Steve Nash is a Canadian former professional basketball player and current coach. He had a successful 18-season career in the NBA, most notably with the Phoenix Suns. He was an eight-time All-Star, a seven-time All-NBA selection, and won the NBA's Most Valuable Player award twice. After retiring as a player, he became a coach, including a stint as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.
Born in February 1974, Steve Nash's family relocated to Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, when he was 18 months old, later settling in Victoria, British Columbia. His father's professional soccer career took their family to various countries before settling in Canada.
On February 7, 1974, Steve Nash was born in Johannesburg, South Africa.
In 1991, Steve Nash led his high school basketball team to the British Columbia AAA provincial championship title, earning the title of the province's Player of the Year.
Steve Nash began his journey with the Canadian men's national basketball team in 1991, marking the start of his commitment to representing his country in international competitions.
Steve Nash commenced his college basketball journey at Santa Clara University in 1992. In his debut season, he led the Broncos to a WCC tournament victory and a surprising win against Arizona, ranked second, in the NCAA tournament's first round.
Led by Nash, the Phoenix Suns reached the Western Conference finals in 2005 for the first time since 1993, signifying a resurgence for the franchise.
While in college in 1993, Steve Nash played for the Canadian senior national team at the Tournament of the Americas, Canada Games, and Summer Universiade. He won a bronze medal at the Canada Games and a silver medal at the Summer Universiade.
Following a successful debut season, Steve Nash and the Santa Clara Broncos experienced a challenging year in 1994, finishing with a 5-7 record in their conference. However, they made a strong comeback in the subsequent 1994-95 season.
Jason Kidd, the second overall pick in the 1994 NBA draft, joined the Phoenix Suns.
In 1995, Steve Nash's outstanding performances on the court garnered national attention and caught the eye of professional scouts.
Steve Nash continued to shine at Santa Clara in 1995, earning the title of Conference Player of the Year and guiding the Broncos back to the NCAA tournament. Despite contemplating turning professional, he chose to stay at Santa Clara for another year.
After graduating with a sociology degree, Steve Nash was selected 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 1996 NBA draft.
Steve Nash's NBA journey began with the Phoenix Suns in 1996. Despite facing initial skepticism from fans, he embraced a supporting role behind established point guards like Kevin Johnson, Sam Cassell, and Jason Kidd.
Steve Nash joined the Dallas Mavericks in 1998, marking the beginning of his journey to becoming a renowned point guard.
In 1998, Steve Nash was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, marking a turning point in his career.
After the 1998 NBA draft, Steve Nash was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Dallas Mavericks. The trade was orchestrated by Don Nelson, who had recently become the assistant general manager of the Mavericks and was impressed by Nash's potential.
At the 1999 Tournament of the Americas, Steve Nash led Team Canada to a silver medal and secured their qualification for the Olympics for the first time in 12 years. Nash was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
In the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season, Nash started in all 40 games he played, demonstrating his commitment to his new team. Despite his efforts, the Mavericks did not make the playoffs that year.
The 1999-2000 season, which saw Nash as a part-time starter for Dallas, marked a time when he averaged his fewest assists.
Despite missing several games due to an ankle injury, Nash returned to contribute significantly to the Mavericks in the 1999-2000 season. This season marked the growth of the team's dynamics, with Dirk Nowitzki emerging as a strong player and the arrival of Mark Cuban as the team's owner.
Steve Nash captained the Canadian national team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, leading them through a successful run in the group stage, including victories over Spain and Yugoslavia. Despite losing to France in the quarterfinals, Nash's performance elevated his status in Canada, earning him a fifth-place finish in the voting for the Lionel Conacher Award, given to Canada's top male athlete.
The 1999-2000 season, which saw Nash as a part-time starter for Dallas, marked a time when he averaged his fewest assists.
The 2000-2001 season saw Nash having a breakout year, averaging 15.6 points and 7.3 assists per game. His performance led the Mavericks to their first playoff appearance in over a decade.
Demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community, Steve Nash established the Steve Nash Foundation in 2001, aiming to improve the lives of children in need through various initiatives.
Nash's strong performance continued into the 2001-2002 season, earning him his first NBA All-Star selection and a spot on the All-NBA Third Team. He, Nowitzki, and Finley became known as the "Dallas Mavericks' Big Three". Despite their efforts, the Mavericks were eliminated in the Conference Semifinals.
Steve Nash's personal life took a significant turn in 2001 when he met Alejandra Amarilla in Manhattan, a relationship that would later lead to marriage and children.
