Canada's Nash draws curtain on legendary playing career

LOS ANGELES (NBA/Olympics) - Canada's greatest-ever player, Steve Nash, has retired.

A two-time NBA MVP, Nash has been riddled by injuries the past few seasons and decided the time was right to bring an end to his 19-year professional career.

The 41-year-old, who joined the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 2012 in a sign-and-trade deal with the Phoenix Suns but played just 50 games that season and 15 the next because of injuries, has the third most assists (10,335) in league history.

He trails only USA greats Jason Kidd and John Stockton in that statistical category.

Though he never managed to capture an NBA title, the eight-time NBA All-Star is a certainty to go into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Nash, who did not play at all this season for Los Angeles, revealed that he was calling it quits on www.theplayerstribune.com.

"The greatest gift has been to be completely immersed in my passion and striving for something I loved so much - visualizing a ladder, climbing up to my heroes," he wrote.

"The obsession became my best friend. I talked to her, cherished her, fought with her and got knocked on my ass by her.

"And that is what I'm most thankful for in my career. In my entire life, in some ways. Obviously, I value my kids and my family more than the game, but in some ways having this friend - this ever-present pursuit - has made me who I am, taught me and tested me, and given me a mission that feels irreplaceable.

"I am so thankful. I've learned so many invaluable lessons about myself and about life.

"And of course I still have so much to learn. Another incredible gift."

Nash, who shot to fame as a point guard at Santa Clara University, has been coached by some of the game's greats and played with some of the sport's legends like Dirk Nowitzki, his former teammate with the Dallas Mavericks.

In his announcement, Nash heaped praised on many people, including his long-time boss in Phoenix, Mike D'Antoni, and his former Canada national team coaches, Jay Triano and Ken Shields.

Mike D’Antoni changed the game of basketball - Nash

"There's not many people you can say that about," Nash said.

"No wonder I had my best years playing for him [D'Antoni].

"His intelligence guided him to never over-coach, complicate or hide behind the game’s traditions. He deserves a championship."

As for Triano and Shields, Nash said: "I looked up to Jay Triano, a star guard on the Canadian national team, as a kid. He recruited me in high school and coached me in the Sydney Olympics.

"His love for the game and competitive nature was always infectious. I never had more fun playing for anyone."

Representing Canada in the Olympics was the best experience of my career, and he (Triano) got us there - Nash

And of former Canada boss Shields, he said: "Ken Shields gave me a chance to practice with the Canadian national team when I was 16 years old because he saw something in me.

"Four years later, I was his starting point guard in the World Championship [1994 FIBA Basketball World Cup].

"I owe him."

Nash is among the most celebrated athletes of all time in Canada.

When the country hosted the 2010 Winter Games, Nash, Wayne Gretzky, Nancy Greene and Catriona Le May Doan took part in the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.

Nash may no longer play the sport, but he will remain involved in basketball.

He will continue in his role as the general manager of Canada's national team, a position he took up in May of 2012.

FIBA