Steve Nash Speaks About Trades, Politics, & Playing for NY

I recently spent time in Phoenix with Steve Nash of the Suns.

Nash is a 6'2, white, non-dunking, Canadian. He may be the least physically gifted point guard in the NBA, yet he's a two-time Most Valuable Player. It's a result of relentless determination and being incredibly selfless. Nash would always rather pass the ball and see a teammate succeed than take a shot himself, a rarity in a profession full of inflated egos.

Nash's college basketball coach said he could have also gone pro in soccer, hockey, baseball, and possibly even golf.

When not playing sports, Nash is making films. He started his own production company and has already created two Nike commercials (youtube keywords: commercial # 1) Steve Nash Training Day commercial #2) Steve Nash 60 Million Dollar Man).

When he's not filming, he's participating in his charitable endeavors through the Steve Nash Foundation which works in the U.S, Canada, Paraguay, and now Africa. In a day in age where people commonly launch foundations for tax purposes or because it's the cool thing to do, it's far more than that to Nash. While he prefers specific stories remain private, Nash is credited with saving countless lives (www.stevenash.org).

Steve Nash is a smart, hard working, caring man. He's someone who embraces being a role model. Most importantly, he should be looked up to.

During a 45 minute NBC Sports television interview, Nash discussed a variety of topics with me ranging from the Suns recently trading his best friend, to the likelihood he'll play for the New York Knicks, to the art of playing his position, to filmmaking, to soccer, to his foundation, to politics, and more.

See video highlights below.

A Lesson in Life:

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New Ties to Phoenix:

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Art of Being a Point Guard:

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Life as a Jock:

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The Steve Nash Foundation:

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Steve Nash the Ballet Dancer:

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Graham Bensinger is an NBC Sports Correspondent. His website is www.GrahamBensinger.com. Email Graham at: [e-mail]

Comments

[devilyousay]

Steve Nash is a Canadian Icon, often refered to as the Captain Canada of basketball. However, for many, it is his charitable work that is important. I wish you'd spend more time talking about that instead of just linking to the foundation.

He also hasn't forgotten his roots

For instance, do you know he has a children's basketball league he supports in Vancouver?

[ThoughtAboutIt]

The NBA does not draft guards who are not physically gifted as the 15th player overall. Plenty of point guards in the NBA are not dunkers. They are not all white. I do not recall ever seeing Isiah Thomas dunk in 10+ NBA seasons.

Nash has less than HALF as many assists as another non-dunking guard (who also happens to be white) John Stockton. He is an exceptional talent but lets not deify his on court performance. He tends to be a defensive liability against half the starting point guards in the league.

This article reads like a Steve Nash commercial.

[castrochavez08]

Think back to 2003 in the run up to the Iraq war, not a liberal to be found anywhere.

Steve Nash was playing in Dallas of all places, and he was against the war, openly.
He wore an anti-war shirt to the all-star game and never ducked questions on the topic and when everyone else was beating the war drums, Nash spoke up for peace.

Nice post Mr. Bensinger.

[BIGPREZY]

As a NBA Basketball fan I enjoy reading about the good things players in the league do. And this was a very good article. I understand the juxtaposition in the 1st paragraph is to give the article more kick.. But to infer or imply that Steve Nash does not have the athletic prowess of some of the black players is incorrect. Steve Nash is mad quick off the dribble and very fast on the floor. To play point guard in the NBA and a 2 time MVP he would not have made it out of Canada if he did not have superior athletic skills. Does he get by on his smarts...sure, but is he smarter than any other point guards ? ...No. There are a lot of Guys sitting at home watching him that are way more intelligent, but lacked his athletic talents... I know its hard to let go of old stereo types. You know what I mean. White man can't jump. Black guys can't play Quarterback. (I betcha if you check with Nash he can dunk LOL) But its time...to let them go. I loved your article, and keep writing, but find other ways to show such contrast .