View source for Steve Nash

{{Short description|Canadian basketball player and coach (born 1974)}}
{{other people|Stephen Nash}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=December 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox basketball biography
| name = Steve Nash<br />{{nobold|{{post-nominals|country=CAN|OC|OBC}}}}
| image = SteveNash2014.jpg
| image_size = 
| caption = Nash in 2014
| team = 
| position = 
| league = 
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1974|2|7|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Johannesburg]], South Africa
| nationality = Canadian
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 3
| weight_lb = 178
| weight_footnote = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://stats.nba.com/player/959/|title=Steve Nash|publisher=[[National Basketball Association]]|access-date=28 March 2020}}</ref>
| high_school = [[St. Michaels University School|St. Michaels]]<br/>([[Victoria, British Columbia]])
| college = [[Santa Clara Broncos men's basketball|Santa Clara]] (1992–1996)
| draft_year = 1996
| draft_round = 1
| draft_pick = 15
| draft_team = [[Phoenix Suns]]
| career_start = 1996
| career_end = 2015
| career_position = [[Point guard]]
| career_number = 13, 10
| coach_start = 2020
| coach_end = 2022
| years1 = {{nbay|1996|start}}–{{nbay|1997|end}}
| team1 = [[Phoenix Suns]]
| years2 = {{nbay|1998|start}}–{{nbay|2003|end}}
| team2 = [[Dallas Mavericks]]
| years3 = {{nbay|2004|start}}–{{nbay|2011|end}}
| team3 = Phoenix Suns
| years4 = {{nbay|2012|start}}–{{nbay|2014|end}}
| team4 = [[Los Angeles Lakers]]
| cyears1 = {{nbay|2020|start}}–{{nbay|2022|start}}
| cteam1 = [[Brooklyn Nets]]
| highlights = 
* 2× [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Most Valuable Player]] ({{nbay|2004|end}}, {{nbay|2005|end}})
* 8× [[NBA All-Star]] ({{nasg|2002}}, {{nasg|2003}}, {{nasg|2005}}–{{nasg|2008}}, {{nasg|2010}}, {{nasg|2012}})
* 3× [[All-NBA First Team]] ({{nbay|2004|end}}–{{nbay|2006|end}})
* 2× [[All-NBA Second Team]] ({{nbay|2007|end}}, {{nbay|2009|end}})
* 2× [[All-NBA Third Team]] ({{nbay|2001|end}}, {{nbay|2002|end}})
* 5× [[List of National Basketball Association annual assists leaders|NBA assists leader]] ({{nbay|2004|end}}–{{nbay|2006|end}}, {{nbay|2009|end}}, {{nbay|2010|end}})
* {{abbr|No.|Number}} 13 [[Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor|retired by Phoenix Suns]]
* [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team]]
* 2× [[FIBA AmeriCup Most Valuable Player|FIBA AmeriCup MVP]] ([[1999 Tournament of the Americas|1999]], [[2003 Tournament of the Americas|2003]])
* [[Lou Marsh Trophy]] (2005)
* 3× [[Lionel Conacher Award]] (2002, 2005, 2006)
* 2× [[West Coast Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year|WCC Player of the Year]] (1995, 1996)
* 2× First-team All-[[West Coast Conference|WCC]] (1995, 1996)
* {{abbr|No.|Number}} 11 [[Santa Clara Broncos men's basketball#Retired numbers|retired by Santa Clara Broncos]]
| stat1label = [[Point (basketball)|Points]]
| stat1value = 17,387 (14.3 ppg)
| stat2label = [[Rebound (basketball)|Rebounds]]
| stat2value = 3,642 (3.0 rpg)
| stat3label = [[Assist (basketball)|Assists]]
| stat3value = 10,335 (8.5 apg)
| HOF_player = steve-nash
| FIBA_HOF_player = Steve-Nash
| medaltemplates = 
{{MedalCountry| {{flagu|Canada}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[FIBA AmeriCup]]}}
{{MedalSilver| [[1999 Tournament of the Americas|1999 San Juan]] | [[Canada men's national basketball team|National team]]}}
{{MedalBronze| [[2001 Tournament of the Americas|2001 Neuquén]] | [[Canada men's national basketball team|National team]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Basketball at the Universiade|Universiade]]}}
{{MedalSilver| [[Basketball at the 1991 Summer Universiade|1991 Sheffield]] | [[Canada men's national basketball team|National team]]}}
{{MedalSilver| [[Basketball at the 1993 Summer Universiade|1993 Buffalo]] | [[Canada men's national basketball team|National team]]}}
}}
'''Stephen John Nash''' {{post-nominals|country=CAN|OC|OBC}} (born 7 February 1974) is a Canadian professional [[basketball]] coach and former player who most recently served as head coach of the [[Brooklyn Nets]] of the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA). He played 18 seasons in the NBA, where he was an eight-time [[NBA All-Star|All-Star]], a seven-time [[All-NBA]] selection, and a two-time [[NBA Most Valuable Player]]. He ranks as one of the top players in NBA history in career [[three-point field goal|three-point shooting]], free-throw shooting, total assists, and assists per game. In 2018, he was inducted into the [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]].

Nash grew up playing several sports, and after a successful [[high school]] basketball career in [[British Columbia]], earned a scholarship to [[Santa Clara University]] in California. In his four seasons with the [[Santa Clara Broncos men's basketball|Broncos]], the team appeared in three [[NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship|NCAA tournaments]], and he was twice named the [[West Coast Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year|West Coast Conference (WCC) Player of the Year]]. Nash graduated from Santa Clara as the team's all-time leader in [[assist (basketball)|assists]].

He was taken as the 15th pick in the [[1996 NBA draft]] by the [[Phoenix Suns]], but had little impact and was traded to the [[Dallas Mavericks]] in 1998. By his fourth season with the Mavericks, he was voted to his first [[NBA All-Star Game]] and earned his first [[All-NBA]] selection. The [[2002–03 NBA season|following season]], Nash, [[Dirk Nowitzki]], and [[Michael Finley]] led the Mavericks to the [[Western Conference (NBA)|Western Conference]] Finals. He became a [[free agent]] after the {{nbay|2003|app=season}} and returned to the Phoenix Suns. In the {{nbay|2004|app=season}}, Nash led the Suns to the Western Conference finals and was named the league's MVP. He was named MVP again in the {{nbay|2005|app=season}} and was runner-up for a third consecutive MVP to Nowitzki in [[2006–07 NBA season|2006–07]]. At various points in his career, Nash led the league in assists and [[free throw]] percentage.

Nash has been honoured for his contributions to various philanthropic causes. In 2006, [[Time (magazine)|''Time'']] named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Nash was appointed to the [[Order of Canada]] in 2007 and invested to the order in 2016, and was awarded an Honorary [[Doctor of Laws]] from the [[University of Victoria]] in 2008. Nash has been a co-owner of the [[Vancouver Whitecaps FC]] of [[Major League Soccer]] (MLS) since the team entered the league in 2011. From 2012 to 2019, he served as general manager of the [[Canada men's national basketball team|Canadian men's national basketball team]], for whom he played from 1991 to 2003, making one [[Basketball at the Summer Olympics|Olympic]] appearance and being twice named [[FIBA AmeriCup Most Valuable Player|FIBA AmeriCup MVP]]. In 2021, Nash was named to the [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team]].

==Early life==
Nash was born in [[Johannesburg]], South Africa, to a Welsh mother, Jean, and English father, John, on 7 February 1974.<ref>[https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20080101192548/http://www.gg.ca/media/doc.asp?lang=e&DocID=5252 Governor General Announces New Appointments to the Order of Canada], gg.ca. Retrieved 9 March 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.protocol.gov.bc.ca/protocol/news/BG-2006_OBC.pdf Stephen John Nash], protocol.gov.bc.ca. Retrieved 9 March 2008.</ref><ref name="foundation">[http://www.stevenash.org/html/about.html About Steve] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070127032041/http://www.stevenash.org/html/about.html |date=27 January 2007}}, stevenash.org. Retrieved 20 February 2008.</ref><ref name="jock"/> His family moved to [[Regina, Saskatchewan]], when he was 18 months old, before settling in [[Victoria, British Columbia]].<ref name=jock>[http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Nash/Nash_bio.html Steve Nash] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617182207/http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Nash/Nash_bio.html |date=17 June 2016}}, jockbio.com. Retrieved 6 March 2008.</ref> He holds British as well as Canadian citizenship. Before the family settled in Canada, his father played professional [[association football|soccer]] in various parts of the world.<ref name="jock"/> Nash often played soccer and [[ice hockey]] with his younger brother [[Martin Nash (soccer)|Martin]], and he did not start playing basketball until he was 12 or 13 years old;<ref name="hero">[http://www.nba.com/preview2007/journey_nash.html My Amazing Journey: Steve Nash], National Basketball Association. Retrieved 15 March 2008.</ref> he also played rugby and lacrosse.<ref>{{cite magazine |last= Jenkins|first=Lee |date=March 21, 2015 |title=The overflowing legacy of Steve Nash |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2015/03/21/steve-nash-retirement-legacy-lakers-suns-mavericks-santa-clara#gid=ci0255878b80072781&pid=steve-nash-MTY4MTg5NTE0MzIzMDExNDU3 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |location= |publisher= |access-date=March 17, 2024}}</ref> In grade eight, he told his mother that one day he would play in the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] and become a star.<ref name="jock"/> He was a neighbour to future [[National Hockey League|NHL]] stars [[Russ Courtnall|Russ]] and [[Geoff Courtnall]], who used to babysit him and played soccer coached by Nash's father.<ref name=canucks>{{cite web|url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=452150|title=A Class Act|publisher=Canucks.com|date=17 July 2007|access-date=23 March 2015|first=Jeff|last=Paterson}}</ref>

Nash originally attended [[Mount Douglas Secondary School]] in [[Saanich, British Columbia]], but after his grades began to drop, his parents decided to enroll him at [[St. Michaels University School]], a private school in [[Victoria, British Columbia|Victoria]].<ref name=kid/> There, he starred in basketball, soccer, and [[rugby union]]. While playing basketball during his senior season, Nash averaged 21.3 [[point (basketball)|points]], 11.2 [[assist (basketball)|assists]], and 9.1 [[rebound (basketball)|rebounds]] per game.<ref name="nashbio">[http://www.nba.com/playerfile/steve_nash/bio.html Steve Nash Bio Page] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070218160711/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/steve_nash/bio.html |date=18 February 2007}}, National Basketball Association. Retrieved 8 January 2008.</ref> In the 1991–92 season, he led his team in his final year to the British Columbia AAA provincial championship title, and was named the province's Player of the Year.<ref>Hyde-Lay, Ian, [http://www.smus.bc.ca/news_cal/review/050509nash.html Steve Nash – NBA MVP] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928025343/http://www.smus.bc.ca/news_cal/review/050509nash.html |date=28 September 2007}}, smus.bc.ca. Retrieved 24 July 2007.</ref>

==College career==
Although Nash's high school coach, [[Ian Hyde-Lay]], sent letters of inquiry and highlight reels to over 30 American universities, Nash was not recruited by any university,<ref name=jock/> until [[Santa Clara Broncos men's basketball|Santa Clara]] coach [[Dick Davey]] requested video footage of the young guard. After watching Nash in person, Davey said he "was nervous as hell just hoping that no one else would see him. It didn't take a [[Nobel Prize]] winner to figure out this guy's pretty good. It was just a case of hoping that none of the big names came around."<ref name=kid/> However, Davey also told Nash he was "the worst defensive player" he had ever seen.<ref name=kid/>

Nash was awarded a scholarship by Santa Clara for the [[1992–93 Santa Clara Broncos men's basketball team|1992–93 season]]. At the time, it had been five years since the Broncos appeared in the NCAA tournament. That changed when Nash led the Broncos to a [[West Coast Conference men's basketball tournament|WCC tournament]] title and an upset win over the {{abbr|No.|Number}} 2 seeded [[1992–93 Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team|Arizona]] in the first round of the [[NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament]].<ref name=jock/> In that game, Nash scored six straight [[free throw]]s in the last 30 seconds of the contest.<ref name=kid/> Although [[1992–93 Temple Owls men's basketball team|Temple]] defeated Santa Clara in the next round, the 1992–93 campaign was considered a successful one. However, the Broncos failed to sustain the momentum the following season and only managed a 5–7 record in the conference.<ref name=jock/> The team rebounded in the [[1994–95 Santa Clara Broncos men's basketball team|1994–95 season]], with Nash being named Conference Player of the Year and the Broncos topping the WCC.<ref name=jock/> Featuring the league leader for scoring and assists in Nash, the Broncos returned to the NCAA tournament, but [[1994–95 Mississippi State Bulldogs men's basketball team|Mississippi State]] defeated them.<ref name="jock" /> After the season, Nash contemplated turning professional and decided against it when he learned that he would probably not be considered as a first-round pick in the [[1995 NBA draft]].<ref name="jock"/>

{{Quote box|width=25%|align=left|quote=My heroes were [[Isiah Thomas]], [[Michael Jordan]], [[Magic Johnson]]. I think they were just so competitive and creative. Especially Isiah, he was somebody that wasn't very tall. He had played the game mostly on the floor and it made me feel that I could find a way to do the same.|source=—Steve Nash<ref name="hero"/>}}

