is just playing because of his love for the game and the loyalty to his team; the Suns.
He is definitely a future hall of famer and basketball will miss him when he retires.