Canadian media rips Steve Nash for not playing in FIBA Americas: NBA Update
NBA and Phoenix Suns star Steve Nash is facing some harsh criticism by the Canadian media for not playing for his country in 2011 FIBA Americas Championships. The Canadian basketball team failed to qualify for the next summer Olympics after Panama defeated them 91-89 in the last game of the second round.
This ended a spirited run by the Canadian team in the championship, which saw them lose some thrillers. Canada’s super effort in the tourney has turned some head and fuelled by the felling of what could have been, the Canadian media has lashed onto Steve Nash and his decision of not representing Canada at the FIBA tournament.
The outrage of the Canadian media does have its basis. In a tournament which was dominated by NBA players like Manu Ginobili, Los Scola and Al Horford, if Nash would have been there, the outcome of the Canada’s national basketball team would have been different. The 37-year-old point guard has not played for the Canada since 2004. Since then the Canadians have made three futile attempts to qualify for the Olympics, the latest being the closest by far.
The loss against Panama did not just end the Canadian push toward a place in the pre-Olympics qualifying round, but also forced an end to the reign of head coach Leo Rautins, who decided to resign from his job.
Later, Rautins talking to the media via a conference call explained the factors which led him to take the decision.
“A lot of good things have happened unless you’re close to this program you’re not going to see, to continue the things that need to be done, I’ve made a decision that this team needs a new voice in the locker room. I think it’s time, I’ve gotten a great deal of support from within the organization, I think the players have given me everything I’ve asked. For the benefit of this program going forward, a new voice in the locker room will be the best thing.”
Steve Nash has not issued any statement yet on the matter. The superstar, who made his way into the league in 1996 when the Phoenix Suns selected him 15th overall in the first round of draft, has over the years established himself as one of the most talented point guard ever to grace the league. In his career, the prolific swingman has won NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award two times and has been named seven times as an NBA All-Star so far.
Nash has been a leader on the court throughout his career, and his experience and vision could have helped Canada take home some crucial games. However, having said that, it is also true that the veteran guard doesn’t have the legs to take the burden of the NBA season and international commitments and if he made a informed decision of his absence, that should be respected.
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