Steve Nash

Lore & Background

Nash grew up playing several sports, and after a successful high school basketball career in British Columbia, earned a scholarship to Santa Clara University in California. In his four seasons with the Broncos, the team appeared in three NCAA tournaments, and he was twice named the West Coast Conference Player of the Year. Nash graduated from Santa Clara as the team's all-time leader in assists. He was taken as the 15th pick in the 1996 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns, but had little impact and was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 1998.

By his fourth season with the Mavericks, he was voted to his first NBA All-Star Game and earned his first All-NBA selection. The following season, Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, and Michael Finley led the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals. He became a free agent after the and returned to the Phoenix Suns. In the , Nash led the Suns to the Western Conference finals and was named the league's MVP.

He was named MVP again in the and was runner-up for a third consecutive MVP to Nowitzki in 2006–07. At various points in his career, Nash led the league in assists and free throw percentage.

Reader's Guide

In Dallas, Nash established himself as a formidable point guard, beginning a decade as one of the game's top players. Prior to the start of the season, which had been pushed back due to the lockout, Nash signed a six-year, $33 million extension, which carried a player option following the fifth season. During his first year as a Maverick, he started in all 40 games he played in, and averaged 7.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. The 19–31 Mavericks failed to make the 1999 playoffs, but in the 1999–2000 season, the team's prospects improved considerably.

Nash missed 25 mid-season games due to an ankle injury, but came back to record six double-doubles in the last month of play. He finished the season with averages of 8.6 points and 4.9 assists per game. More importantly for the team, second-year teammate and friend Dirk Nowitzki was blossoming quickly into a top player, veteran Michael Finley was having an All-Star-calibre year, and the team's new owner, billionaire Mark Cuban, was bringing new energy and excitement.

Did You Know?

• Nash was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and moved to Canada at 18 months old.
• He did not start playing basketball until he was 12 or 13 years old.
• Nash was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2007 and invested in 2016.
• He has been a co-owner of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC since 2011.
• Nash was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

Steve Nash's Breakthrough Selection

In the 2001–02 season, Steve Nash earned his first NBA All-Star selection while playing for the Dallas Mavericks. He also secured a spot on the All-NBA Third Team that same year. This recognition came after he posted career-high averages of 17.9 points and 7.7 assists per game. His performance helped lead the Mavericks to their best record in years, solidifying his status as one of the league's top point guards.

Performance at All-Star Weekend

It only confirms his selection to the game roster and the All-NBA Third Team.

Team Dynamics and Roster Changes

During the 2001–02 season, the Mavericks' roster was defined by the synergy between Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, and Michael Finley. This trio led the team to significant success, including a playoff berth and a spot in the Western Conference Finals. The source notes that this group formed the core of the team's identity during this period, with Nash playing a central role in orchestrating the offense.