After 18 seasons, Canadian basketball star Steve Nash has announced his retirement. Here is a look at 10 highlights from his NBA career:
Drafted 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns in 1996
Nash was drafted 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 1996 NBA draft, after completing a sociology degree at Santa Clara University in California. Despite having the second best 3-point accuracy by a Suns rookie, his first stop in Phoenix was short-lived: Nash was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 1998.
Return to Phoenix
After spending six seasons in Dallas, Nash returned to Phoenix in 2004. With the addition of Nash's high-tempo style, the Suns turned around a dismal season. They finished with a league best record of 62-20 that season. Nash led the way with an average of 11.4 assists per game, and helped the Suns make it to the Western Conference Finals.
First Canadian to be named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player
In 2004-05, Nash began to cement his NBA legacy, and made Canadian history. He edged out Suns teammate Shaquille O'Neal to be named the NBA's Most Valuable Player, and in doing so, became the first Canadian to receive such honours. Nash followed up his stellar season with a repeat performance in 2005-06, where he again received MVP honours.
2005 Lou Marsh recipient
On top of receiving the NBA's highest individual award, Nash was also given the highest achievement in Canadian sport when he was named the recipient of the Lou Marsh Award in 2005.
Eight-time NBA All-Star
Nash was a model of consistency throughout his career, and that was best exemplified by his eight All-Star selections. Nash was named a First Team All-Star from 2005-07; Second Team in 2008, 2010; Third team in 2002, 2003.
Nash’s nose
It is one of the most famous images in the basketball superstar's career: Nash getting his nose tended to after he collided with Tony Park of the San Antontio Spurs during the Western Conference semifinals in 2007. It wasn't the only time Nash's nose made headlines. He broke his nose during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals in 2010 and still managed to play Game 4.
Stellar career numbers
Back-to-back MVP awards helped establish Nash as an elite player, but his career statistics will cement his on-court legacy. Nash retires third in NBA history with 10,335 assists, and posted a career game-high of 23 against the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2007 Western Conference quarterfinals. He has the highest career free-throwing percentage in NBA history at 90.42 per cent, and he ranks ninth best in 3-point shooting at 42.8 per cent. He is a member of the rare, and informal, 50-40-90 Club, which refers to players who have a shooting percentage at or about 50 per cent for field goals, 40 per cent for 3-pointers, and 90 per cent for free throws during an NBA season.
Captain Canada: Leading Canada during the 2000 Summer Olympics
While other sports typically play second fiddle to hockey in Canada, Nash's role on the national team in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games helped propel him to national stardom, and garnered him the nickname 'Captain Canada.' Nash helped lead Team Canada to two stunning round robin victories against Spain and Yugoslavia.
Nash named general manager of Canada Basketball’s senior men’s national team
Nash continued his work on the international level in 2012, when he was named the general manager of Canada Basketball's senior men's national team. He took on the role even though he was still an active player in the NBA, and helped oversee a new generation of Canadian talent.
Off the court: Nash’s charity work
Nash is also well-known for his charity work off the court. Founded in 2001, the Steve Nash Foundation helps assist underserved children in their health, education, and personal development. Nash also sponsors the Steve Nash Youth Basketball League in British Columbia. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 2007, and received a star on Canada's Walk of Fame in 2008.
