FIBA Basketball
USA - Nash gets time recognition
PHOENIX (NBA) - Reports that Steve Nash is in line for a second successive NBA MVP award come as little surprise. But his inclusion in Time Magazine's list of the Top 100 most influential people on earth was somewhat less expected
PHOENIX (NBA) - Reports that Steve Nash is in line for a second successive NBA MVP award come as little surprise.
But his inclusion in Time Magazine's list of the Top 100 most influential people on earth was somewhat less expected.
The Phoenix Suns All-Star guard has been listed among the "Heroes & Pioneers" in Time's list.
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley contributed a short essay recommending Nash for the accolade, citing his style of play, attitude, and charitable work off the court.
"What has he taught us? It pays to be selfless," Barkley wrote. "You can be content just to make the players around you better. There are too many scoring point guards in the NBA today, and the game has suffered.
"People think that in order to be a great player, you have to lead the league in scoring. Forget that."
Last year, Nash became the first Canadian to win the league's MVP award, and he did so despite averaging only 15.5 points per game. The key statistic was his 11.5 assists per game.
This year, the 32-year-old has averaged 18.8 points per game with 10.5 assists.
Beyond his outstanding performances for the Suns, Nash has earned popularity for his attitude to the game.
As Barkley explained: "Over the past few years, his popularity has exploded. His ego could have swelled - everyone else's does. But he still just wants to pass the ball."
Barkley also noted his charitable work, such as his recent donation of endorsement money to help pay for a paediatric cardiology ward in a Paraguayan hospital.
"Maybe he'll inspire a whole new generation of kids to pass out of double teams the way he does," Barkley concluded. "Like Nash, maybe they'll be selfless off the court too. That would be even better."
PA Sport
But his inclusion in Time Magazine's list of the Top 100 most influential people on earth was somewhat less expected.
The Phoenix Suns All-Star guard has been listed among the "Heroes & Pioneers" in Time's list.
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley contributed a short essay recommending Nash for the accolade, citing his style of play, attitude, and charitable work off the court.
"What has he taught us? It pays to be selfless," Barkley wrote. "You can be content just to make the players around you better. There are too many scoring point guards in the NBA today, and the game has suffered.
"People think that in order to be a great player, you have to lead the league in scoring. Forget that."
Last year, Nash became the first Canadian to win the league's MVP award, and he did so despite averaging only 15.5 points per game. The key statistic was his 11.5 assists per game.
This year, the 32-year-old has averaged 18.8 points per game with 10.5 assists.
Beyond his outstanding performances for the Suns, Nash has earned popularity for his attitude to the game.
As Barkley explained: "Over the past few years, his popularity has exploded. His ego could have swelled - everyone else's does. But he still just wants to pass the ball."
Barkley also noted his charitable work, such as his recent donation of endorsement money to help pay for a paediatric cardiology ward in a Paraguayan hospital.
"Maybe he'll inspire a whole new generation of kids to pass out of double teams the way he does," Barkley concluded. "Like Nash, maybe they'll be selfless off the court too. That would be even better."
PA Sport