Stephen John Nash (born February 7, 1974 in Johannesburg, South Africa) is a star Canadian basketball player.
Nash is a starting point guard for the NBA's Phoenix Suns and was named to the 2005 NBA All-Star Game. He was also an all-star in 2002 and 2003 with the Dallas Mavericks. His nicknames include 'Kid Canada' and 'Nasty Nash'. The later was given to him by former teammate Shawn Bradley because he "personifies all that is nasty".
Nash grew up in Victoria, British Columbia and played high school basketball at St. Michaels University School (Blue Devils). He played center for his high school team. In his senior year, he led his team to win the BC AAA provincial championships. The team also included a prolific scorer in his brother, Martin Nash, who is a professional soccer player. Steve played college basketball at Santa Clara University, where he was twice named the West Coast Conference Player of the Year. He plays for the Canadian national team in the summer, for whom he wears the number 7.
Nash was drafted in the 1st round (15th overall) by the Suns in 1996, the highest drafted Canadian in NBA history. On June 25, 1998, Nash was traded to the Mavericks in exchange for Martin Müürsepp, Bubba Wells , the draft rights to Pat Garrity, and a first-round draft pick which was later used to select Shawn Marion. Nash was a key player with the Mavericks from 1998 to 2004. On July 14, 2004, Nash re-signed with the Suns for $65 million for five years with a team option for a sixth year. Although sad to leave all-star Dallas player and close friend Dirk Nowitzki, he has excelled with the Suns, having a MVP caliber season. Some have called him the second coming of John Stockton.
On October 14 2004, Nash and longtime girlfriend Alejandra Amarilla became the parents of twin girls, Lola and Bella, who were born at a Phoenix hospital.
Steve is from a athletic family. His father John Nash was a minor professional soccer player in South Africa. Brother Martin has made 30 appearances for the Canadian national soccer team.
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