In the [[1995–96 Santa Clara Broncos men's basketball team|1995–96 season]], Nash began attracting the attention of the national media and professional scouts. He had spent the previous summer honing his skills, playing with the [[Canada men's national basketball team|Canadian national team]] and working out with established NBA players [[Jason Kidd]] and [[Gary Payton]].<ref name="jock"/> Santa Clara again captured the WCC title, and for the second consecutive year, Nash was named Conference Player of the Year, the first Bronco to repeat since [[Kurt Rambis]].<ref name="nashbio"/> He scored 28 points in leading the No. 10 seed Broncos to a first-round upset win over No. 7 seed [[1995–96 Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team|Maryland]], but then the Broncos were eliminated by [[1995–96 Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team|Kansas]]. Nash's performances ensured that he earned an honourable mention [[All-America]] as a senior by [[The Associated Press]] and the [[USBWA]]. He also finished his career as Santa Clara's all-time leader in assists (510), free throw percentage (.862), and made and attempted [[three-pointer]]s (263–656).<ref name="nashbio"/> He remains third on the school's all-time scoring list (1,689) and holds Santa Clara's single-season free throw percentage record (.894).<ref name="nashbio"/> In September 2006, Nash's jersey {{Numero|11}} was retired, becoming the first Santa Clara student-athlete to receive that honour.<ref name="sant">{{cite web|url=http://www.scu.edu/news/releases/release.cfm?month=0906&story=Nash_PostConvocation|title=Former SCU Basketball Star Steve Nash Honored by Alma Mater|publisher=Santa Clara University|date=18 September 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002173927/http://www.scu.edu/news/releases/release.cfm?month=0906&story=Nash_PostConvocation|archive-date=2 October 2008}}</ref>

==Professional career==

===Phoenix Suns (1996–1998)===
After graduating with a degree in sociology,<ref name="kid"/> Nash was selected 15th overall by the [[1996–97 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix Suns]] in the first round of the [[1996 NBA draft]]. Upon hearing the draft announcement, Suns fans booed in disapproval of the relatively unknown player.<ref name="kid"/> This was because despite his impressive college accomplishments, Nash had not played in one of the [[BCS conference|major college conferences]]. A major influence in Phoenix's choice was assistant coach [[Donnie Nelson]], who met Nash back in high school as he was coached by Nelson's friend [[Ken Shields (basketball)|Ken Shields]], and would eventually befriend the player as he played in [[Santa Clara Broncos#Men's Basketball|Santa Clara]]. During his first two seasons in the NBA, Nash played a supporting role behind NBA star point guards [[Kevin Johnson (basketball)|Kevin Johnson]], [[Sam Cassell]], and later, [[Jason Kidd]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Dave Feschuk, Michael Grange|title=Steve Nash: The Unlikely Ascent of a Superstar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rMjHZtkUXBAC&pg=PT57|date=2013|publisher=Random House|isbn=9780307359490|pages=59–61}}</ref> Both Johnson and Cassell had [[NBA Finals]] experience, while Kidd was the second overall pick in the [[1994 NBA draft]] and already an All-Star when he arrived at Phoenix.

In his rookie season, Nash only managed 10.5 minutes a game,<ref name="nashstats"/> but in his second season, his playing time increased significantly and he was even ranked 13th in the league for three-point field-goal percentage.<ref name="jock"/> Nevertheless, the Canadian's tenure with the Suns did not last. Nelson had just taken a job as assistant general manager of the [[Dallas Mavericks]] under his father, [[Don Nelson]], and convinced him to acquire the under-utilised Nash.<ref>{{cite web|author=Price, Dwain|title=Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson is scoring big inside, outside NBA|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article60926657.html|date=17 February 2016|work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|access-date=26 May 2016}}</ref> Following the [[1998 NBA draft]], Nash was traded from the Suns to the Mavericks in exchange for [[Martin Müürsepp]], [[Bubba Wells]], the draft rights to [[Pat Garrity]] and a first-round draft pick (who later turned out to be future Phoenix teammate [[Shawn Marion]]).<ref>Basen (2007), p. 39</ref>

===Dallas Mavericks (1998–2004)===
It was in Dallas that Nash established himself as a formidable point guard, beginning a decade as one of the game's top players. During his first year as a Maverick (the [[lockout (industry)|lockout]]-shortened {{nbay|1998|app=season}}) he started in all 40 games he played in, and averaged 7.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.<ref name="nashstats">[http://www.nba.com/playerfile/steve_nash/career_stats.html Steve Nash Info Page – Career Stats and Totals] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217230601/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/steve_nash/career_stats.html |date=17 February 2007}}, National Basketball Association. Retrieved 22 September 2007.</ref> The 19–31 Mavericks failed to make the [[1999 NBA playoffs|1999 playoffs]], but in the [[1999–2000 NBA season|1999–2000 season]], the team's prospects improved considerably. Nash missed 25 mid-season games due to an ankle injury, but came back to record six [[double-double]]s in the last month of play.<ref name="nashbio"/> He finished the season with averages of 8.6 points and 4.9 assists per game.<ref name="nashstats"/> More importantly for the team, second-year teammate and friend [[Dirk Nowitzki]] was blossoming quickly into a top player, veteran [[Michael Finley]] was having an [[National Basketball Association All-Star Game|All-Star]]-calibre year, and the team's new owner, billionaire [[Mark Cuban]], was bringing new energy and excitement to the franchise. Nash now had a supportive environment in which he could thrive.

In the {{nbay|2000|app=season}}, Nash averaged 15.6 points and 7.3 assists per game in a breakout season.<ref name="nashstats"/> With Nash directing the team's offense, Nowitzki and Finley playing at their best, and the acquisition of All-Star [[Juwan Howard]] complementing the high-scoring trio, the Mavericks [[2001 NBA playoffs|earned a playoff berth]] for the first time in more than a decade. Dallas lost in the [[Western Conference (NBA)|Western Conference]] Semifinals four games to one to the [[2000–01 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio Spurs]], but it marked the beginning of a memorable run for Nash and the Mavericks.<ref>Associated Press. [http://www.nba.com/playoffs2001/semi/west1/recap_dal_sas_010514.html?nav=ArticleList Say Hello to Hollywood], National Basketball Association, 14 May 2001. Retrieved 22 September 2007.</ref> In the {{nbay|2001|app=season}}, Nash posted career-highs of 17.9 points and 7.7 assists per game<ref name="nashstats"/> and earned a spot in the [[NBA All-Star Game]] and on the [[All-NBA Third Team]].<ref name="bref">[https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/nashst01.html Steve Nash] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020124407/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/nashst01.html |date=20 October 2021}}, basketball-reference.com. Retrieved 22 September 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.nba.com/history/awards/20012002.html Postseason Awards – 2001–02] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324044947/http://www.nba.com/history/awards/20012002.html |date=24 March 2009}}, National Basketball Association/history. Retrieved 22 September 2007.</ref> He was now an All-Star, increasingly appearing in television commercials and, with Finley and Nowitzki, a part of the Dallas Mavericks "Big Three".<ref>[http://www.allposters.com/-sp/-Posters_i359298_.htm 2001–2002 Dallas Mavericks Big Three] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071114234145/http://www.allposters.com/-sp/-Posters_i359298_.htm |date=14 November 2007}}, allposters.com. Retrieved 12 January 2008.</ref> Dallas earned [[2002 NBA playoffs|another trip to the playoffs]] but lost again in the Semifinals to the [[2001–02 Sacramento Kings season|Sacramento Kings]] four games to one.<ref>''Ticker''. [http://www.nba.com/games/20020513/DALSAC/recap.html Sacramento Stampedes Into Conference finals], National Basketball Association, 13 May 2002. Retrieved 22 September 2007.</ref>

Nash closely replicated his previous season's performance in the {{nbay|2002|app=season}}, averaging 17.7 points and 7.3 assists per game,<ref name="nashstats"/> again earning All-Star and All-NBA Third Team honours.<ref name="bref"/><ref>[http://www.nba.com/history/awards/20022003.html Postseason Awards – 2002–03], National Basketball Association/history. Retrieved 22 September 2007.</ref> Nowitzki and Nash led the Mavericks from a 14-game winning streak to open the season all the way to the Western Conference finals, where they lost to the eventual NBA champions, the [[2002–03 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio Spurs]] four games to two.<ref>''Ticker''. [http://www.nba.com/games/20030529/SASDAL/recap.html Kerr Spurs San Antonio to Finals], National Basketball Association, 29 May 2003. Retrieved 22 September 2007.</ref> It was only the second Conference finals appearance in the franchise's history. The {{nbay|2003|app=season}} saw an offensively boosted Mavericks roster (with the acquisitions of [[Antoine Walker]] and [[Antawn Jamison]]) but a dip in Nash's scoring contributions. As a result, he was not selected for the All-Star and All-NBA team rosters even though he achieved new career highs in assists per game (8.8) and free throw accuracy (91.6%).<ref name="nashstats"/> In the [[2004 NBA playoffs|2004 playoffs]], the fifth-seeded Dallas failed to make progress yet again as the [[2003–04 Sacramento Kings season|Sacramento Kings]] saw them off four games to one.<ref>''Ticker''. [http://www.nba.com/games/20040429/DALSAC/recap.html Kings Dismiss Mavericks], National Basketball Association, 29 April 2004. Retrieved 22 September 2007.</ref>

After the 2003–04 season, Nash became a [[free agent]]. He attempted to negotiate a long-term contract with Cuban, who was paying Walker, Finley, Nowitzki and Jamison nearly $50 million in combined salaries that season. Cuban wanted to build his franchise around the younger Nowitzki and did not want to risk signing the 30-year-old Nash to a long-term deal, and offered Nash a four-year deal worth about $9 million annually, with a fifth year partially guaranteed. The [[2004–05 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix Suns]] on the other hand offered the point guard a six-year, $63 million contract. Nash was reluctant to leave Dallas and returned to Cuban to see if he would match the deal; Cuban did not, and Nash signed with the Suns for the {{nbay|2004|app=season}}. The Canadian would go on to win two [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|League MVP]] awards with Phoenix, and on a 14 June 2006 appearance on the ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]'', Cuban wondered out loud, "...{{nbsp}}you know Steve's a great guy and I love him to death, but why couldn't he play like an MVP for us?"<ref>Carlton, Chuck, [http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/basketball/mavs/stories/061506dnspoletterman.e9ce.html "Cuban takes his act to Letterman"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930041406/http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/basketball/mavs/stories/061506dnspoletterman.e9ce.html |date=30 September 2007}}, ''[[Dallas Morning News]]'', 15 June 2006. Retrieved 22 September 2007.</ref>

===Return to Phoenix (2004–2012)===

====2004–05 season====
[[File:stevenash1.jpg|thumb|upright|right|After Nash's return to Phoenix in 2004, they won 33 more games than they did the previous season.]]
Nash joined a Suns team which had emerging young players in [[Shawn Marion]], [[Joe Johnson (basketball)|Joe Johnson]], and [[Amar'e Stoudemire]]. In the season before Nash arrived, the Suns had recorded a 29–53 win–loss record,<ref name="jock" /> and they were projected to have another poor season. Head coach [[Mike D'Antoni]] favoured an up-tempo style of basketball; this required smaller and more athletic players with the capability to outrun and outshoot their opponents. On 21 November 2004, Nash recorded 22 points, 18 assists and 4 steals in a 122–111 win over the [[Los Angeles Clippers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200411210LAC.html|title=Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Clippers Box Score, November 21, 2004|publisher=Basketball-Reference|access-date=31 October 2019}}</ref> Nash's familiarity with this style combined with the athleticism of his teammates produced an NBA-best 62–20 record and a points-per-game average of 110.4, the highest in a decade.<ref>Faye, Brad and Greene, Josh, [http://www.nba.com/suns/history/0405_recap.html "Back On The Right Track"], National Basketball Association/suns. Retrieved 10 December 2007.</ref> The catalyst of this turnaround, Nash averaged 11.5 assists per game while making 50.2% of his field goals and 43.1% of his three-pointers in the regular season.<ref name="nashstats" /><ref name="kalb">Kalb, Elliot, [http://www.nba.com/encyclopedia/suns_ontherise.html "On the Rise?"], National Basketball Association. Retrieved 7 May 2008.</ref> He edged [[Shaquille O'Neal]] to win the {{nbay|2004}} [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|NBA MVP award]],<ref>[http://www.nba.com/news/nash_mvp_050508.html Steve Nash Named 2004–05 NBA MVP], National Basketball Association, 8 May 2005. Retrieved 26 September 2007.</ref> becoming the first Canadian to earn the honour, as well as the third point guard ever to be named MVP, along with [[Magic Johnson]] and [[Bob Cousy]].<ref name="nashbio"/> In the [[2005 NBA playoffs|2005 playoffs]], Phoenix swept the [[Memphis Grizzlies]] in four games before meeting the [[Dallas Mavericks]] in the second round.<ref name="po">[http://www.nba.com/playoffs2005/ataglance.html At a Glance], National Basketball Association/playoffs2005. Retrieved 17 November 2007.</ref> Nash led the Suns to a 4–2 series win,<ref name="po"/> and the Suns reached the Western Conference finals for the first time since 1993, but lost to the eventual NBA Champions and arch-rival, the San Antonio Spurs, in five games.<ref name="po"/>

