I remember watching this scrawny-looking point guard in 1998 from Reunion Arena, as a chorus of boos rained down from the rafters. The young buck leading the inept Dallas team was Mr. Nash, who went on to shoot only 36% that season.
Nash had so many reasons not to be an NBA starter, much less a superstar. In high school, he nearly averaged a triple double, but that was at a private boarding school in Canada. In college, he had a fine career but not jaw-dropping statistics, and he went to Santa Clara, whose basketball team hadn't been relevant since the late '60s. After his junior season at Santa Clara, he decided against going pro, as a first round draft spot seemed minute. He proved that to be a wise decision, having a solid senior campaign and getting drafted in the first round by the Phoenix Suns, albeit to a slew of boos by Suns fans on draft day.
Very few knew who he was, and even fewer could predict what was about to ensue. Just five years into his pro career, the affectionately nicknamed "Hair Canada" player became an NBA all-star and a first-team All-NBA selection for the first time. Then, the summer of 2004 struck, one of the darker off-seasons of my sports life. I can't blame Nash for heading back to the Valley of the Sun, though, as it seems apparent that Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson took his suspected return for granted.
In the next two years, Nash would win back-to-back MVPs and lead the Suns to the Western Conference Finals. He nearly won a 3rd straight MVP, but his best buddy and former running mate in Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki, claimed the title. The two would go on to have an exciting rivalry, but it was one that Mavericks fans like myself just couldn't embrace.
Flash forward to Dallas winning it all in 2011. There is no doubt I was feeling ecstatic and beside myself. However, as the excitement began to waver, ever so slightly, in the coming weeks, something felt off. It was that Nash was not a part of the championship.
People ask me what I loved so much about Nash, a player who was with the Mavs for only about 1/3 of his NBA career. If I could put it into four words, it would be work ethic, will and wisdom. Nash didn't have the innate talent of most NBA players. He couldn't jump out of the gym, or get an easy bucket like most stars. The truth is, he battled through back injuries his whole career, and did so against many bigger, stronger players. But, the wisdom that emerged through his vision, the work ethic to outperform those with more innate talent and the will to play through any injury or setback makes him truly my favorite Maverick.
As the news recently broke that he will miss this season and possibly enter retirement, I found myself feeling bad for Nash, not being able to end on his own terms. But, then I remembered who Nash is as a player and a person, and that should be his legacy. To me, he was the Derek Jeter of basketball, without the rings. The way he conducted himself on and off the court, keeping his private life private and being so consistent, were eerily reminiscent of Jeter. There's a reason he was named by Time as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. His passion for the game, his vision, his skills and his charisma were infectious for fans, and will never be forgotten.
Whether or not he comes back for one more run, it's okay that he never won a title. He will always be remembered for his warrior spirit, underdog mentality and professionalism. Thank you for giving us everything you had on every night, and for leaving the game a better place.
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