Phoenix Suns’ veteran Steve Nash not concerned about fitness – NBA Update
Phoenix Suns star point guard Steve Nash has denied that his fitness, specially his oft troubled back, is an issue for the veteran. A recent report in the New York Post had suggested that Nash could be calling quits on an illustrious career soon as his back
continues to ache and trouble the long-time Phoenix point guard.
Nash however has categorically denied any such development. The veteran, who is one of the oldest active players in the NBA, has said that his back feels fine and there is no need for the Suns or his fans to worry.
The Suns have rested Nash in some games this season but injuries have not really been an issue. The player only experienced some discomfort recently in a meeting against the San Antonio Spurs.
"It's been my best year physically from start to finish in a long time," Nash said. "Other than a little tweak (last week) against San Antonio, my back's been pretty close to 100 percent."
Nash has also indicated that he does not intend to retire after this season. The experienced playmaker will be out of contract when the season ends, and the Suns will be desperate to hang onto him. However, Steve has a lingering lust for the NBA World Championship,
something which has escaped his clutches in his long career.
Therefore, he has hinted that he might not renew with the Suns, instead, he could sign a 3-year contract, which would take him past 40 and would probably be his last, with a team in a better position to challenge for the NBA World Championship.
Miami Heat are one such franchise that have been touted as a possible destination for the veteran. He does, however, not want to focus on that at the moment, instead directing his attention at the Suns and helping them play better.
Some people have questioned whether Nash is as effective as in years gone by, with his point’s production having come down. Steve though believes that is only because of the extra attention he faces from opposition defences, who don’t really have a quality
threat on the Suns roster to focus on apart from him, which is behind the dip in numbers.
"Maybe I could be more aggressive looking for my shot, but every team we play traps me (frequently) or (jumps) out hard at me on the pick-and-roll," Nash said. "So my thinking is, 'Get it out of my hands as fast as possible and it's four on three or three
on two for my teammates.' It seems to be working. We've been playing a lot better (since the All-Star break). I'm not just going to be forcing up shots to improve my numbers."
Even with his production somewhat stifled, Nash is the most valuable asset Phoenix currently posses.
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