====2005–06 season====
In the [[2005–06 NBA season|next season]], Stoudemire suffered a serious knee injury, and Johnson and [[Quentin Richardson]] were traded away.<ref name="ofs">Faye, Brad and Greene, Josh, [http://www.nba.com/suns/history/0506_recap.html "Another SUN-believable Season"], National Basketball Association/suns. Retrieved 10 December 2007.</ref> The Suns were not expected to repeat their successful 2005 season, but with Nash directing the same high-tempo offence, the team compiled a respectable 54–28 record and won the [[Pacific Division (NBA)|division title]].<ref name="kalb"/><ref name="ofs"/> On 2 January 2006, Nash recorded 28 points, 5 rebounds and 22 assists in a 140–133 triple overtime loss to the New York Knicks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200601020NYK.html|title=Phoenix Suns at New York Knicks Box Score, January 2, 2006|publisher=Basketball-Reference|access-date=31 October 2019}}</ref> The Suns were again the highest-scoring team in the league with seven players averaging double figures in points per game,<ref name="ofs"/> and Nash was voted for the first time to start for the 2006 Western All-Star team.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/allstar2006/allstar_game/west_roster.html 2006 NBA Western Conference All-Stars], National Basketball Association. Retrieved 29 December 2007.</ref> In the last game of the season, Nash recorded a triple-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists in a 106–96 road win over the Trail Blazers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200604190POR.html|title=Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers Box Score, April 19, 2006|publisher=Basketball-Reference|access-date=31 October 2019}}</ref>
Having recorded career highs in points (18.8), rebounds (4.2), field goal percentage (.512) and free throw percentage (a league-leading .921), and leading the league with 10.5 assists per game,<ref name="nashbio"/> Nash was named the league MVP for the second year in a row.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/news/nash_mvp_05-06.html Suns’ Steve Nash Wins Second Consecutive MVP Award], National Basketball Association, 7 May 2006. Retrieved 26 September 2007.</ref> In the first round of the [[2006 NBA playoffs|2006 playoffs]], Phoenix overcame a 3–1 deficit against the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] and won the series 4–3.<ref name="ofs"/> The Los Angeles Clippers were their Conference semifinals opponents, and the Suns again needed seven games to clinch the series.<ref name="ofs"/> For the second year in a row, however, the Suns bowed out in the conference finals, this time to Nash's former team, Dallas.<ref name="ofs"/>

====2006–07 season====
In the {{nbay|2006|app=season}}, Nash had another stellar campaign, averaging 18.6 points and a career-high 11.6 assists per game while becoming the first person since Magic Johnson in {{nbay|1990}} to average 18 points and 11 assists per game during the regular season.<ref name="2007allnba">[https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2866331 Bryant, Nowitzki, Duncan also part of All-NBA team], ESPN, 14 May 2007. Retrieved 16 October 2007.</ref> Nash received the most votes for first-team All-NBA and was joined by teammate Stoudemire; the two were the first teammates to make the first team since [[Kobe Bryant]] and Shaquille O'Neal in {{nbay|2003}}.<ref name="2007allnba"/> Nash received 129 first-place votes and 645 total points from the panel of 129 media members.<ref name="2007allnba"/> He narrowly missed being MVP a third consecutive time, coming in second with 44 first place votes to 83 for [[Dirk Nowitzki]].<ref>[http://www.nba.com/news/dirkmvp_2007.html "Dirk Nowitzki Wins 2006–07 MVP Award"], National Basketball Association. Retrieved 16 October 2007.</ref> In the [[2007 NBA playoffs|2007 playoffs]], the Suns eliminated the Lakers in five games before losing 4–2 to the Spurs in the conference semifinals.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/series/index.html At a Glance 2007], National Basketball Association. Retrieved 29 December 2007.</ref>

====2007–08 season====
[[File:Shaq and Nash.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Nash with [[Shaquille O'Neal]]]]
Nash played in 81 regular season games during the {{nbay|2007|app=season}}; in this campaign, the Western Conference was especially competitive and he led the Suns to 55 wins and the sixth seed for the [[2008 NBA playoffs|2008 playoffs]]. Although there was a dip in his regular season output, Nash's shooting remained sharp; the accuracy of his shooting was on par with his 2005–06 MVP campaign (shooting at least 50% from the field, 40% from the three-point arc, and 90% from the free throw line).<ref name="nashstats"/> On 31 January 2008, he collected his All-Star stripes for the sixth time in his career.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/allstar2008/reserves_080131.html Two Hometown Hornets Named as Reserves for 2008 NBA All-Star Game] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100321213749/http://www.nba.com/allstar2008/reserves_080131.html |date=21 March 2010}}, National Basketball Association, 31 January 2008. Retrieved 1 February 2008.</ref> However, Nash continued to experience agony in the playoffs. Despite a mid-season trade that sent Shawn Marion to the [[Miami Heat]] and brought four-time NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal to the team, the Suns were defeated in the first round of the [[2008 NBA Playoffs|2008 playoffs]] by the San Antonio Spurs for the third time in four years.<ref name="out">[http://www.nba.com/playoffs2008/series/series_w1s3.html Spurs KO Rattled Suns to Close Out Series], National Basketball Association, 30 April 2008. Retrieved 1 May 2008.</ref> In the deciding Game 5, Nash was perceived to have suffered from "elimination-game jitters", and turned over the ball twice in the final two minutes of what was a tight contest.<ref name="out"/> Nevertheless, Nash was later named to the All-NBA Second Team for the 2007–08 season.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/news/all_nba_080508.html MVP Kobe Bryant Highlights All-NBA First Team], National Basketball Association, 8 May 2008. Retrieved 9 May 2008.</ref>

====2008–09 season====
Before the {{nbay|2008|app=season}} began, coach D'Antoni was replaced by [[Terry Porter]], who preferred a more defensive-oriented style of basketball. The Suns had difficulties adapting to this new system, and even a December trade involving sending stalwarts [[Raja Bell]] and [[Boris Diaw]] to the [[Charlotte Bobcats]] for athletic [[swingman]] [[Jason Richardson]]<ref>Stein, Marc, [https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3760914 Suns get high-scoring Richardson], ESPN, 12 December 2008. Retrieved 14 April 2009.</ref> saw the team continue to struggle. Porter was then replaced by [[Alvin Gentry]] in February after a 28–23 record, but the Suns were unable to secure the final seed for the [[2009 NBA playoffs|2009 playoffs]],<ref>[https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2009.html 2008–09 NBA Season Summary] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604203051/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2009.html |date=4 June 2011}}, basketball-reference.com. Retrieved 19 April 2009.</ref> resulting in Nash missing the playoffs for the first time since he returned to Phoenix for his second stint.

====2009–10 season====
[[File:Steve Nash 00054544.jpg|thumb|upright|Nash in 2009]]
Nash and the Suns opened the {{nbay|2009|app=season}} with a series of strong performances, going 8–1 in their first nine games (a franchise-best since {{nbay|1980}}), with Nash producing two 20-assists games.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jasner |first1=Andy |title=Suns race by Sixers behind Nash's 21 points, 20 assists |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20091109/PHXPHI/recap.html |website=NBA.com |access-date=3 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091113024010/http://www.nba.com/games/20091109/PHXPHI/recap.html |archive-date=13 November 2009 |date=9 November 2009}}</ref> On 21 January 2010, Nash was named as the starting point guard for the West for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game.<ref>[https://www.espn.com/nba/allstar2010/news/story?id=4846991 All-Star starters announced Thursday], ESPN, 21 January 2010. Retrieved 22 January 2010.</ref> With him operating at the point, the Suns were the highest-scoring team in the league for the fifth season in a row, and were seeded third in the conference for the [[2010 NBA playoffs|2010 playoffs]] with 54 wins. Behind solid performances by Richardson and veteran [[Grant Hill]], the Suns defeated the [[Portland Trail Blazers]] 4–2 in the first round of the playoffs, and swept the Spurs 4–0 in the second round. The Suns met the defending champions, Los Angeles Lakers, in the conference finals. After losing the first two games, Phoenix won the next two to tie the series. A [[Ron Artest]] buzzer-beater in Game 5 pushed the Lakers one game closer to the Finals, and [[Kobe Bryant]]'s 37 points in Game 6 completed the defeat of the Suns.

====2010–11 season====
The Suns underwent two major roster changes in the {{nbay|2010|app=season}}. During the pre-season, Stoudemire left for [[New York Knicks|New York]], while longtime teammate [[Leandro Barbosa]] was traded for [[Hedo Türkoğlu]]. [[Josh Childress]], and [[Hakim Warrick]] were also recruited to join the Suns. Not long after the season began, Türkoğlu, Richardson, and [[Earl Clark]] were traded to [[Orlando Magic|Orlando]] for [[Vince Carter]], [[Marcin Gortat]], and [[Mickaël Piétrus]], while rising star [[Goran Dragić]] was traded to the [[Houston Rockets]] for [[Aaron Brooks (basketball)|Aaron Brooks]].<ref name=2011repcard>[http://www.nba.com/reportcard/midseason/2011/suns/ Phoenix Suns Report Card], National Basketball Association. Retrieved 20 January 2011.</ref> The Suns had difficulty being even a .500 team, and for the second time since Nash returned to Phoenix, the Suns failed to make the [[2011 NBA playoffs|2011 playoffs]].

====2011–12 season====
In February 2012, Nash was named to his eighth All-Star Game. At the time, he was leading the NBA in assists per game.<ref>Coro, Paul, "[https://azcentral.com/sports/articles/2012/02/09/20120209phoenix-suns-steve-nash-8th-nba-all-star-selection.html Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash named to 8th NBA All-Star Game] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225004548/https://azcentral.com/sports/articles/2012/02/09/20120209phoenix-suns-steve-nash-8th-nba-all-star-selection.html |date=25 February 2021}}", ''The Arizona Republic'', 9 February 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2012.</ref> On 21 April 2012, Nash passed [[Oscar Robertson]] for career assists versus the [[Denver Nuggets]]. Despite his stellar play the Suns missed the [[2012 NBA playoffs|2012 playoffs]] for the second consecutive time. He finished the season averaging 12.5 points and 10.7 assists per game on 53.2% shooting from the field (tying his career high). Near the end of the [[2011–12 NBA season|2011–12 season]], Nash was named the winner of the [[Pro Basketball Writers Association|PBWA]]'s [[Magic Johnson Award]].

===Los Angeles Lakers (2012–2015)===

====2012–13 season====
[[File:Lakers vs Nuggets 2013-01-06 (20).JPG|thumb|left|Nash with the Lakers]]
On 11 July 2012, the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] acquired Nash in a [[sign-and-trade]] deal with Phoenix.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/120711lakers-acquire-steve-nash | title=Lakers Acquire Steve Nash | publisher=National Basketball Association | date=11 July 2012 | access-date=22 July 2013}}</ref> Nash also considered signing with New York or Toronto, but he decided that Los Angeles was the best fit for him and his family.<ref>{{cite news|last=Beck|first=Howard|title=Nash Heads to Lakers, Leaving Knicks in Lurch|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/05/sports/basketball/nash-heads-to-lakers-leaving-knicks-in-lurch.html|work=The New York Times|date=4 July 2012|access-date=22 July 2013}}</ref> Nash switched his jersey number, as his customary No. 13 was [[Los Angeles Lakers retired numbers|retired by Los Angeles]] in honour of [[Wilt Chamberlain]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Bolch |first=Ben |url=https://latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-steve-nash-radio-interview-20120705,0,3310158.story |title=Steve Nash says trade to Lakers caught him by surprise |work=Los Angeles Times |date=5 July 2012 |access-date=11 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706174559/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-steve-nash-radio-interview-20120705%2C0%2C3310158.story |archive-date= 6 July 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Trudell |first=Mike |url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/120711stevenash-purplegold |title=Steve Nash in Purple and Gold |publisher=National Basketball Association |access-date=11 July 2012}}</ref> Nash, [[#Soccer|an avid soccer fan]], chose No. 10 to pay homage to [[Glenn Hoddle]], [[Zinedine Zidane]], [[Lionel Messi]] and other soccer [[playmaker]]s who wore the number.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Nash never foresaw playing for L.A. |date=11 July 2012 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |agency=Associated Press |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/basketball/nba/07/11/steve-nash-los-angeles-lakers.ap/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714092456/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/basketball/nba/07/11/steve-nash-los-angeles-lakers.ap/index.html |archive-date=14 July 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Entering his 17th NBA season, Nash came to the Lakers with concerns over his defense and the health of his back.<ref name=mcmenamin_05062013>{{cite news|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|title=2012–13 Lakers Report Card: Starting five|date=6 May 2013|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/36646/2012-13-lakers-report-card-starting-five|access-date=6 May 2013}}</ref>