Nash maintained his high level of play in the 2002-2003 season, once again being named an All-Star and receiving All-NBA Third Team honors.
Throughout his career, Steve Nash proudly represented Canada on the international basketball stage. Notably, he participated in the FIBA AmeriCup, showcasing his talent and leadership skills on the global platform in 2003.
Steve Nash demonstrated his outspoken political views with his early and public opposition to the 2003 Iraq War. He made a statement at the 2003 NBA All-Star Game by wearing a custom-made T-shirt with the message: "No war – Shoot for peace." While he received support from teammate Nick Van Exel and others, Nash also faced criticism for his stance, notably from former Naval officer and NBA player David Robinson and commentators like Skip Bayless.
Nash and Nowitzki led the Mavericks on an impressive run to the Western Conference finals in the 2002-2003 season, showcasing their growth as a duo. Despite their efforts, they fell short of the championship, losing to the San Antonio Spurs.
Before Steve Nash rejoined the Phoenix Suns, the team struggled during the 2003-04 season, finishing with a disappointing 29-53 record.
As Nash entered free agency in 2004, he faced difficult negotiations with Mark Cuban, who was hesitant to offer him a long-term contract.
After the 2003 NBA season, Steve Nash became a free agent. He made a significant decision to return to the Phoenix Suns, where he would go on to achieve remarkable success.
On November 21, 2004, Nash showcased his skills with a remarkable performance against the LA Clippers, recording 22 points, 18 assists, and 4 steals, highlighting his impact on the Suns.
Despite his desire to stay in Dallas, Nash ultimately signed with the Phoenix Suns, who offered him a more lucrative contract, beginning a new chapter in his career.
Despite the Mavericks' offensive boost with new additions to the roster, the 2003-2004 season saw a decrease in Nash's scoring contributions. Though he achieved career-highs in assists and free throw accuracy, he wasn't selected for the All-Star or All-NBA teams. The Mavericks faced another playoff disappointment, losing in the first round.
In 2004, Steve Nash returned to the Phoenix Suns, leading them to a significant improvement from a 29-53 record in 2003-04 to 62-20 in 2004-05. This marked the beginning of a successful period for Nash and the Suns.
In 2004, the Steve Nash Foundation achieved a significant milestone by obtaining charitable status, solidifying its legitimacy and enabling it to operate more effectively in its mission to support children in need.
Steve Nash played his last tournament with the Canadian national team at the 2004 FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament, leading the tournament in assists and being named MVP. Despite this, Canada placed fourth, missing the Olympic qualification.
Steve Nash's return to the Phoenix Suns in 2004 had an immediate impact, transforming the team's performance and leading them to a remarkable improvement from a 29-53 record in 2003-04 to 62-20 in 2004-05.
Steve Nash's return to the Phoenix Suns in 2004 marked the beginning of a remarkable chapter in his NBA career.
After several years of dating, Steve Nash and Alejandra Amarilla tied the knot in June 2005.
Steve Nash's exceptional performance during the 2004-2005 NBA season earned him his first NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. He led the Phoenix Suns to the Western Conference Finals, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier point guards.
In the 2004-2005 season, Nash's arrival in Phoenix sparked a remarkable turnaround for the Suns, who exceeded expectations with a 62-20 record. His exceptional playmaking and leadership earned him his first NBA MVP award, making him the first Canadian to achieve this honor. Despite a strong playoff run, the Suns fell short in the Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs.
In a 2005 interview, Steve Nash revealed his lifelong passion for soccer. He even expressed that he might have pursued a professional soccer career if he had dedicated himself to it. His love for the sport extended to his friendship with Dirk Nowitzki, a fellow NBA player from Germany, as they bonded over their shared love of watching soccer together.
In 2005, Steve Nash's exceptional leadership and playmaking skills propelled the Phoenix Suns to the conference finals, marking their first appearance in over a decade.
In 2005, Steve Nash won his first NBA MVP award and became the fourth player in NBA history to join the 50-40-90 club, showcasing exceptional shooting accuracy.
Despite facing challenges with injuries and trades within the team, Nash continued to excel in the 2005-2006 season. He led the Suns to another division title and achieved career-highs in points, rebounds, field goal percentage, and free throw percentage. His exceptional performance earned him his second consecutive NBA MVP award.
On January 2, 2006, Nash delivered an incredible performance against the New York Knicks, recording 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 22 assists in a thrilling triple-overtime game, showcasing his endurance and playmaking ability.
