Winning, yet Still Wanting
By Gerald Calamia
The Phoenix Suns is a team that has always been competitive over the years. However, aside from all their inspired play, there is a key missing point in the franchise’s history: an NBA Championship. This year, after some key additions in seasons past, the Suns seem to be poised in their quest for the NBA Championship. Everyone at the Suns camp is saying, “This is the year!” With a tough physical series underway against the San Antonio Spurs and the Utah Jazz (6–0 at home in the playoffs) waiting for the Suns-Spurs series winner, the road to the NBA Championship is filled with challenges.
While at the Suns team practice facility, we managed to get a few minutes with one of the team’s key additions of years past: current team leader and captain, Steve Nash. Two time NBA MVP and the catalyst of the Phoenix Suns offense since arriving in 2004, Nash has enabled the Suns to become a front-runner as the team ready to capture the NBA Championship. We talked with Nash about the path to the NBA and how his journey has continues to inspire others and to keep hoping for the best.
North Valley Magazine: Hello Steve. It is a pleasure to speak with you today.
Steve Nash: Thank you. Same here.
NVM: You went from St. Michael’s high school in Victoria, British Columbia, to Santa Clara University, to Phoenix, to Dallas and then back to Phoenix again. Talk about your journey.
SN: It’s been circular. It’s been great. The first time in Phoenix, I was behind some Hall of Fame guys and I had a chance to “grow up” somewhere. I loved playing in Dallas and to be able to come back to somewhere else where I loved playing [Phoenix]. It has been great.
NVM: Two NBA MVPs, multiple All-Star, and All NBA selections. So far, what has been the greatest accomplishment in your career?
SN: I would have to say being on winning teams. I take a lot of pride in the success of the team I am on. Looking back in my career and being able to say my teams won most of their games would be the best example of my work as a teammate and player.
NVM: How does it feel to have been selected again to the All NBA team this year?
SN: It is a great honor. To be selected from a group of the greatest players in the world is a tremendous accomplishment. I am very proud and honored by the award.
NVM: Amare Stoudemire [the Phoenix Suns Center] was also selected to the All NBA team. What do you think of his selection?
SN: It is an incredible tribute to him. For him to be out all last season, come back, and have the season he has had is truly remarkable. Under these circumstances, it makes it even that much more phenomenal.
NVM: Aside from natural abilities, what is the ingredient that makes you guys stand out?
SN: I credit the coaching and training staff. We work hard and they give us an opportunity to succeed.
NVM: Everyone is describing this team as a championship team. What is the team’s goal?
SN: Our goal is to win it all. If we don’t, then we will be disappointed. I feel that if we play up to our expectations and abilities, that no one should beat us. The only way I can accept losing is if another team outworked and outplayed us. Otherwise, winning it all is the goal.
NVM: What areas do you think will be key to the Suns winning it all?
SN: I’ve always said energy and discipline will make the difference. In our loss in Game 1 against San Antonio, our energy was down. When both are working, we will be hard to beat. We have to be a lot more constant in these areas. Then the wins will come. We showed that in Game 2 of the series.
NVM: In an interview I had with Cy Young Award Winner Brandon Webb of the Arizona Diamondbacks, he said that coming into the league with Curt Shilling and Randy Johnson as teammates helped lay the foundation for his career. How has coming into the NBA during your first stint with Phoenix, with Jason Kidd, Kevin Johnson and Sam Cassell as teammates in your early years, affected your foundation in the NBA?
SN: It was a tremendous advantage having these guys as teammates. I was able to practice with them, emulate them, watch them every day, and pick their brains.
NVM: Helping people seems to be a passion of yours. You are involved in Gulu Walk that assists war-affected children of Northern Uganda, Central American water protection projects, and visiting sick children in hospitals. What projects, if any, have you recently initiated or participated in?
SN: There are many projects I stay involved with—the ones you have mentioned and many others. I try to make sure I have time to help with these projects.
NVM: The Steve Nash Youth Basketball League has more than 10,000 children currently participating in it. Did you ever see yourself having this kind of effect on children and being able to bring basketball to the forefront in Canada?
SN: I don’t really think about it, at least not in terms of numbers. I am just happy seeing kids that have a place to play and enjoying themselves while playing basketball. It gives them a place to be active, and [for us] to create opportunities for the kids. That’s the most important part to me. The rest is, I guess, all a bonus.
NVM: Well, Steve, you have been and are a great inspiration to a lot of people. I thank you for your time and for answering the questions we had for you today.
SN: Thank you! It was a pleasure.
So as the playoffs continue, Steve Nash and the Suns keep their vision locked on what all championship teams do: winning the big prize. An NBA Championship for the Suns and the city of Phoenix is theirs for the taking. After meeting Steve Nash, I now know one thing for sure—that the Suns could not have a more humble, earnest, dedicated teammate with the heart and integrity of a champion to lead them toward capturing the NBA Championship. We wish all of them good luck.