Steve Nash - More Than an Outstanding Point Guard

Steve Nash, born Stephen John Nash, plays in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Phoenix Suns. The Canadian player graduated on scholarship at the Santa Clara University after starting out his basketball career as early as high school. His college team, the Broncos, appeared thrice at the NCAA tournament during his four-season stay. He was awarded the NCAA West Conference Player of the Year for two years.

Nash was drafted in the NBA in 1996. He started playing with the Phoenix Suns then moved in with the Dallas Mavericks two years later. He played for four seasons with the team, during which time he was voted into the NBA All-Star Game for the first time. He also earned his first All-NBA selection during the period. Nash played an important role as the Mavericks played in the Western Conference finals during his last season. He teamed up with the likes of Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Finley. Following the 2003-2004 season, the 6ft 3in point guard became a free agent and reunited with the Phoenix Suns.

Steve Nash, who is also active in charitable and humanitarian activities, was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in both the 2004-2005 and the 2005-2006 seasons. His performance with the Suns in the Western Conference Finals, leading the league in terms of assists and free-throw percentage, helped earn him the honors. By the 2006-2007 season, Nowitzki grabbed the MVP crown.

Two years ago, ESPN named Steve Nash the ninth-greatest point guard of all time. A recipient of the Order of Canada civilian honor and a member of Canada's Walk of Fame, Nash was also included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the world list.