Last week, Phoenix Sun’s fans collectively had a sigh of relief when Steve Nash agreed to extend his current contract in a 2-year $22 million dollar deal. This deal however does not have a no-trade clause, but basically insures Steve Nash will retire a Phoenix Sun as he should. Nash will be 38 at the end of his contract which includes the team option for $13 million that was exercised. Suns management is taking a degree of risk here due to the fact a players contract is uninsurable after the age of 36. However, anyone would be hard-pressed even at this stage in his career to find 5 point guards that are better than Steve Nash. In terms of salary this a relative bargain for the heart and soul of the team. Suns management is well aware that there is a significant contingent of Suns fans that come to games simply to watch Steve Nash play.

Steve Nash will also serve as a mentor to Goran Dragic. I believe it is the Suns management’s idea to turn Goran Dragic into a left-handed Steve Nash over time. This skill was evidenced by Dragic in the last 2 summer games where he ran an up-tempo style similar to what Nash is known for.

Beyond the basketball court, Nash is an excellent figure head for the team as a whole. Nash never shows up in the news for criminal violations or relationship drama. To the contrary, Nash is a strong proponent for the “Green” movement; partnering with local power company APS to promote solar energy solutions. In addition, Nash has opened two gyms that are eco-friendly and created the Steve Nash Foundation the Foundation aims to foster health in kids by funding projects that provide services to children affected by poverty, illness, abuse, or neglect, and create opportunity for education, play, and empowerment. It focuses its resources on communities in Phoenix, Arizona, and British Columbia, Canada. It was given charitable status in 2004. This foundation was awarded the Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy in 2008. Nash is also a family man as well, marrying his long time girlfriend in 2005. They also have 2 twin girls together.

In this upcoming year, Nash will have the benefit of an up-tempo style ran by Alvin Gentry and a healthy Amare Stoudemire to run the pick and roll with. In addition, Nash will have more driving lanes to penetrate and dish to 3-point shooters now that The Big Cactus, was able to unroot himself from the lane in Phoenix and get transplanted into Cleveland. If Nash stays healthy this season, one can basically mark him down for 10-12 assists a night and 15-17 points a game. Not too bad for a 35 year old!

Below is a link to the Steve Nash Foundation:

https://stevenash.org/