Could 2005 be the year that the Phoenix Suns finally win the NBA Championship? Back in 1993 the Charles Barkley, Kevin Johnson, and Dan Majerle led Suns had a great shot at the title but were stopped short by the phenomenon known as Michael Jordan and his team, the Chicago Bulls. In fact, lots of franchises had their best shot at winning during that Bulls dynasty, yet fell short due to the unparalleled, unstoppable Windy City juggernaut of the early 90s.
Now, in an era where more than just a mere handful of highly talented superstars are almost equally distributed throughout the league, it's anybody's game. One such superstar, Steve Nash, using his talent, unique style of play, and strong leadership abilities, has led Phoenix to the best record in the NBA at 62-20. The mark also ties the team record for wins, set by that very 1993 team.
Nash was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Feb. 7, 1974, and grew up in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He attended Santa Clara University, where he played college hoops and was twice named West Coast Conference Player of the Year. In 1996 he was drafted by the Suns as the 15th pick overall but was traded to the Dallas Mavericks two years later. While in Dallas, Nash and teammate Dirk Nowitzki led the team in becoming one of the NBA's elite. But in July 2004, Nash re-signed with the Suns, landing a $65 million contract over five years (with an option for a sixth).
Nash has excelled with the Suns. The 6'3" point guard has the keen ability to drive inside to the basket, creating plays on the fly, and is a master of the fast break. His ability to quickly dish the ball to teammates led him to a career high average of 11.5 assists per game and is superb from behind the three point line. He is virtually flawless at the free-throw line, and his animated on-court leadership has him in a position to vie with Shaquille O'Neal for the 2004-05 MVP.
Nash's abilities aren't limited to basketball. He has also excelled in lacrosse, hockey and soccer, the latter of which he is a big fan; and his father and brother have both played professional soccer in England. He is also very charitable. Nash sponsors a youth basketball league with over 10,000 members in his native British Columbia, purchases blocks of tickets to each game he plays and distributes them to local charities, and has donated $10,000 to sponsor the YMCA's basketball court renovation.
A strong season put the Suns in the 2004-05 playoffs, and Phoenix fans hope that Nash, along with superstar teammates Shawn Marion, Quentin Richardson, and Amare Stoudemire, can finally bring home the title. Recently, Nash's long-time girlfriend Alejandra Amarilla gave birth to twin girls, Lola and Bella.
Steve Nash was operating on "a couple half-hours" of sleep after traveling from his Olympic torch lighting. For a semblance of rest, he did not attend the practice for Saturday's Skills Challenge. And in the contest, he almost looked to be coasting, or dozing, through the point-guard contest's obstacle course.