In May 2006, Steve Nash was recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Charles Barkley, in his write-up for Time, praised Nash's selflessness on the court and his kind demeanor. He also highlighted Nash's philanthropic contribution of funding a new pediatric cardiology ward in a Paraguayan hospital.
On June 14, 2006, Mark Cuban publicly expressed his regret over not re-signing Steve Nash, acknowledging Nash's exceptional performance with the Phoenix Suns.
In September 2006, Santa Clara University paid tribute to Steve Nash's exceptional college basketball career by retiring his jersey No. 11, marking the first time a Santa Clara student-athlete received this honor.
Despite injuries to key players, Steve Nash led the Suns to the conference finals for the second consecutive season in 2006. He also repeated his impressive 50-40-90 shooting performance.
During the 2006-07 NBA season, Steve Nash had an exceptional year, averaging 18.6 points and a career-high 11.6 assists per game. This achievement marked him as the first player since Magic Johnson (1990-91) to achieve such numbers in a regular season.
In 2006, Steve Nash found himself at the center of media attention when he was mentioned in a song by Canadian singer Nelly Furtado, prompting him to publicly deny any romantic involvement with the artist.
In 2006, Steve Nash's influence extended beyond the basketball court when Time magazine recognized him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, highlighting his philanthropic endeavors and global impact.
Steve Nash's dominance continued into the 2005-2006 NBA season, earning him his second consecutive NBA MVP award. This accomplishment solidified his place among the league's elite players.
In September 2007, Steve Nash joined other NBA stars in a charity exhibition game against the Chinese national basketball team, raising a substantial sum of money to support underprivileged children in China.
In December 2007, Steve Nash was chosen to receive the Order of Canada, Canada's highest civilian honor.
In December 2007, Steve Nash stated he would no longer play for Team Canada, reportedly due to his dissatisfaction with the firing of head coach Jay Triano in 2004.
In 2007, Steve Nash ventured into the creative field, writing and producing an 81-second Nike commercial titled "Training Day." Directed by Lola Schnabel, daughter of renowned filmmaker Julian Schnabel, the commercial gained significant traction as a viral video on YouTube. This endeavor marked Nash's foray into film production, as he also started a film production company with his cousin, filmmaker Ezra Holland, with the intention of producing independent films.
In 2007, Steve Nash received one of Canada's highest civilian honors when he was appointed to the Order of Canada. This prestigious recognition acknowledged his outstanding contributions to basketball and his commitment to philanthropy.
Despite a competitive season in the Western Conference where Nash led the Suns to 55 wins, their playoff run in 2007-08 ended in the first round with a loss against the San Antonio Spurs.
Following Steve Nash's narrow miss of the 2007 NBA MVP award, basketball legend Bill Russell commended Nash's greatness, highlighting his positive influence on teammates and his ability to create a winning atmosphere.
In 2007, Steve Nash, a lifelong Tottenham Hotspur supporter, expressed interest in becoming a minority owner of the club after retiring from basketball. He also revealed his fandom for FC Barcelona and Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, the latter being a favorite of his former Suns teammate, Leandro Barbosa. During Barbosa's visit to Corinthians in 2007, the club presented him with a jersey bearing Nash's name and number.
Steve Nash achieved his third consecutive season with 50-40-90 shooting percentages in 2007, solidifying his reputation as one of the game's most accurate shooters.
In the 2007 playoffs, Nash led the Suns to eliminate the Lakers in five games. Although they lost to the Spurs in the conference semifinals, Nash's performance earned him a strong MVP candidacy, coming in second to Dirk Nowitzki.
In 2007, a survey by nba.com revealed that Steve Nash was overwhelmingly voted as the best point guard in the league by NBA general managers.
In the spring of 2007, Steve Nash, in partnership with Leonard Schlemm, opened the first Steve Nash Sports Club in downtown Vancouver. This high-end fitness facility, built at a cost of $5 million, spans 38,500 square feet and embodies Nash's personal fitness philosophy.
On January 31, 2008, Steve Nash was selected for his sixth NBA All-Star game, a testament to his continued excellence in the league.
The first creative project from Nash's production company, Meathawk, was a 91-second commercial for Nike's eco-friendly Trash Talk shoe. Titled "The Sixty Million Dollar Man," the ad, written by Nash and directed by Danny Vaia and Ezra Holland, launched on Earth Day 2008 and quickly went viral. The commercial cleverly parodies the opening sequence of the television series "The Six Million Dollar Man" and humorously portrays Nash's frequent on-court collisions. Amar'e Stoudemire and Raja Bell make cameo appearances in the ad.
It was revealed in June 2008 that Steve Nash would be honored with a star on Canada's Walk of Fame.