In the second game of the [[2012–13 Los Angeles Lakers season|2012–13 season]], Nash suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left leg after a collision with [[Damian Lillard]] of the [[Portland Trail Blazers]]. He was expected to miss at least one week,<ref>{{cite news |last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=Good news, bad news for Lakers |date=5 November 2012 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-pistons-20121105,0,42578.story |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105204958/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-pistons-20121105,0,42578.story |archive-date=5 November 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Chris Paul, Clippers deal Lakers third straight loss to open season |date=2 November 2012 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277745 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104115133/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277745 |archive-date= 4 November 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> but was out of the lineup for close to seven weeks.<ref>{{cite news|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|title=Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol out|date=7 January 2013|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8821787/injured-los-angeles-lakers-dwight-howard-pau-gasol-indefinitely|access-date=7 January 2013}}</ref> He was reunited with D'Antoni, who took over as Lakers coach after [[Mike Brown (basketball, born 1970)|Mike Brown]] was fired after a 1–4 start.<ref>{{cite news |last=Beck |first=Howard |title=The Lakers Change Direction and Hire D'Antoni as Coach |date=12 November 2012 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/13/sports/the-lakers-change-direction-and-hire-mike-dantoni-as-coach.html?pagewanted=all |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130208155212/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/13/sports/the-lakers-change-direction-and-hire-mike-dantoni-as-coach.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 |archive-date=8 February 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 December, Nash returned against the Golden State Warriors, helping the Lakers win their first overtime game of the season, 118–115, scoring 12 points with 9 assists in 41 minutes of play.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pincus|first=Eric|title=Steve Nash's return helps Lakers through a difficult night|url=https://latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-nash-return-lakers-win-golden-state-20121223,0,5580636.story|access-date=23 December 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=23 December 2012}}</ref> The Lakers won three of the first four games after Nash returned. However, they lost their next four, including a 125–112 loss to Houston on 8 January 2013, when Nash assisted on an [[Antawn Jamison]] jumper to become the fifth player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career assists.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bolch |first=Ben |title=Steve Nash reaches milestone but is it on a Lakers road to nowhere? |date=8 January 2013 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-bolch-lakers-20130109,0,52973.column |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328104939/http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-bolch-lakers-20130109,0,52973.column |archive-date=28 March 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Kobe Bryant]] was moved to defend the opponent's primary ball handler, freeing Nash from unfavourable matchups.<ref>{{cite news|last=McMenamin |first=Dave |title=Lakers found formula, can they repeat it? |date=26 January 2013 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35592/lakers-found-the-formula-can-they-repeat-it |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130054635/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35592/lakers-found-the-formula-can-they-repeat-it |archive-date= 30 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nash also struggled with [[Dwight Howard]] to run the [[pick and roll]], a play that D'Antoni had expected would be a staple for the Lakers.<ref>{{cite news|last=Plaschke |first=Bill |title=This is not the Steve Nash the Lakers hoped for |date=12 February 2013 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-feb-12-la-sp-plaschke-lakers-20130213-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214144026/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/feb/12/sports/la-sp-plaschke-lakers-20130213 |archive-date=14 February 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> D'Antoni moved Nash off the ball and made him more of a spot-up shooter, while Bryant became the primary facilitator on offense.<ref name=verrier_01302013>{{cite news|last=Verrier |first=Justin |title=1. Lakers Just Trying To Keep It Simple |date=30 January 2013 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/notebook?w=1ckk4&i=TOP&id=8895996 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007054239/http://espn.go.com/nba/notebook?w=1ckk4&i=TOP&id=8895996 |archive-date= 7 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=mcmenamin_01272013>{{cite news|last=McMenamin |first=Dave |title=Lakers rise as D'Antoni's offense ditched |date=27 January 2013 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35614/lakers-rise-as-dantonis-offense-ditched |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201022354/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35614/lakers-rise-as-dantonis-offense-ditched |archive-date= 1 February 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=shelburne_01282013>{{cite news|last=Shelburne |first=Ramona |title=Have the Lakers found their groove? |date=28 January 2013 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8889009/have-lakers-found-their-groove |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131133929/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8889009/have-lakers-found-their-groove |archive-date= 31 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nash missed the last eight games of the season with a right hip injury that had also caused nerve damage in his right hamstring. The team qualified for the playoffs as the seventh seed,<ref>{{cite news|title=Lakers 99, Rockets 95, OT|date=17 April 2013|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278948|access-date=18 April 2013}}</ref> but were swept 4–0 by San Antonio in the first round.<ref name=ap_04282013>{{cite news|title=Dwight Howard ejected as Spurs finish sweep of Lakers |date=28 April 2013 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400459790 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130429124533/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400459790 |archive-date=29 April 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nash missed the last two games of the series after recurring issues with his hip and hamstring.<ref name=mcmenamin_05062013/><ref name=ap_04282013/> In what he called arguably "the most frustrating" season of his career, Nash missed a career-high 32 games in the regular season, and averaged his fewest assists (6.7) since 1999–2000, when he was a part-time starter with Dallas.<ref name=mcmenamin_05062013/><ref>{{cite news|last=McMenamin|first=Dave|title=Steve Nash frustrated with season|date=10 April 2013|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9158327/steve-nash-los-angeles-lakers-says-feels-most-frustrating-season-career|access-date=6 May 2013}}</ref>

====2013–14 season====
[[File:Steve Nash Lakers smiling 2013 (cropped 2).jpg|thumb|upright|Nash with the Lakers in 2013]]
During the [[2013–14 Los Angeles Lakers season|2013–14 season]], Nash continued to suffer nerve problems stemming from his leg injury the prior season. In November 2013, he was sidelined for an estimated minimum of two weeks due to nerve root irritation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2013/11/11/steve-nash-back-injury-los-angeles/3500855/|title=Los Angeles Lakers' Steve Nash has unnerving injury|website=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> Nash returned on 4 February 2014, shooting 3-for-6 for 7 points. On 7 February 2014, his 40th birthday, he scored a season-high 19 points in a victory over the [[Philadelphia 76ers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-timberwolves-20140205,0,5514241.story#axzz2slKwbZFG|title=Steve Nash returns, others injured in Lakers' loss to Timberwolves|first=Mike|last=Bresnahan|date=4 February 2014|via=LA Times}}</ref> On 13 March, Nash was ruled out for the remainder of the season by D'Antoni. He was suffering from a recurrence of nerve problems stemming from an earlier collision to his left leg with Chicago's [[Kirk Hinrich]], and the Lakers wanted to give [[Kendall Marshall]] and [[Jordan Farmar]] more playing time. However, Nash returned on 21 March after a groin injury to Farmar that was expected to sideline him a minimum of two weeks.<ref>{{cite news|last=McMenamin |first=Dave |title=Steve Nash in action for Lakers |date=22 March 2014 |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/10647134/los-angeles-lakers-give-steve-nash-minutes-friday |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322035453/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/10647134/los-angeles-lakers-give-steve-nash-minutes-friday |archive-date=22 March 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Scuffle, ejections mar end of Wizards' win over Lakers |date=21 March 2014 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489904 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322114819/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489904 |archive-date=22 March 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====2014–15 season====
In July 2014, Nash announced that the [[2014–15 Los Angeles Lakers season|2014–15 season]] would be his last. During the preseason, he experienced back pain, and further aggravated his back while lifting luggage.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2014/10/15/the-latest-sign-that-steve-nash-isnt-getting-any-younger/ |title=The latest sign that Steve Nash isn't getting any younger |first=Des|last=Bieler|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=15 October 2014|access-date=16 October 2014}}</ref> On 23 October, less than a week before the start of what would have been the 40-year-old Nash's 19th year in the NBA, he was ruled out for the season due to a recurring back injury. Nash only played in three preseason games before he started to feel more pain in his back. Nash spoke on injuring his back, stating: "Being on the court this season has been my top priority, and it is disappointing to not be able to do that right now. I work very hard to stay healthy, and unfortunately my recent setback makes performing at full capacity difficult. I will continue to support my team during this period of rest and will focus on my long-term health."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/141023_steveNash|title=Steve Nash Out For The Season|work=NBA.com|date=23 October 2014|access-date=23 October 2014}}</ref>

===Retirement and consulting duties===
Nash announced his retirement from playing on 21 March 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last=Holmes|first=Baxter|title=Steve Nash announces retirement|date=21 March 2015|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12531012/steve-nash-los-angeles-lakers-announces-retirement|access-date=21 March 2015}}</ref> Before the announcement, the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] told Nash's agent that they were interested in having him as a backup for [[Kyrie Irving]] if Nash asked for a buyout. Nash refused due to health concerns and his wanting to retire as a Laker in gratitude for the opportunity given by the club.<ref name=stein>{{cite news|last=Stein|first=Marc|title=How Nash found peace with retirement|date=22 March 2015|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/marc-stein/post/_/id/3648/nashs-final-delivery-a-graceful-farewell|access-date=23 March 2015}}</ref> Nash was later approached by another former team of his, the [[Dallas Mavericks]], to have one last season with them instead, but he declined due to his aforementioned health concerns.<ref>{{cite news|last=Stein|first=Marc|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/13664255/steve-nash-talks-part-consultant-golden-state-warriors|title=Steve Nash in talks to be a part-time consultant for Warriors|publisher=ESPN|date=15 September 2015|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref>

On 25 September 2015, it was confirmed that Nash would take on part-time consulting duties for the [[Golden State Warriors]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.nba.com/warriors/news/warriors-hire-two-time-nba-mvp-steve-nash-player-development-consultant|title=Warriors Hire Two-Time NBA MVP Steve Nash as Player Development Consultant|work=NBA.com|publisher=Turner Sports Interactive, Inc.|date=25 September 2015|access-date=4 October 2015}}</ref> During his first season with the team, the Warriors produced a record-breaking 73–9 season, although the team fell short in the [[2016 NBA Finals]] to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The next season, the Warriors would win the [[2017 NBA Finals]] against the defending champions Cleveland Cavaliers, giving Nash his first NBA championship in any role.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc15.com/sports/sports-blogs-local/former-phoenix-suns-great-steve-nash-finally-gets-a-ring|title=Former Phoenix Suns great Steve Nash is finally an NBA champion|last=Dale|first=Shane|publisher=ABC 15 Arizona|date=12 June 2017|access-date=13 June 2017}}</ref>

On 19 December 2017, the [[Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame]] announced that eligibility for induction into the Hall of Fame was decreased to three years after retirement, which allowed for Nash to be eligible to be enshrined in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announces modifications to enshrinement process|url=https://www.nba.com/article/2017/12/19/naismith-memorial-basketball-hall-fame-announces-modifications-enshrinement|website=NBA.com|access-date=21 December 2017|date=19 December 2017}}</ref> On 31 March 2018, during the Final Four, it was announced that Nash{{snd}} along with former teammates [[Jason Kidd]] and [[Grant Hill]], as well as [[Ray Allen]], [[Maurice Cheeks]], and [[Charlie Scott (basketball)|Charlie Scott]]{{snd}} would be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nba.com/article/2018/03/29/2018-naismith-hof-enshrinees-jason-kidd-steve-nash-grant-hill-maurice-cheeks | title=Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Grant Hill, Maurice Cheeks lead 2018 Naismith Hall of Fame class | publisher=NBA | author=NBA, The Associated Press | date=31 March 2018 | access-date=22 April 2018}}</ref> Nash was formally inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on 7 September 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=Point guards Steve Nash, Jason Kidd and Maurice Cheeks among Hall inductees |url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24611047/steve-nash-jason-kidd-maurice-cheeks-basketball-hall-fame-inductees |website=ESPN.com |access-date=12 September 2018 |date=7 September 2018}}</ref> In October 2021, Nash was honored as one of the&nbsp;league's greatest players of all time by being named to the&nbsp;[[NBA 75th Anniversary Team]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NBA's 75 Anniversary Team Players |url=https://www.nba.com/75 |website=NBA.com |access-date=24 December 2021 |date=24 December 2021}}</ref>

==Coaching career==

===Brooklyn Nets (2020–2022)===
On 3 September 2020, Nash was announced as head coach of the [[Brooklyn Nets]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Brooklyn Nets Name Steve Nash as Head Coach |url=https://www.nba.com/nets/news/2020/09/03/brooklyn-nets-name-steve-nash-as-head-coach |website=NBA.com |access-date=5 September 2020 |date=3 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nets hire Steve Nash as next coach |url=https://www.nba.com/article/2020/09/03/brooklyn-nets-hire-steve-nash-coach-official-release |website=NBA.com |access-date=20 September 2020 |date=3 September 2020}}</ref>

On 3 March 2021, Nash was named [[Eastern Conference (NBA)|Eastern Conference]] Coach of the Month for February, becoming the first Nets head coach to earn the honor since his former teammate [[Jason Kidd]] won it twice in 2014. Nash led the Nets to an Eastern Conference-best record of 9–4 during the month, including a conference-best 5–2 road record.<ref>{{cite web |title=Steve Nash Named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month |url=https://www.nba.com/nets/news/2021/03/02/steve-nash-named-eastern-conference-coach-month |website=NBA.com |access-date=3 March 2021 |date=2 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Browne |first1=Ajayi |title=Steve Nash is named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for February |url=https://netswire.usatoday.com/2021/03/02/steve-nash-is-named-eastern-conference-coach-of-the-month-for-february/ |website=Nets Wire |access-date=3 March 2021 |date=2 March 2021}}</ref> Nash led the Nets to a 48–24 record in his first season as head coach.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dowd |first1=Tom |title=Nets 123, Cavaliers 109: Brooklyn Clinches No. 2 Seed |url=https://www.nba.com/nets/news/recap/2021/05/16/nets-123-cavaliers-109-brooklyn-clinches-no-2-seed |website=Brooklyn Nets |access-date=15 June 2021 |date=16 May 2021}}</ref> After the 2020–21 regular season Nash finished in sixth place in the [[NBA Coach of the Year Award|NBA Coach of the Year]] voting.<ref>{{cite web |title=New York's Tom Thibodeau wins 2020-21 NBA Coach of the Year award |url=https://www.nba.com/news/new-yorks-tom-thibodeau-wins-2020-21-nba-coach-of-the-year-award |website=NBA.com |access-date=29 June 2021 |date=7 June 2021}}</ref>

On 27 October 2022, Nash received two technical fouls and was ejected for arguing with and yelling at referees, during a 110–99 loss to the [[Milwaukee Bucks]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Maloney |first1=Jack |title=Nets' Steve Nash ejected for first time in coaching career in loss to Bucks |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/brooklyn-nets-steve-nash-ejected-for-first-time-in-coaching-career-restrained-by-coaches-and-players/ |website=CBSSports.com |access-date=24 January 2023 |date=26 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Stinar |first1=Ben |title=Fan Records Video Of A Furious Steve Nash On His Way To The Locker Room |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/news/steve-nash-ejected-from-brooklyn-nets-milwaukee-bucks-game |website=SI.com |access-date=24 January 2023 |date=27 October 2022}}</ref> On 1 November, Nash and the Nets agreed to part ways amid controversies revolving around the team's players.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brooklyn Nets and Head Coach Steve Nash Agree to Part Ways |url=https://www.nba.com/nets/news/brooklyn-nets-and-head-coach-steve-nash-agree-to-part-ways |website=NBA.com |access-date=1 November 2022 |date=1 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Sears |first1=Ethan |title=Nets fire Steve Nash amid Kyrie Irving controversy |url=https://nypost.com/2022/11/01/nets-fire-steve-nash-amid-kyrie-irving-controversy/ |website=New York Post |access-date=1 November 2022 |date=1 November 2022}}</ref>

