Photo Credit: NBA.com
It has been tough to watch the ending of Steve Nash’s career. The one time MVP has looked like a shell of his younger self, and that’s if he is healthy enough to play. It was announced earlier today that Nash would be out for the entire upcoming season due to a back injury. At age 40, it may be the end of his Hall of Fame career.
Nash is in the final year of his three year deal with the Lakers and is owed alms $10 million this season. He will be an unrestricted free agent next season and coming off a serious back injury at age 40. I cannot imagine many teams that will be very interested. Nash has underwhelmed as a member of the Lakers, having only played in 65 games since joining the team.
When talking about about having to sit out this season, Nash sounded as optimistic as he could without sounding unrealistic. “Being on the court this season has been my top priority, and it is disappointing to not be able to do that right now. I work very hard to stay healthy, and unfortunately my recent setback makes performing at full capacity difficult. I will continue to support my team during this period of rest and will focus on my long-term health.”
There is no denying that Nash is one of the best point guards the NBA has ever seen. His impact can be seen on current players, including Warriors point guard Steph Curry. “You hate to see that career end like that, but I’m sure he’s happy with how things turned out after Santa Clara. It’s a pretty impressive resume and definitely a first-ballot Hall of Famer, a guy that we all benefitted from watching him play and playing against him,” he said when he found about Nash’s injury.
Nash has not publicly stated any retirement plans, but it is looking more and more likely. It is highly unlikely the Lakers resign Nash. The Lakers need to get younger and prepare for life after Kobe Bryant. Steve Nash is not in those plans. It is unlikely another team will try and see if Nash has anything left in the tank. It could be time for Steve Nash to teach a young point guard the seven second or less system!
Honestly, i could see nash trying to play another year or two. And unfortunately i could see Mitch Kupchack giving him another shot lol
That is the problem with the Lakers! They won’t admit they have no plan for life after Kobe. It is so sad to see Nash’s career end like this. He is so much better than his time in LA would indicate.