In July 2008, Steve Nash became a part-owner of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, a soccer team in the USL-1 league, demonstrating his passion for the sport and his desire to contribute to its growth in his home country.
The Steve Nash Foundation's impactful work was recognized in 2008 when it received the prestigious Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy.
In 2008, Steve Nash accomplished the remarkable feat of shooting 50-40-90 for the fourth time in his career, a testament to his consistency and skill.
Steve Nash co-hosted Showdown in Chinatown, an 8-on-8 charity soccer match held at Sara D. Roosevelt Park in 2008. His team emerged victorious with an 8-5 score, with Nash contributing two goals. The game saw participation from notable figures in basketball like Jason Kidd, Baron Davis, Raja Bell, and Leandro Barbosa, as well as soccer star Thierry Henry.
In 2008, the University of Victoria bestowed upon Steve Nash an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree, recognizing his remarkable achievements in basketball, his dedication to education, and his positive influence as a role model.
The 2008-09 season saw the Suns struggle to adapt to a new, defense-oriented system under coach Terry Porter.
Driven by his desire to support women's sports and provide positive role models for his daughters, Steve Nash became an investor in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) in March 2009.
Steve Nash's vision of bringing Major League Soccer to Vancouver became a reality in March 2009 when the city was officially granted an MLS expansion team.
In September 2009, the University of Victoria bestowed upon Steve Nash an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. This prestigious recognition was given in acknowledgment of his exceptional athletic achievements and his commendable philanthropic endeavors dedicated to supporting young people through the Steve Nash Foundation.
A 2009 survey highlighted Steve Nash's exceptional skills, with general managers rating him as the best passer and the player possessing the best basketball IQ in the league.
Steve Nash led the NBA in assists for the fourth time in his career in 2009, demonstrating his exceptional playmaking abilities.
The Suns continued to struggle in the 2008-09 season, leading to another coaching change mid-season (Porter replaced by Alvin Gentry). Ultimately, they missed the playoffs for the first time since Nash's return to Phoenix.
The 2009-10 season began with the Suns achieving their best start since 1980-81, winning 8 out of their first 9 games. They reached the Conference Finals in the playoffs but were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Between the 2005-06 and 2009-10 seasons, the Phoenix Suns, led by Steve Nash's exceptional point guard play, established themselves as an offensive powerhouse, leading the league in field goal percentage.
Steve Nash was named the starting point guard for the West in the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. This came after a strong start to the 2009-10 season where the Suns went 8-1 in their first nine games.
In 2010, Steve Nash achieved his fifth season leading the NBA in assists, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest passers in league history.
In a historic moment at the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver, Steve Nash became the first NBA player ever to carry the Olympic torch and ignite the Olympic cauldron.
The Suns underwent significant roster changes before the 2010-11 season. Key players like Stoudemire and Barbosa left, while new players were brought in. This led to challenges in team chemistry and performance.
Despite the Suns missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season, Nash's individual brilliance was recognized with the PBWA's Magic Johnson Award near the end of the 2011-12 season.
In 2011, Steve Nash expanded his involvement in the world of sports by becoming a co-owner of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team. This venture demonstrated his passion for promoting sports in his home country.
In 2011, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, co-owned by Steve Nash, officially joined Major League Soccer, marking a significant milestone in Canadian soccer history.
The roster changes in the 2010-11 season impacted the Suns' performance, leading them to miss the playoffs for the second time since Nash's return. This marked a period of rebuilding for the team.
Steve Nash was selected for his eighth NBA All-Star game in February 2012, demonstrating his continued dominance as a point guard in the league. He was leading the NBA in assists per game at the time.
On April 21, 2012, Nash achieved a significant career milestone by surpassing Oscar Robertson in total career assists during a game against the Denver Nuggets.
Despite Steve Nash's investment and efforts, Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) ceased operations in May 2012.
Steve Nash returned to the Canadian national team as general manager in May 2012 and later rehired Jay Triano as head coach.
In July 2012, Steve Nash was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a sign-and-trade deal with the Phoenix Suns. Choosing the Lakers over New York and Toronto, Nash cited the team as the best fit for his family and himself. He also opted for jersey number 10 as a tribute to soccer icons like Glenn Hoddle and Zinedine Zidane.
Taking on a leadership role, Steve Nash served as general manager of the Canadian men's national basketball team from 2012, contributing his expertise and experience to guide the team's development and international competitiveness.