==National team career==
In the early 1990s, Nash was cut from the Canadian junior national team by head coach Ken Olynyk, the father of future NBA player [[Kelly Olynyk]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/vault/2013/03/18/106298102/canadas-got-talent |title=Canada's Got Talent |first=Kelli |last=Anderson |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |date=18 March 2013 |access-date=24 February 2016}}</ref> At age 17, he was the youngest member of Team Canada at the [[Basketball at the 1991 Summer Universiade|1991 Summer Universiade]], where the team won a silver medal.<ref name="Universiade">[https://books.google.com/books?id=3LouCwAAQBAJ&dq=steve+nash+sheffield+University&pg=PT129 Can't Miss: The Kevin Pangos Story] Chris Dooley. Accessed on 20 March 2016.</ref>

In 1993, while in college, he played for the [[Canada men's national basketball team|senior national team]] at the [[1993 Tournament of the Americas|Tournament of the Americas]] and competed in the [[Canada Games]] (for the British Columbia team) and [[Basketball at the 1993 Summer Universiade|Summer Universiade]]. He won a bronze medal at the Canada Games and won a silver medal at the Summer Universiade, losing to [[United States men's national basketball team|Team USA]] in a closely contested final,<ref name="Universiade"/> which included players such as [[Michael Finley]] and [[Damon Stoudamire]].<ref name="jock"/>

At the [[1999 Tournament of the Americas]], Nash led Canada to the silver medal, qualifying the team for the Olympics for the first time in 12 years; he was named [[FIBA AmeriCup Most Valuable Player|tournament MVP]].<ref name="jock "/> At the [[Basketball at the 2000 Summer Olympics|2000 Sydney Olympics]], Nash led Canada to win their round robin group with a victory over [[Spain national basketball team|Spain]] and a stunning 83–75 win over favoured [[Yugoslavia national basketball team|Yugoslavia]] when he scored 26 points with eight rebounds and eight assists. Canada was eliminated in the quarterfinals with a five-point loss to [[France national basketball team|France]] and Nash left the court in tears. Nash expressed disappointment with the result, saying "It hurts a lot. I feel like I let everybody down. We could have been in the championship game. We were good enough."<ref name="Toronto Sun 2000-09-29">Daniels, Craig, {{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120721094004/http://www.canoe.ca/2000GamesColumnists/daniels_sep29-sun.html "Nash lays the groundwork"]}}, canoe.ca, 29 September 2000. Retrieved 30 September 2007.</ref> Nevertheless, he did see a possible silver lining, saying "Hopefully kids [in Canada] will be inspired to play{{nbsp}}... that's what I really hope."<ref name="Toronto Sun 2000-09-29"/> A victory in its final game of the tournament, a placement game against [[Russia national basketball team|Russia]], enabled Canada to salvage seventh place. Nash's Olympic performance propelled him to stardom in Canada, and he finished fifth in voting for the 2000 [[Lionel Conacher Award]], which is handed out to the Canadian male athlete of the year.<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/sports/weir-named-canadian-male-athlete-of-the-year-1.235940 Weir named Canadian male athlete of the year], Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, 28 December 2000. Retrieved 8 December 2007.</ref>

Nash again led Team Canada during qualifying for the [[Basketball at the 2004 Summer Olympics|2004 Summer Olympics]] at the [[2003 Tournament of the Americas|FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament]] in [[San Juan, Puerto Rico]]. He led the tournament in assists and was named [[FIBA AmeriCup Most Valuable Player|tournament MVP]],<ref>[http://turkey2010.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/statistics/p/rpp//tid/257/sid/3132/sp/ALL/ss/AS/srid/ALL/_/2003_Panamerican_Olympic_Qualifying_Tournament_for_Men/player-leaders.html 2003 Panamerican Olympic Qualifying Tournament For Men] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202031739/http://turkey2010.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/statistics/p/rpp//tid/257/sid/3132/sp/ALL/ss/AS/srid/ALL/_/2003_Panamerican_Olympic_Qualifying_Tournament_for_Men/player-leaders.html |date=2 February 2016}} [[FIBA]]. Accessed on 26 January 2016.</ref><ref>[http://www.insidehoops.com/usa-basketball-090103.shtml USA Basketball wins Olympic Qualifying gold], insidehoops.com, 1 September 2003. Retrieved 26 September 2007.</ref> but Canada finished fourth, missing out on the three Olympic spots available. That was the last time Nash played for Canada; he was reportedly upset about the firing of head coach [[Jay Triano]] in 2004.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/28/sports/basketball/28basketball.html Canada Gives U.S. Unlikely Assist] ''[[The New York Times]]''. Accessed on 19 March 2014.</ref> In December 2007, he said, "In my mind right now, I'm not going to play for Canada any more."<ref>Arthur, Bruce, [https://nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=142472 "Nash era at an end for Canada"] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20071207122519/http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=142472 |date=7 December 2007}}, ''National Post'', 4 December 2007. Retrieved 11 December 2007.</ref>

On 8 May 2012, Nash became general manager of the Canadian senior national team.<ref>[https://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/2012/05/08/steve_nash_named_gm_of_canadas_basketball_team.html Steve Nash named GM of Canada’s basketball team] ''[[Toronto Star]]''. Accessed on 19 March 2014.</ref> Three months later, he rehired Triano as head coach.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/jay-triano-named-canadian-men-s-basketball-coach-1.1212556 Jay Triano named Canadian men's basketball coach] [[CBC.ca]]. Accessed on 19 March 2014.</ref>

On 5 March 2019, Nash transitioned to a senior advisor role and was succeeded as general manager by [[Rowan Barrett]], his former national team teammate.<ref>[http://www.basketball.ca/canada-basketball-awarded-2015-fiba-americas-championship-for-women-p156750/news-article/rowan-barrett-named-senior-mens-national-team-general-manager Rowan Barrett Named Senior Men's National Team General Manager] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809020539/http://www.basketball.ca/canada-basketball-awarded-2015-fiba-americas-championship-for-women-p156750/news-article/rowan-barrett-named-senior-mens-national-team-general-manager |date=9 August 2020}} [[Canada Basketball]]. Accessed on 20 June 2019.</ref>

==Player profile==
[[File:SteveNash4.jpg|thumb|Nash is known for his dribbling, passing, and shooting abilities.]]
Nash was praised for his playmaking, ball-handling skills and shooting. He led the league in assists for five years, averaging 11.5 assists per game in 2004–05, 10.5 in 2005–06, 11.6 in 2006–07, 11.0 in 2009–10 and 11.4 in 2010–11<ref name="nashstats"/> and won the [[NBA Skills Challenge]] in 2005 and 2010.<ref name="nashbio"/> As of the end of 2012–13 season, he had a 90.4% career [[free throw]] shooting average (formerly the best in NBA history, {{as of|2013|lc=y}} second to [[Stephen Curry]])<ref>[http://www.nba.com/statistics/default_all_time_leaders/AllTimeLeadersFTPQuery.html?topic=4&stat=8 NBA History – All Time Leaders: Free Throw Percentage], National Basketball Association. Retrieved 13 April 2009.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/ft_pct_career.html|title=NBA & ABA Career Leaders and Records for Free Throw Pct|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=28 August 2019}}</ref> and a 42.8% career [[Three-point field goal|three-point]] shooting average (eighth-best in league history),<ref>[http://www.nba.com/statistics/default_all_time_leaders/AllTimeLeadersFG3PQuery.html?topic=4&stat=6 NBA History – All Time Leaders: Three Point Field Goal Percentage], National Basketball Association. Retrieved 13 April 2009.</ref> and ranked as one of the top 10 players in league history in total assists, assists per game, and three-point field goals made.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/statistics/default_all_time_leaders/AllTimeLeadersASTQuery.html?topic=4&stat=11 NBA History – All Time Leaders: Assists], National Basketball Association. Retrieved 1 May 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.nba.com/statistics/default_all_time_leaders/AllTimeLeadersAPGQuery.html?topic=4&stat=10 NBA History – All Time Leaders: Assists Per Game], National Basketball Association. Retrieved 1 May 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.nba.com/statistics/default_all_time_leaders/AllTimeLeadersFG3Query.html?topic=4&stat=7 NBA History – All Time Leaders: Three Point Field Goals Made], National Basketball Association. Retrieved 8 May 2008.</ref> He is ranked second (starting from 1986–87 season) in regular season point–assist [[Double-double|double double]]s.<ref>[https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pgl_finder.cgi?request=1&player=&match=career&is_playoffs=N&year_min=1987&year_max=2013&age_min=0&age_max=99&team_id=&opp_id=&game_location=&game_result=&is_starter=&pos=&c1stat=ast&c1comp=gt&c1val=10&c2stat=pts&c2comp=gt&c2val=10&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&order_by=pts Player Game Finder], basketball-reference.com. Retrieved 27 April 2013.</ref> In the 2005–06 season, Nash became the fourth player in NBA history to shoot 50% or better from the field, 40% from three-point range (43.9), and 90% from the line, joining [[Larry Bird]], [[Reggie Miller]], and [[Mark Price]] in the [[50–40–90 club]].<ref name="ofs"/><ref>Perkins, Dave, [https://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/nba/article/803137--perkins-this-could-be-the-year-for-steve-nash-and-suns "Perkins: This could the year for Steve Nash and the Suns"], ''Toronto Star'', 1 May 2010. Retrieved 2 May 2001.</ref> Nash would repeat this feat three more times in the 2007–08, 2008–09 and 2009–10 campaigns.<ref name="nashstats"/> Nash (four times), Larry Bird and [[Kevin Durant]] (two times each) are the only players to have accomplished this feat more than once.<ref>Cohen, Richard and Neft, David, ''The Sports Encyclopedia: Pro Basketball Edition'', St. Martin's Press, 1990, pp. 472, 485, 498 for Larry Bird shooting statistics as two-digit percentages for 1985–86, 86–87, 87–88.</ref>

A two-time [[NBA MVP]], Nash is one of three point guards (along with [[Magic Johnson]] and [[Stephen Curry]]) to win the MVP award multiple times and one of four guards in NBA history to earn back-to-back MVPs (along with Johnson, [[Michael Jordan]] and Curry).<ref name="nashbio"/> Only 12 other NBA players have won back-to-back MVP awards: Johnson, Jordan, [[Bill Russell]], [[Wilt Chamberlain]], [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]], [[Moses Malone]], [[Larry Bird]], [[Tim Duncan]], [[LeBron James]], [[Stephen Curry]], [[Giannis Antetokounmpo]], and [[Nikola Jokić]].<ref name="nashbio"/> On 12 January 2016, [[ESPN]].com rated Nash as the seventh-best point guard of all time,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarankPGs/ranking-top-10-point-guards-ever |title=All-Time #NBArank: Magic Johnson tops list of greatest point guards |date=15 January 2016 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=22 March 2022}}</ref> and in a survey by nba.com in 2007, Nash received 85% of the votes by the league's general managers as best point guard in the league.<ref>[https://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/270144 GMs tip Bargnani for big year], ''Toronto Star'', 25 October 2007. Retrieved 26 October 2007.</ref> In a similar survey in 2009, Nash was rated as the best passer and the player possessing the best basketball [[IQ]].<ref>[http://www.nba.com/news/features/gmsurvey.misc/index.html 2009–10 GM Survey Results: Miscellaneous], National Basketball Association, 14 October 2009. Retrieved 20 October 2009.</ref>

Commenting on Nash losing out to former teammate [[Dirk Nowitzki]] for the 2007 NBA MVP, [[Boston Celtics]] centre and [[Basketball Hall of Fame|Hall of Famer]] Russell stated: "I think, on the world stage, he's one of our great athletes in all sports{{nbsp}}... I'm a big fan. The two MVPs he got, he deserved. Part of the reason he's so good and so effective is that the guys like playing with him. He creates an atmosphere where they win games."<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/01/25/sports/nash.php Russell on Nash], ''International Herald Tribune'', 5 July 2007. Retrieved 16 October 2007.</ref>

[[File:SteveNash49.jpg|thumb|Nash takes a jump shot while with the Suns. He is considered one of the best shooters in NBA history.]]
Nash was particularly effective playing the [[pick and roll]], especially with Nowitzki when he was with the Mavericks and later with the Suns' [[Amar'e Stoudemire]] and [[Shawn Marion]] under head coach [[Mike D'Antoni]].<ref>Pelton, Kevin, [http://www.82games.com/pelton10.htm "Every Play Counts: The Phoenix Pick-and-Roll"], 82games.com, 5 December 2005. Retrieved 14 September 2007.</ref> When Nash returned to Phoenix in 2004, he helped the Suns improve from a 29–53 record in 2003–04 to 62–20 in 2004–05, reaching the conference finals for the first time in 11 years, and earning his first MVP award. The next season, he again led the Suns to the conference finals, despite the injuries of all three big men (Stoudemire, [[Kurt Thomas (basketball)|Kurt Thomas]], and [[Brian Grant]]). Further, Nash was responsible for seven of his teammates attaining career-highs in season scoring.<ref name="ofs"/> With Nash operating at the point between the 2005–06 and 2009–10 seasons, the Suns led the league in field goal percentage.
In 2021, to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary ''[[The Athletic]]'' ranked their top 75 players of all time, and named Nash as the 38th greatest player in NBA history.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dodd |first1=Rustin |title=NBA 75: At No. 38, Steve Nash went from nobody being interested in him to one of the best point guards ever |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2907753/2021/12/22/nba-75-at-no-38-steve-nash-went-from-nobody-being-interested-in-him-to-one-of-the-best-point-guards-ever/ |website=The Athletic |access-date=8 March 2023 |date=22 December 2021}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
{{NBA player statistics legend|leader=y}}

