Are the Lakers the new elite team out West with the addition
of Two Time Most Valuable Player Steve Nash?
Just over 5 years ago, I'll be honest, I wasn't exactly Steve Nash's biggest fan. Nash capturing the MVP in the 2005-06 season put me in anger, to say the least. Sure Nash had a great seaon, leading a high octane Suns team to the second overall seed in the Western Conference playoffs... but did anyone forget about Kobe Bryant's 35.4 ppg campaign? He scored 81 points against Toronto and didn't get the nod for MVP? He took the likes of Smush Parker, Chris Mihm, Luke Walton, and Kwame Brown all to the playoffs... that deserves an award of its own. To a 12 year old kid who bled Purple & Yellow, let's just say that I wasn't too fond of Nash... until I learned to appreciate how unique of a player he was.
Just over 5 years ago, I'll be honest, I wasn't exactly Steve Nash's biggest fan. Nash capturing the MVP in the 2005-06 season put me in anger, to say the least. Sure Nash had a great seaon, leading a high octane Suns team to the second overall seed in the Western Conference playoffs... but did anyone forget about Kobe Bryant's 35.4 ppg campaign? He scored 81 points against Toronto and didn't get the nod for MVP? He took the likes of Smush Parker, Chris Mihm, Luke Walton, and Kwame Brown all to the playoffs... that deserves an award of its own. To a 12 year old kid who bled Purple & Yellow, let's just say that I wasn't too fond of Nash... until I learned to appreciate how unique of a player he was.
An elite point guard who passes first, shoots second. A distinction that is thrown around much too often in today's NBA. Right now two names come to mind when I think of that label: Rajon Rondo, Steve Nash. These two, and it should come as no surprise, were the top two assist men in the league this past season. While Rondo is a younger, quicker player with an incredible 6'9" wingspan, Nash, even at age 38 can still effect the game just about as much as any NBA Point Guard. Despite his age, Nash's coordination, court awareness, and ability to execute in Pick & Roll situations make him not only an asset on any NBA roster, but a superstar on any team. Nash being a member of the Los Angeles Lakers will be no exception. There are a few questions that will be floating around throughout the next few weeks:
1). How will Nash & Kobe coalesce?
A: It shouldn't be a problem. "Stevie Boy" brings a positive attitude to any locker room. Also, him being a pass first Point Guard will help... no need to worry about egos clashing here.
2). At this stage of his career, what kind of style benefits Nash more: a half-court, slow down game or an up tempo, 1990 Loyola Marymount type of style?
A: Both. Even with his age progressing, #13 can control the tempo. Although he can't get up and down as easily as he used to, his Basketball I.Q. will give the Lakers baskets at times when Nash's age starts to show. In the half court, his Pick & Roll opportunities are unlimited. Bynum, Gasol, and even Bryant will start to see the baskets come much easier. If Nash gets into the middle of a defense... the two points (or even three) are pretty much guaranteed.
3) What would some of the red flags be by having Steve Nash as your new point guard?
A: Injuries. Any 38 year old man would laugh in your face if you ever told them to play 82 games (and most likely more with the Lakers). Although Steve Nash is obviously in great shape, he may take a bit longer to recover from even the smallest of injuries.