Early in the 2012-13 season, Nash suffered a leg fracture, sidelining him for several weeks. During his absence, the Lakers replaced coach Mike Brown with D'Antoni. Nash returned in December, contributing to the team's first overtime win of the season.
Despite a challenging season riddled with injuries, on January 8, 2013, Nash achieved the milestone of 10,000 career assists during a game against the Houston Rockets, making him only the fifth player in NBA history to reach this mark.
In July 2013, Steve Nash participated in a training session with the renowned Italian soccer club Inter Milan, held at the New York Red Bulls' facilities in New Jersey.
In October 2013, Steve Nash was featured in the music video for "City of Angels" by Thirty Seconds to Mars. This appearance followed his co-direction with Ezra Holland of the documentary "Into the Wind." This film, part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series, centers around the inspiring story of Terry Fox, the iconic Canadian athlete, and activist.
In November 2013, Steve Nash was sidelined for at least two weeks because of nerve root irritation stemming from a leg injury from the previous season.
Steve Nash returned from injury on February 4, 2014, and on his 40th birthday, February 7, he scored a season-high of 19 points against the Philadelphia 76ers.
In July 2014, Steve Nash announced that the 2014-2015 season would be his last. Unfortunately, he suffered a back injury while lifting luggage during the preseason.
In 2014, Jason Kidd, Nash's former teammate, earned the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month award twice while coaching the Nets.
On March 21, 2015, Steve Nash officially announced his retirement from playing basketball.
Steve Nash took on a part-time consulting role for the Golden State Warriors starting in September 2015.
Continuing his involvement in soccer, Steve Nash trained with the New York Cosmos B, a team in the American fourth-division National Premier Soccer League, in 2015.
In January 2016, ESPN.com recognized Steve Nash's exceptional career by ranking him as the seventh-best point guard of all time.
In January 2016, Steve Nash expanded his investment portfolio into European soccer, joining a group that acquired a stake in RCD Mallorca, a Spanish football club competing in La Liga.
Following his divorce from Alejandra Amarilla, Steve Nash found love again and became engaged to Lilla Frederick, a former volleyball player, in March 2016.
Steve Nash and Lilla Frederick exchanged vows in September 2016, marking the beginning of their married life together.
Steve Nash's contributions to Canada were further acknowledged in 2016 when he was officially invested into the Order of Canada, solidifying his legacy as an esteemed Canadian icon.
During Nash's first season as a consultant, the Warriors had a historic 73-9 season but lost in the NBA finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In August 2017, Steve Nash publicly criticized President Donald Trump following the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Nash expressed his disapproval of Trump's response to the event, particularly his defense of white supremacists.
In December 2017, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame shortened the eligibility period for induction, making Steve Nash eligible.
In 2017, the Golden State Warriors, with Nash as a consultant, won the NBA championship against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
During the Final Four in March 2018, it was announced that Steve Nash, along with Jason Kidd, Grant Hill, Ray Allen, Maurice Cheeks, and Charlie Scott, would be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
On September 7, 2018, Steve Nash was formally inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
In 2018, Steve Nash received one of basketball's highest honors with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition celebrated his extraordinary contributions to the sport.
In March 2019, Steve Nash transitioned to a senior advisor role with the Canadian national team, with Rowan Barrett taking over as general manager.
In 2019, Steve Nash concluded his tenure as general manager of the Canadian men's national basketball team, leaving a lasting impact on the team's progress and development.
Steve Nash was appointed head coach of the Brooklyn Nets on September 3, 2020.
During the 2020-2021 season, Steve Nash's first as head coach, he guided the Nets to a 48-24 record and finished sixth in the Coach of the Year voting.
Steve Nash was named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for February 2021, the first Nets coach to receive the honor since Jason Kidd in 2014.
In June 2021, Steve Nash, along with other notable figures like Wayne Gretzky and Dustin Johnson, became part-owners of the Las Vegas Desert Dogs, a new franchise in the National Lacrosse League (NLL).
Steve Nash was recognized as one of the league's all-time greats in October 2021 by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
In 2021, as part of the NBA's 75th Anniversary celebration, The Athletic ranked Steve Nash as the 38th greatest player in NBA history, solidifying his legacy as one of the game's all-time greats.
In 2021, as part of the NBA's 75th-anniversary celebrations, Steve Nash was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, a testament to his enduring legacy and recognition as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
During a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 27, 2022, Steve Nash received two technical fouls and was ejected for arguing with referees. The following month, Nash and the Nets parted ways amid team controversies.
In 2023, Steve Nash further showcased his enduring passion for soccer by participating in The Soccer Tournament as a guest of Como 1907.