===NBA===
====Regular season====
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1996}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1996–97 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 65 || 2 || 10.5 || .423 || .418 || .824 || 1.0 || 2.1 || .3 || .0 || 3.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1997}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1997–98 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 76 || 9 || 21.9 || .459 || .415 || .860 || 2.1 || 3.4 || .8 || .1 || 9.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1998}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1998–99 Dallas Mavericks season|Dallas]]
| 40 || 40 || 31.7 || .363 || .374 || .826 || 2.9 || 5.5 || .9 || .1 || 7.9
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1999|trunc=y}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1999–2000 Dallas Mavericks season|Dallas]]
| 56 || 27 || 27.4 || .477 || .403 || .882 || 2.2 || 4.9 || .7 || .1 || 8.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2000}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2000–01 Dallas Mavericks season|Dallas]]
| 70 || 70 || 34.1 || .487 || .406 || .895 || 3.2 || 7.3 || '''1.0''' || .1 || 15.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2001}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2001–02 Dallas Mavericks season|Dallas]]
| '''82''' || '''82''' || 34.6 || .483 || .455 || .887 || 3.1 || 7.7 || .6 || .0 || 17.9
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2002}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2002–03 Dallas Mavericks season|Dallas]]
| '''82''' || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''82'''* || 33.1 || .465 || .413 || .909 || 2.9 || 7.3 || '''1.0''' || .1 || 17.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2003}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2003–04 Dallas Mavericks season|Dallas]]
| 78 || 78 || 33.5 || .470 || .405 || .916 || 3.0 || 8.8 || .9 || .1 || 14.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2004}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2004–05 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 75 || 75 || 34.3 || .502 || .431 || .887 || 3.3 || style="background:#cfecec;"|11.5* || '''1.0''' || .1 || 15.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2005}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2005–06 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 79 || 79 || '''35.4''' || .512 || .439 || style="background:#cfecec;"|.921* || '''4.2''' || style="background:#cfecec;"|10.5* || .8 || '''.2''' || '''18.8'''
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2006}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2006–07 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 76 || 76 || 35.3 || '''.532''' || .455 || .899 || 3.5 || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''11.6'''* || .8 || .1 || 18.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2007}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2007–08 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 81 || 81 || 34.3 || .504 || '''.470''' || .906 || 3.5 || 11.1 || .7 || .1 || 16.9
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2008}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2008–09 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 74 || 74 || 33.6 || .503 || .439 || .933 || 3.0 || 9.7 || .7 || .1 || 15.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2009}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2009–10 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 81 || 81 || 32.8 || .507 || .426 || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''.938'''* || 3.3 || style="background:#cfecec;"|11.0* || .5 || .1 || 16.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2010}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2010–11 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 75 || 75 || 33.3 || .492 || .395 || .912 || 3.5 || style="background:#cfecec;"|11.4* || .6 || .1 || 14.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2011}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2011–12 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 62 || 62 || 31.6 || '''.532''' || .390 || .894 || 3.0 || 10.7 || .6 || .1 || 12.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2012}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2012–13 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| 50 || 50 || 32.5 || .497 || .438 || .922 || 2.8 || 6.7 || .6 || .1 || 12.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2013}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2013–14 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| 15 || 10 || 20.9 || .383 || .333 || .917 || 1.9 || 5.7 || .5 || .1 || 6.8
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career
| 1,217 || 1,052 || 31.3 || .490 || .428 || .904 || 3.0 || 8.5 || .7 || .1 || 14.3
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|All-Star
| 7 || 2 || 15.9 || .429 || .250 || .000 || 2.0 || 6.7 || .4 || .1 || 3.7
{{s-end}}

====Playoffs====
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1997 NBA playoffs|1997]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1996–97 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 4 || 0 || 3.8 || .222 || .250 || .000 || .3 || .3 || .3 || '''.3''' || 1.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1998 NBA playoffs|1998]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1997–98 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 4 || 1 || 12.8 || .444 || .200 || .625 || 2.5 || 1.8 || .5 || .0 || 5.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2001 NBA playoffs|2001]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2000–01 Dallas Mavericks season|Dallas]]
| 10 || 10 || 37.0 || .417 || .410 || .882 || 3.2 || 6.4 || .6 || .1 || 13.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2002 NBA playoffs|2002]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2001–02 Dallas Mavericks season|Dallas]]
| 8 || 8 || 40.4 || .432 || .444 || .971 || 4.0 || 8.8 || .5 || .0 || 19.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2003 NBA playoffs|2003]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2002–03 Dallas Mavericks season|Dallas]]
| '''20''' || '''20''' || 36.5 || .447 || '''.487''' || .873 || 3.5 || 7.3 || '''.9''' || .1 || 16.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2004 NBA playoffs|2004]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2003–04 Dallas Mavericks season|Dallas]]
| 5 || 5 || 39.4 || .386 || .375 || .889 || '''5.2''' || 9.0 || .8 || .0 || 13.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2005 NBA playoffs|2005]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2004–05 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 15 || 15 || '''40.7''' || '''.520''' || .389 || .919 || 4.8 || 11.3 || '''.9''' || .2 || '''23.9'''
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2006 NBA playoffs|2006]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2005–06 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| '''20''' || '''20''' || 39.9 || .502 || .368 || .912 || 3.7 || 10.2 || .4 || '''.3''' || 20.4
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2007 NBA playoffs|2007]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2006–07 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 11 || 11 || 37.5 || .463 || '''.487''' || .891 || 3.2 || '''13.3''' || .4 || .1 || 18.9
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2008 NBA playoffs|2008]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2007–08 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 5 || 5 || 36.6 || .457 || .300 || .917 || 2.8 || 7.8 || .4 || .2 || 16.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2010 NBA playoffs|2010]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2009–10 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 16 || 16 || 33.7 || .518 || .380 || .893 || 3.3 || 10.1 || .3 || .1 || 17.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2013 NBA playoffs|2013]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2012–13 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| 2 || 2 || 30.5 || .435 || .000 || '''1.000''' || 2.5 || 4.5 || .0 || .0 || 12.5
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career
| 120 || 113 || 35.7 || .473 || .406 || .900 || 3.5 || 8.8 || .6 || .1 || 17.3
{{s-end}}

===College===
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1992–93 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1992–93]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1992–93 Santa Clara Broncos men's basketball team|Santa Clara]]
| '''31''' || {{sort|-|—}} || 24.0 || .424 || .408 || .825 || 2.5 || 2.2 || .8 || '''.1''' || 8.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1993–94 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1993–94]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[Santa Clara Broncos#Men's Basketball|Santa Clara]]
| 26 || 23 || 29.9 || .414 || .399 || .831 || 2.5 || 3.7 || 1.3 || .0 || 14.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1994–95 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1994–95]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1994–95 Santa Clara Broncos men's basketball team|Santa Clara]]
| 27 || 27 || 33.4 || '''.444''' || '''.454''' || .879 || '''3.8''' || '''6.4''' || '''1.8''' || '''.1''' || '''20.9'''
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1995–96 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1995–96]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1995–96 Santa Clara Broncos men's basketball team|Santa Clara]]
| 29 || {{sort|-|—}} || '''33.8''' || .430 || .344 || '''.894''' || 3.6 || 6.0 || 1.3 || .0 || 17.0
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career<ref>{{cite web |title=Steve Nash College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/steve-nash-1.html |website=College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com |access-date=11 April 2020}}</ref>
| 113 || {{sort|-|—}} || 30.1 || .430 || .401 || .867 || 3.1 || 4.5 || 1.3 || .1 || 14.9
{{s-end}}

==Head coaching record==
{{NBA coach statistics legend}}
{{NBA coach statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2020–21 Brooklyn Nets season|Brooklyn]]
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2020}}
| 72||48||24||{{Winning percentage|48|24}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2nd in [[Atlantic Division (NBA)|Atlantic]]||12||7||5||{{Winning percentage|7|5}}
| style="text-align:center;"|Lost in [[2021 NBA playoffs|conference semifinals]]
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2021–22 Brooklyn Nets season|Brooklyn]]
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2021}}
| 82||44||38||{{Winning percentage|44|38}}|| style="text-align:center;"|4th in Atlantic||4||0||4||{{Winning percentage|0|4}}
| style="text-align:center;"|Lost in [[2022 NBA playoffs|first round]]
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2022–23 Brooklyn Nets season|Brooklyn]]
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2022}}
| 7||2||5||{{Winning percentage|2|5}}|| style="text-align:center;"|(fired)||—||—||—||—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career
| 161||94||67||{{Winning percentage|94|67}}||&nbsp;||16||7||9||{{Winning percentage|7|9}}||&nbsp;
{{s-end}}

==Awards and achievements==
;NBA
* 2× [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Most Valuable Player]]: 2005, 2006
* 8× [[National Basketball Association All-Star Game|NBA All-Star]]: 2002, 2003, 2005–2008, 2010, 2012
* 7× [[All-NBA]] selection:
** First team: 2005–2007
** Second team: 2008, 2010
** Third team: 2002, 2003
* 2× [[NBA Skills Challenge]] winner: 2005, 2010
* 5× NBA regular season leader for assists per game: 2005 (11.5), 2006 (10.5), 2007 (11.6), 2010 (11.0), 2011 (11.4)<ref name=nashbio/>
* 6× NBA regular season leader for total assists: 2005 (861), 2006 (826), 2007 (884), 2010 (892), 2011 (855), 2012 (664)<ref name=nashbio/>
* 2× NBA regular season leader for free throw percentage: 2006 (.921), 2010 (.938)<ref name=nashbio/>
* 7× NBA regular season leader for assists per 48 minutes: 2004 (12.6),<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20031224215728/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/statistics?stat=nbaassists&qual=true&sort=asts&league=nba&split=0&season=2004&seasontype=2&avg=48&pos=all NBA statistics for 2003–04 NBA season – Assists: Per 48 Minutes], ESPN. Retrieved 19 April 2007.</ref> 2005 (16.1),<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20050320043750/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/statistics?stat=nbaassists&qual=true&sort=asts&league=nba&split=0&season=2005&seasontype=2&avg=48&pos=all NBA statistics for 2004–05 NBA season – Assists: Per 48 Minutes], ESPN. Retrieved 19 April 2007.</ref> 2006 (14.2),<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060516011456/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/statistics?stat=nbaassists&qual=true&sort=asts&league=nba&split=0&season=2006&seasontype=2&avg=48&pos=all NBA statistics for 2005–06 NBA season – Assists: Per 48 Minutes], ESPN. Retrieved 19 April 2007.</ref> 2007 (15.8),<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081206145524/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/statistics?stat=nbaassists&qual=true&sort=asts&league=nba&split=0&season=2007&seasontype=2&avg=48&pos=all NBA statistics for 2006–07 NBA season – Assists: Per 48 Minutes], ESPN. Retrieved 19 April 2007.</ref> 2008 (15.5),<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071202184224/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/statistics?stat=nbaassists&qual=true&sort=asts&league=nba&split=0&season=2008&seasontype=2&avg=48&pos=all NBA statistics for 2007–08 NBA season – Assists: Per 48 Minutes], ESPN. Retrieved 19 April 2008.</ref> 2010 (16.1), 2011 (16.4)
* 4× member of [[50–40–90 club]]: 2006, 2008–2010
** Has more 50–40–90 seasons than any other player in NBA history
** One of only ten players to have ever shot 50–40–90
** One of only three players (the others being [[Larry Bird]] and [[Kevin Durant]]) to have shot 50–40–90 more than once
* [[J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award]]: 2007
* Second-highest career [[free throw]] percentage in NBA history (minimum 1,200 career attempts), 90.42 percent
* [[Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor]]
* [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team]]

;Other
* [[Lou Marsh Trophy]]: 2005<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20060821144350/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Basketball/News/2005/12/08/1344468-cp.html Steve Nash wins Toronto Star's Lou Marsh Trophy as top Canadian athlete]}}, slam.canoe.ca. Retrieved 26 September 2007.</ref>
* 3× [[Lionel Conacher Award]]: 2002, 2005, 2006
* [[Order of Sport]], inducted into [[Canada's Sports Hall of Fame]] in 2020–21<ref>{{Cite web |title=Canada Sports Hall of Fame – Steve Nash |url=https://www.sportshall.ca/hall-of-famers/hall-of-famers-search.html?proID=709&catID=all&lang=EN |access-date=March 26, 2024 |website=sportshall.ca}}</ref>

==Sports ownership==
Nash had also previously made statements about his intention to bring Major League Soccer to Vancouver as early as 2011, which he has succeeded in doing.<ref>Mallett, Peter, "Nash 'pretty amazing' on a soccer pitch", ''The Globe and Mail'', 24 July 2008.</ref> He joined the [[USL-1]]'s [[Vancouver Whitecaps (1986–2010)|Vancouver Whitecaps]] team's ownership group in July 2008, and in March 2009, Vancouver was officially named as a future MLS expansion city, set to join the league in 2011.<ref>[http://www.whitecapsfc.com/archive/feature03180901.aspx MLS awards Vancouver team for 2011] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100726134911/http://www.whitecapsfc.com/archive/feature03180901.aspx |date=26 July 2010}}, whitecapsfc.com, 18 March 2009. Retrieved 14 July 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.whitecapsfc.com/archive/feature07250801.aspx 'Caps pursue franchise in MLS] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080731212130/http://www.whitecapsfc.com/archive/feature07250801.aspx |date=31 July 2008}}, whitecapsfc.com, 25 July 2008. Retrieved 14 July 2009.</ref> Nash occasionally attends practice for his co-owned team, called [[Vancouver Whitecaps FC]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2015/03/steve-nash-trains-whitecapsfc|title=Canadian basketball star Steve Nash trains with Whitecaps FC: 'I just love it' (with photo gallery)|date=3 March 2015|first=Farhan|last=Devji|publisher=whitecapsfc.com|access-date=10 March 2015}}</ref>

