Battle of point guards - Steve Nash vs. Jason Kidd - NBA Feature
Point guard is arguably one of the most important roles in the game of basketball. Basically the game runs through a point guard and every team tries to pitch in their best assets there.
In contemporary times Derrick Rose and Chris Paul have emerged as the best but that doesn’t mean one can overlook the greatness of veterans Steve Nash and Jason Kidd, the duo which have been there since the early 90’s.
The attributes associated with a good point guard encompasses good ball handling skills along with extraordinary passing abilities, effective parametre shooting and above all great leadership. Both Nask and Kidd are personifications of those traits.
Nash, the Phoenix Suns talisman, has been subjected to diversified opinions over the years. Some reckon him as best to never win the NBA title, while others credit the offensive system at Phoenix for his sizeable resume. Being awarded as an NBA MVP twice, Nash is also reckoned as one of the top players in NBA history for 3-point shooting, free throws shooting and assists per game.
Similarly Kidd has also had his share of criticism and adulation over the stretch of 17 years. He led his former team New Jersey Nets to 2 consecutive NBA finals appearances, but only managed to bank the NBA championship last year with the Dallas Mavericks. He is deadly when it comes to collecting court vision and is a class in himself.
Nash is unanimously reckoned as the best ball handler, being a ball handler requires one to bring the ball down the court and take care of it. The 38 year old averages 3.6 turnovers per game in this season and 2.9 in his career. On the other hand Kidd averages 1.9 in this season and 3.0 in his career.
Nash average 11.3 assists in this season and enjoys an average of 8.6 assists per game in his career. While Kidd who is a bit off colour this season, averaging 5.2 dimes, enjoys an upper hand at 9.0 career assists. Nash has more finesse than Kidd and is a better shooter.
The desert city swingman is averaging 12.8 in this season while 14.5 in his career. On the contrary 39 year old Mavericks point guard is scoring 5.9 points per game in this season while averaging 13.0 for the career.
Kidd however holds the edge on the boards. Jason is averaging 4.0 rebounds per game in this season while he holds an average of 6.4 rebounds in his career. Nash has averaged 3.1 in this season and 3.0 in his career.
Comparing the two playing legends is a difficult preposition. Both veterans are unique in their own ways and it has been becasue of their effort that the league that we know today is called a point guard's league. However, based on the impact Steve Nash has had on the evolution of the role that a PG plays, one has to side with the Suns geat.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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