When you look at the NBA style of play some may think of it as entertainment and getting away with a lot of calls. For instance, the traveling violation is sometimes over looked when players hop-step or, “crab dribble,” as LeBron James calls it. These moves would certainly not bid well in the college or even high school games across the country. The NBA is considered the cream of the crop, with the top basketball players in the world. Sometimes it does get frustrating to watch these guys get away with all they do because it simply takes away from the competitiveness of the game. On the other hand, there are those who remain fundamentally sounds and display their abilities on a nightly basis.
My favorite player to watch is Steve Nash. This guy, despite getting up there in age according to professional sports standards plays the game with pure fundamental bliss and desire. Steve Nash is by far one of the best, if not the best point guard in the NBA today. If you do not believe me, then sit down and watch a full game that he plays. His energy and court awareness are second to none and his decision making skills can light up and audience. Playing along side some great talent over the years, Nash has considerably taken that talent and made it elite. Here are some reasons that Nash is top-notch in my book.
The number one aspect of his game is decision making. He rarely has stupid turnovers or forces the issue on his passing. He utilizes the bounce pass to its maximizing potential and puts his teammates in a position to score the ball. With the likes of Jason Richardson, Amare Stoudemire, Grant Hill and LeAndro Barbosa, this is certainly essential to helping the Suns put up points. Secondly, Nash rarely picks up his dribble and gets caught looking to pass out of a double team. His ability to stay low to the ground and keep his dribble allow him to create plays that may not have been there in the first place. A lot of point guards are not blessed with this ability and are often caught in no mans land when a play breaks down. The ability to maintain his dribble and keep his eyes peeled for the next open target allows Nash to break opposing defenses down and put his team in position for the best possible score.
Along with his true point guard skills just mentioned, Nash also has the ability to light up the score board at any given moment. As one of the best shooting point guards in the NBA, Nash can shoot off the dribble and knock down the three point shot with ease. This is one skill that is very vital to his success. Being able to run the show and put your teammates in position is one thing, but to have the ability to be a scoring presence on the floor is what gets point guards over the hump. Now teams need to respect your ability to make the shot and with that comes the pump fake and blow by to create open lanes for slashing teammates. Nash provides all of this in his slender 6’3” frame while taking on much bigger, stronger opponents. How does he possess and do all of this you may ask? Mindset. Nash’s knowledge of the game and mindset are the best in the game when it comes to reading defenses and making plays. When he is aware of all of the possibilities that can make his team better, he goes and does just that. This is why young guards coming up through the elementary and high school ranks should really take a look at how Nash plays the game. Even if it is just one thing about him you notice, I’m sure it will make your game that much better.
Need More? NBA,Phoenix Suns,Steve Nash
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