Nash, along with former [[Yahoo!]] president and fellow [[Victoria, British Columbia|Victoria]]-native [[Jeff Mallett]], were investors in [[Women's Professional Soccer]], a soccer league that was launched in March 2009 and folded in May 2012. Nash cited his twin daughters and wanting to have role models for them to look up to as a reason for supporting the league.<ref>Associated Press. [http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/soccer/02/04/bc.soc.women.sleague.na.ap/index.html Nash on board for women's league] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207142904/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/soccer/02/04/bc.soc.women.sleague.na.ap/index.html |date=7 February 2008}}, ''Sports Illustrated'', 4 February 2008. Retrieved 17 February 2008.</ref>

On 5 January 2016, it was announced that Nash was part of a group who purchased a $21 million stake in {{Spanish football updater|Mallorca}} club [[RCD Mallorca|Mallorca]]. The group also included Phoenix Suns owner [[Robert Sarver]], Suns vice chairman [[Andy Kohlberg]] and former players of the United States national soccer team [[Stuart Holden]] and [[Kyle Martino]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/01/05/vancouver-whitecaps-part-owner-steve-nash-buys-stake-real-mallorca|title=Vancouver Whitecaps part-owner Steve Nash buys stake of Spanish club Real Mallorca|date=5 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Global/Issues/2017/05/26/Franchises/Mallorca.aspx|title=Investors Kyle Martino, Stuart Holden Discuss Mallorca's Fight To Avoid Relegation|date=26 May 2017|publisher=sportsbusinessdaily}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rcdmallorca.es/en/content/news/news/steve-nash-and-stuart-holden-have-visited-rafa-nadal|title=Steve Nash and Stuart Holden have visited Rafa Nadal|date=26 September 2017|website=rcdmallorca.es}}</ref>

On 21 June 2021, Nash along with [[Wayne Gretzky]], [[Dustin Johnson]] and [[Brooklyn Nets]] owner [[Joe Tsai]] became owners in the [[National Lacrosse League]]'s new Las Vegas franchise, the [[Las Vegas Desert Dogs]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hertel |first1=Alyssa |title=Wayne Gretzky, Steve Nash and Dustin Johnson invest in new National Lacrosse League team |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2021/06/21/wayne-gretzky-steve-nash-dustin-johnson-las-vegas-national-lacrosse-league/7769098002/ |website=USA Today |access-date=17 February 2023 |date=21 June 2021}}</ref>

==Off the court==
[[File:ETalk2008-Steve Nash.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Nash at the 2008 eTalk Festival Party, during the [[Toronto International Film Festival]]]]

===Personal life===
In 2001, Nash met Alejandra Amarilla in [[New York City]]. They married in June 2005 and had twin daughters and a son.<ref name="nashbio"/><ref>Coro, Paul, [https://azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2010/11/12/20101112phoenix-suns-beat-sacramento-kings-steve-nash.html "Steve Nash leads Phoenix Suns past Sacramento Kings"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723035509/https://azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2010/11/12/20101112phoenix-suns-beat-sacramento-kings-steve-nash.html |date=23 July 2021}}, ''The Arizona Republic''. Retrieved 13 November 2010.</ref> On the day of his son's birth, Nash made a statement to ''[[Life & Style (magazine)|Life & Style]]'' in which he announced the birth but called it a "bittersweet moment", revealing that he and his wife had "lived separately for the past several months" and were "in the process of dissolving" their marriage.<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/suns-star-steve-nash-announces-divorce-1.870478 Suns star Steve Nash announces divorce], Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 14 November 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.lifeandstylemag.com/2010/11/steve-nash.html Life & Style exclusive: NBA STAR STEVE NASH & WIFE ANNOUNCE NEW BABY BOY...AND MARRIAGE SPLIT] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117143050/http://www.lifeandstylemag.com/2010/11/steve-nash.html |date=17 November 2010}}, lifeandstylemag.com. Retrieved 14 November 2010.</ref> In March 2016, Nash became engaged to Lilla Frederick, a former [[Pepperdine University]] and junior women's U.S. team volleyball player.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/steve-nash-engaged-lilla-frederick-volleyball-player-lakers-030416 |title=Steve Nash announces engagement to ex-Pepperdine volleyball player |publisher=Fox News |date=4 March 2016 |access-date=12 August 2016}}</ref> They married in September 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://azcentral.com/story/sports/heat-index/2016/09/06/steve-nash-gets-married-second-time-lilla-frederick/89916490/ |title=Steve Nash gets married for second time |publisher=AZ Central |date=6 September 2016 |access-date=25 September 2016}}</ref> The couple have a son and a daughter.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/b-c-s-steve-nash-and-wife-lilla-frederick-welcome-new-baby-boy-luca |title=B.C.'s Steve Nash and wife Lilla Frederick welcome new baby boy Luca |newspaper=Vancouver Sun |date=20 July 2017 |access-date=9 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Amurao |first=Reign |date=2 November 2022 |title=Who is Steve Nash's wife Lilla Frederick and how did they meet: All you need to know |url= https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-who-steve-nash-s-wife-lilla-frederick-meet-all-need-know |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=sportskeeda.com}}</ref>

In 2006, Nash was referenced in Canadian singer [[Nelly Furtado]]'s song "[[Promiscuous (song)|Promiscuous]]", leading him to deny rumours that they were romantically involved.<ref name=noha>Koha, Nui Te. [http://attitude.themercury.news.com.au/cheese_furtado.htm "Songbird sexy and soaring"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080722082258/http://attitude.themercury.news.com.au/cheese_furtado.htm |date=22 July 2008}}. ''[[Herald Sun|The Sunday Herald Sun]]''. 23 July 2006. Retrieved 18 September 2006.</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bartko|first=Karen|title=5 hip-hop songs that reference Canadian basketball player Steve Nash|date=25 March 2015|work=Global News|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/1902810/5-hip-hop-songs-that-reference-canadian-basketball-player-steve-nash/|access-date=11 September 2018}}</ref><ref name="MTV">{{cite web|first=Julianne |last=Shepherd |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/f/furtado_nelly/qa_feature_060706/ |title=How Nelly Furtado Got Her Ghetto Pass |publisher=[[MTV]].com |access-date=10 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411082519/http://www.mtv.com/bands/f/furtado_nelly/qa_feature_060706/ |archive-date=11 April 2008}}</ref> They both grew up in British Columbia.<ref name=noha/>

Nash's younger brother, [[Martin Nash (soccer)|Martin]], played soccer for the [[Vancouver Whitecaps (1986–2010)|Vancouver Whitecaps]] and made 30 [[cap (sport)|appearances]] for the [[Canada men's national soccer team|Canadian national soccer team]].<ref name="foundation"/> Their younger sister, Joann, was the captain of the [[University of Victoria#Athletics|University of Victoria]] [[Victoria Vikes|Vikes]] women's soccer team for three years and was named a [[Canada West Universities Athletic Association]] [[All-Star]].<ref name="kid">McPeek, Jeramie, [http://www.nba.com/suns/news/fastbreak_nash_cover.html "The Canadian Kid"], National Basketball Association. Retrieved 24 July 2007.</ref><ref>Ulmer, Mike, {{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120720232150/http://www.canoe.ca/2000GamesNash/nash_00sep27-sun.html "Nash's roots extend to pub"]}}, canoe.ca, 27 September 2000. Retrieved 18 July 2007.</ref> She is married to former professional ice hockey player [[Manny Malhotra]].<ref name=canucks/> Nash is the [[godparent|godfather]] of [[Toronto Raptors]] star [[RJ Barrett]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2017/5/31/15579068/rj-barrett-recruiting-kentucky-duke-canada-basketball-rankings|title=R. J. Barrett carries the weight of Canadian basketball on his shoulders|date=31 May 2017}}</ref>

Nash has a medical condition called [[spondylolisthesis]], which causes muscle tightness and [[back pain]]. Due to the condition, when he was not playing in basketball games, he would lie on his back rather than sit on the bench to keep his muscles from stiffening.<ref>{{cite news|last=McCallum |first=Jack |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/preview/siexclusive/2006/pr/subs/siexclusive/01/23/steve.nash0130/index.html?url=http%253A%252F%252Fpremium.si.cnn.com%252Fpr%252Fsubs2%252Fsiexclusive%252F2006%252Fpr%252Fsubs%252Fsiexclusive%252F01%252F23%252Fsteve.nash0130%252Findex.html |title=Point Guard from Another Planet |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=26 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901062624/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/preview/siexclusive/2006/pr/subs/siexclusive/01/23/steve.nash0130/index.html?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium.si.cnn.com%2Fpr%2Fsubs2%2Fsiexclusive%2F2006%2Fpr%2Fsubs%2Fsiexclusive%2F01%2F23%2Fsteve.nash0130%2Findex.html |archive-date= 1 September 2013 |url-access=subscription |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Charity===
In 2001, Nash founded the Steve Nash [[Foundation (nonprofit organization)|Foundation]]. Through grants to public service and nonprofit entities, the foundation aims to foster health in kids by funding projects that provide services to children affected by poverty, illness, abuse, or neglect, and create opportunities for education, play, and empowerment. It focuses its resources on communities in [[Arizona]] and [[British Columbia]], and was given charitable status in 2004.<ref name="foundation"/> The foundation was awarded the Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy in 2008.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/suns/news/nash_081120.html Steve Nash Honored For Off-the-Court Efforts], National Basketball Association, 20 November 2008. Retrieved 21 November 2008.</ref> Nash also founded the Jim Jennings Memorial Endowment Fund, established in honour of a volunteer staff member at Santa Clara University who served the basketball team for more than 20 years.<ref name="sant"/>

Elsewhere, Nash sponsors the Steve Nash Youth Basketball League in British Columbia, which has grown over 10,000 participants.<ref name="nashbio"/> He also became involved with GuluWalk, a Canadian-operated charitable organization that raises awareness and funds for the war-affected children of northern [[Uganda]]. In September 2007, Nash and [[Yao Ming]] headlined a group of NBA players who travelled to China and played an exhibition game with the [[China national basketball team|Chinese national basketball team]]. The charity event reportedly raised 2.5 million dollars, earmarked for Chinese children in need.<ref>[http://www.sportsbusinessradio.com/node/1309 Steve Nash/Yao Ming Gala and Game Raise $2.5M] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080101121605/http://www.sportsbusinessradio.com/node/1309 |date= 1 January 2008}}, sportsbusinessradio.com, 14 September 2007. Retrieved 1 February 2008.</ref>

In May 2006, Nash was named by ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. In the accompanying write-up by [[Charles Barkley]], Nash was lauded for his unselfishness on the basketball court, and being "just a nice guy" who had paid for a new [[pediatric]] [[cardiology]] ward in a [[Paraguay]]an hospital.<ref>Barkley, Charles, [https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1975813_1975847_1976610,00.html "Steve Nash"], ''Time'', 30 April 2006. Retrieved 30 September 2007.</ref> On 28 December 2007, it was announced that Nash would receive Canada's highest civilian honour, the [[Order of Canada]],<ref>[http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/105451 Suns notebook: Nash receives Order of Canada] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071230180956/http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/105451 |date=30 December 2007}}, eastvalleytribune.com. Retrieved 30 December 2007.</ref> and on 3 June 2008, it was announced that Nash would receive a star on [[Canada's Walk of Fame]].<ref>[https://www.ctvnews.ca/steve-nash-kd-lang-among-new-walk-of-fame-inductees-1.300065 Steve Nash, kd lang among new Walk of Fame inductees], ctv.ca, 3 June 2008. Retrieved 3 June 2008.</ref> On 18 September 2009, he was awarded an honorary [[Doctor of Laws]] degree from the [[University of Victoria]] for his athletic achievements and philanthropic work on the behalf of young people through the Steve Nash Foundation.<ref>[http://communications.uvic.ca/releases/release.php?display=release&id=1063 Steve Nash to Accept University of Victoria Honorary Degree], UVic Communications, 19 August 2009. Retrieved 18 November 2014.</ref>

===Endorsements===
Nash is selective in his endorsements, preferring companies he deems socially responsible. After winning his first MVP award, he was approached to serve as spokesperson for numerous products, including MDG Computers, Raymond Weil watches, Vitamin Water, and Clearly Canadian bottled water.<ref>Coro, Paul, [https://azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0219allstarnb0219.html Nash signs to endorse watches for his charity] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070221150112/http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0219allstarnb0219.html |date=21 February 2007}}, ''The Arizona Republic'', 19 February 2007. Retrieved 1 February 2008.</ref> He also has a longstanding relationship with [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]].<ref>Associated Press. [https://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/303806 Nash now a trash walker], ''Toronto Star'', 15 February 2008. Retrieved 16 February 2008.</ref> Nash is represented by [[Sports agent|agent]] [[Bill Duffy (basketball)|Bill Duffy]].<ref name="duffy">[http://www.bdasports.com/ssp/clients BDA Sports – What Our Clients Think] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412053140/http://www.bdasports.com/ssp/clients |date=12 April 2008}}, bdasports.com. Retrieved 13 March 2008.</ref>

