Late in the second quarter against the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash passed Mark Jackson for third on the NBA’s all-time assists list.
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According to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters, Nash took some time after the game to reflect on his future Hall-of-Fame career:
Steve Nash: “This is beyond my wildest dreams.”
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 9, 2014
Steve Nash: “As a kid, I was just trying to get a scholarship to play Div. I basketball & I was lucky enough to have one offer & took it.”
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 9, 2014
Despite having a rough two years dealing with numerous injuries, Nash remained grateful for the chance to play basketball at a high level. It’s hard to believe that Nash almost didn’t have the opportunity to play in Division I basketball. Coming out of high school in Canada, Nash wasn’t heavily recruited by any Division I schools in the United States until one school gave him the chance.
Nash played four years at Santa Clara before coming to the NBA in 1996. In perhaps one of the best drafts in NBA history, the Phoenix Suns took Nash with the 15th pick.
After struggling to find minutes in Phoenix, Nash’s career took off after being traded to the Dallas Mavericks. In Dallas, Nash played alongside Dirk Nowitzki. The duo helped transform the Mavericks into playoff contenders.
When Nash became a free agent, he rejoined the Suns and had the best statistical seasons of his career. With the Suns, Nash further established himself as an elite point guard while winning two MVP awards and led the team to three Western Conference Finals.
While Nash is now the third all-time assists leader, it was likely his last game of the season as he suffered another setback. Although many want him to retire, everyone has to respect the effort he’s put in to try and compete at the age of 40.
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VIDEO: Check Out All Of Steve Nash’s Assists From Lakers Vs. Rockets, Plus What Did Mark Jackson Tweet At Nash During The Game?