===Soccer===
[[File:Steve Nash Showdown in Chinatown 2010.jpg|thumb|upright|Nash contemplated a soccer career before deciding to focus on basketball full-time.]]
Nash grew up playing [[soccer]]—he stated in a 2005 interview that he could have played professionally if he had focused on it<ref>[http://www.nba.com/features/gq_nash_051202.html GQ’s Baller of the Year: Steve Nash], National Basketball Association, 10 December 2005. Retrieved 17 February 2008.</ref>—and continues to hold an interest in the sport. When [[Dirk Nowitzki]] arrived in the NBA from Germany, he and Nash became close friends, in part because they enjoyed watching soccer together. Nash is friends with several professional soccer players, including [[Alessandro Del Piero]], [[Thierry Henry]], [[Owen Hargreaves]], [[Massimo Ambrosini]] and [[Steve McManaman]].<ref>Yates, Enric, [http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/soccer/20070516-9999-lz1s16nash.html "Double Dribbler"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070819041412/http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/soccer/20070516-9999-lz1s16nash.html |date=19 August 2007}}, signonsandiego.com, 16 May 2007. Retrieved 17 February 2008.</ref> During his off-season, when he lives in New York City, he has trained with the [[New York Red Bulls]] of [[Major League Soccer]],<ref>Havsy, Jane, [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/suns/2006-08-10-nash-red-bulls_x.htm "NBA's Nash gets his kicks with MLS"], ''USA Today'', 10 August 2006. Retrieved 17 February 2008.</ref> and once tried to arrange a pick-up game in the city's [[Central Park]] with the Red Bulls and one of his local teams.<ref>Spangler, Adam, [https://web.archive.org/web/20071204022345/http://www.thisisamericansoccer.com/frontlines/red-bulls-in-central-park/#more "Red Bulls in Central Park"], thisisamericansoccer.com, 7 August 2007. Retrieved 17 February 2008.</ref>

Nash, whose father was born in the [[Tottenham]] district of London, is a lifelong [[Tottenham Hotspur]] supporter, and has expressed interest in owning a minority stake in the club. "I'd like to be an owner. It's something I could do for the rest of my life after my little window of popularity dies", he said in an interview with ''[[The New York Times]]''.<ref>Adamson, Mike, [http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2201885,00.html "Nash would like to be Tottenham owner"], ''The Guardian'', 30 October 2007. Retrieved 17 February 2008.</ref> Nash added, "I've been a passionate supporter all my life. My parents are from north London and so it's not like I'm some Yank who wants to make a profit out of football. I don't care about making money. I just want to see Spurs succeed and, if I can help, that's great." However, he said any participation in Spurs would come after his basketball career is over, and he has had only "casual contact" with chairman [[Daniel Levy (businessman)|Daniel Levy]] and former director of football [[Damien Comolli]].<ref>[http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2257929,00.html 'I'm not some Yank who wants to make a profit. I just want to see Spurs succeed'] ''The Guardian''. 19 February 2008. Retrieved 20 February 2008.</ref> Nash is also a fan of Spain's [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]],<ref name=stein/> and Brazilian team [[Sport Club Corinthians Paulista]], which his former Suns teammate [[Leandro Barbosa]] supports. When Barbosa visited Corinthians in 2007, the club gave him a shirt with Nash's name and jersey number.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/0,,MUL55018-4271,00.html |title=Leandrinho visita memorial do Timão |publisher=[[Rede Globo|Globo Esporte]] |language=pt |date=19 June 2007 |access-date=10 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090701161444/http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/0%2C%2CMUL55018-4271%2C00.html |archive-date=1 July 2009}}</ref>

Nash also co-hosted [[Showdown in Chinatown]] in 2008, an 8-on-8 charity soccer game held at [[Sara D. Roosevelt Park]]. He scored two goals in his team's 8–5 victory. Participants included [[Thierry Henry]], [[Jason Kidd]], [[Baron Davis]] and Suns teammates [[Raja Bell]] and Leandro Barbosa.<ref>[https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3458050 "Nash, soccer star Henry among players in charity soccer match"], ESPN. Retrieved 26 June 2008.</ref>

In July 2013, Nash participated in a training session with the Italian soccer club [[Inter Milan]] at the [[New York Red Bulls]]' facilities in New Jersey.<ref>[http://www.inter.it/en/news/43309 Second session in New Jersey, Steve Nash with Inter] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208064129/http://www.inter.it/en/news/43309 |date=8 February 2018}}, inter.it, 30 July 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2014.</ref> He also trained with the [[New York Cosmos B]] of the American fourth-division [[National Premier Soccer League]] in 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last=Williams |first=Bob |title=Alecko Eskandarian's coaching career is going places – and far further than a business trip to England |date=26 January 2016 |newspaper=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/major-league-soccer/12122778/Alecko-Eskandarians-coaching-career-is-going-places-and-far-further-than-a-business-trip-to-England.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129121318/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/major-league-soccer/12122778/Alecko-Eskandarians-coaching-career-is-going-places-and-far-further-than-a-business-trip-to-England.html |archive-date= 29 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2023, Nash took part in [[The Soccer Tournament]] as a guest of [[Como 1907|Como]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sportando.basketball/en/steve-nash-to-play-for-italian-club-como-1907-in-the-soccer-tournament-tst/|title=Steve Nash to Play for Italian Club Como 1907 in The Soccer Tournament (TST)|first=Alessandro|last=Maggi|newspaper=Sportando |date=30 May 2023}}</ref>

===Other interests===
[[File:2010 Opening Ceremonies - Lighting Interior Cauldron.jpg|thumb|Nash, [[Wayne Gretzky]], [[Nancy Greene]], and [[Catriona Le May Doan]] participate in the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at the [[2010 Winter Olympics]]]]
Nash and a [[Montreal]]-based partner, Leonard Schlemm, opened the first Steve Nash Sports Club in the spring of 2007 in downtown Vancouver, a high-end, $5 million, {{convert|38500|sqft|m2|adj=on}} facility that will mirror Nash's own fitness philosophy.<ref>[http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2007/31/c9834.html "First Steve Nash Sports Club to Open in Vancouver"], newswire.ca. Retrieved 13 February 2007.</ref>

In 2007, Nash wrote and produced an 81-second commercial for [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]] titled "Training Day", directed by [[Julian Schnabel]]'s daughter Lola, which gained popularity as a [[viral video]] on YouTube.<ref name=film>Coro, Paul, [https://azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0320suns0321.html "Nash sees filmmaking in future"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706193440/http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0320suns0321.html |date=6 July 2008}}, ''The Arizona Republic'', 20 March 2008. Retrieved 21 March 2008.</ref> Nash also started a film production company together with his cousin, filmmaker Ezra Holland, and intends to produce [[independent film]]s.<ref name=film/> The first creative effort to come from Meathawk was a 91-second commercial, titled "The Sixty Million Dollar Man", for Nike's eco-friendly Trash Talk shoe, the first high-performance shoe to be made—at the behest of the environmentally conscious Nash—from recycled materials. Nash has worn the shoe since February 2008, but Nike produced only 5,000 pairs for sale. The ad, which broke virally on [[Earth Day]] 2008, was written by Nash and the directors of the spot, Danny Vaia and Ezra Holland. It is a spoof remake of the [[title sequence]] of the American television series ''[[The Six Million Dollar Man]]'' and plays on Nash's numerous on-court collisions. [[Amar'e Stoudemire]] and [[Raja Bell]] have [[cameo appearance]]s.<ref>Coro, Paul, [https://azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2008/04/23/20080423sunsnotes0423.html "Nash makes another ad"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723045626/https://azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2008/04/23/20080423sunsnotes0423.html |date=23 July 2021}}, ''The Arizona Republic'', 23 April 2008. Retrieved 26 August 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.nba.com/suns/news/nash_080422.html "Steve Nash Releases His Own Short Film on Earth Day to Promote New Sneaker"], National Basketball Association, 22 April 2008. Retrieved 26 August 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.the-mill.com/article.php?A=742 "The Mill and Meathawk recycle Nash for Nike"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114111027/http://www.the-mill.com/article.php?A=742 |date=14 January 2009}}, the-mill.com, 30 April 2008. Retrieved 26 August 2008.</ref> Nash and Holland also co-directed the documentary ''Into the Wind'', about iconic Canadian athlete and activist [[Terry Fox]], as part of ESPN's ''[[30 for 30]]'' series. In October 2013, Nash appeared in the music video for "[[City of Angels (Thirty Seconds to Mars song)|City of Angels]]" by [[Thirty Seconds to Mars]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Grow|first1=Kory|title=Thirty Seconds to Mars Recruit Kanye West, Lindsay Lohan for 'Angels'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/thirty-seconds-to-mars-recruit-kanye-west-lindsay-lohan-for-angels-20131029|access-date=8 August 2014|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=29 October 2013}}</ref> In 2013, Nash was one of the recipients of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards presented by ''[[Canadian Immigrant]]'' magazine.<ref>{{cite web |title=Canada's Top 25 Immigrants 2013 |url=https://canadianimmigrant.ca/canadas-top-25-immigrants/canadas-top-25-immigrants-2013 |website=Canadian Immigrant |access-date=18 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Crawford |first1=Emma |title=Steve Nash among winners of RBC awards for top Canadian immigrants |url=https://biv.com/article/2013/06/steve-nash-among-winners-of-rbc-awards-for-top-can |website=Business in Vancouver |access-date=21 June 2021 |date=26 June 2013}}</ref>

At the [[2010 Winter Olympics]] in Vancouver, Nash became the first NBA player in Olympic history to carry the torch and light the Olympic cauldron.<ref>Kerby, Trey, [https://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/vancouver/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/NBA-star-Steve-Nash-makes-Olympic-history-at-the?urn=oly,219477 "NBA star Steve Nash makes Olympic history at the Opening Ceremony"], Yahoo!, 13 February 2010. Retrieved 14 February 2010.</ref>

Nash is also known for his outspoken political views. He was an early and public opponent of the 2003 [[Iraq War]], wearing a custom-made T-shirt to the 2003 [[NBA All Star Game]] that stated: "No war – Shoot for peace."<ref>Hollinger, John, [https://web.archive.org/web/20030216064954/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2003/all_star/news/2003/02/07/nash_war/ "Mavericks' star voices opposition to war in Iraq"], ''Sports Illustrated''. 7 February 2003. Retrieved 19 November 2012.</ref> Although Nash did get positive support from teammate [[Nick Van Exel]] among others, he also drew criticism from [[David Robinson (basketball)|David Robinson]], a former Naval officer and fellow NBA player as well as commentators like [[Skip Bayless]] who criticized Nash as being uninformed and advised him to "just shut up and play."<ref>Alfano, John, [http://www.poynter.org/uncategorized/9954/sports-columnists-athletes-and-dissent/ "Sports Columnists, Athletes, and Dissent"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014173308/http://www.poynter.org/uncategorized/9954/sports-columnists-athletes-and-dissent/ |date=14 October 2013}}, Poynter. 15 April 2003. Retrieved 19 November 2012.</ref> Nash has also been critical of Arizona's [[SB1070]], legislation which seeks to aggressively address illegal immigration, as he felt "the law obviously can target opportunities for racial profiling."<ref name="e636">{{cite web | last=Zirin | first=Dave | title='Los Suns' set against Arizona's immigration law | website=the Guardian | date=2010-05-05 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/cifamerica/2010/may/05/phoenix-los-suns-jersey-nba-immigration-arizona | access-date=2024-11-01}}</ref> In August 2017, Nash was critical of President [[Donald Trump]] in the aftermath of the [[2017 Unite the Right rally]], saying that "to defend [[white supremacist]]s and then slang his shitty ass grape juice pretty much sums the man up," referring to a winery Donald Trump has in [[Charlottesville, Virginia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2017/8/15/16154500/suns-legend-steve-nash-slams-donald-trump-phoenix-los-angeles-lakers-nba-president-charlottesville|title=Suns legend Steve Nash slams Donald Trump|publisher=Bright Side of the Sun|date=15 August 2017|first=Keith M.|last=Scheessele|access-date=30 August 2020}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of Canadians in the National Basketball Association]]
* [[List of foreign NBA players]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association career assists leaders]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association career turnovers leaders]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association career 3-point scoring leaders]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association career 3-point field goal percentage leaders]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association career free throw percentage leaders]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association career games played leaders]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association career playoff assists leaders]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association career playoff turnovers leaders]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association career playoff 3-point scoring leaders]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association players with most assists in a game]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association retired numbers]] 
* [[List of oldest and youngest National Basketball Association players]]
* [[List of sportspeople with dual nationality]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
* Jeff Rud, (1996), ''Long Shot: Steve Nash's Journey to the NBA'', Polestar Books {{ISBN|1-896095-16-X}}
* Jeff Rud. (2007), ''Steve Nash: The Making of an MVP'', Puffin {{ISBN|0-14-241014-4}}
* {{cite book|author=Jeff Savage|title=Steve Nash|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Oc7urw7rQj4C&pg=PP1|date=6 November 2006|publisher=Lerner Publications|isbn=978-0-8225-5956-6}}
* {{cite book|author1=Paul Arseneault|author2=Peter Assaff|title=Steve Nash|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=scoByYq6QGAC&pg=PP1|date=14 November 2006|publisher=Heritage House Publishing Co|isbn=978-1-894974-25-7}}
*Ryan Basen, (2007) ''Steve Nash: Leader on and Off the Court'', Enslow Publishers {{ISBN|0-7660-2868-2}}
*{{cite book|author=Dan Osier|title=Steve Nash|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RhxZNg6WyqcC&pg=PP1|date=15 January 2011|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-1-4488-2525-7}}
*{{cite book|author1=Jay Triano|author2=Steve Nash|title=Basketball Basics: How to Play Like the Pros|year=2009|publisher=Greystone Books|isbn=978-1-55365-451-3}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Steve Nash}}
* {{basketball stats|nba=959|bbr=n/nashst01}}
* {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706170124/http://www.basketball.ca/en/hm/inside.php?sid=186&id=1677 |date=6 July 2011 |title=Canada Basketball profile}}
* {{Basketballhof|steve-nash}}
* {{Team Canada|steve-nash}}
* {{Olympics.com profile|steve-nash|org_archive=20210309230723}}
* {{Olympedia}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* [http://www.conacher-rosenfeld.ca/les_gagnants-winners/conacher/steve_nash-eng.html Steve Nash, winner of the Lionel Conacher Award and the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award: Virtual Museum of Canada Exhibit]

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