Steve Nash to miss entire NBA season
Trouble in Hollywood
There were high expectations on Steve Nash to deliver for the LA Lakers, but unfortunately, injuries got better of Nash in the past two seasons. A recurring back problem has kept him out for 119 games out of a possible 164 during the two seasons he has had so far with second most successful NBA franchise. To make matters worse, the same back nerve issue he has been battling, will keep him out entire season, the team announced on Thursday.
"As disappointed as we are for ourselves and our fans, we're even more disappointed for Steve," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said. "We know how hard he's worked the last two years to try to get his body right for the rigors of the NBA, and how badly he wants to play, but unfortunately he simply hasn't been able to get there up to this point in time. Steve has been a consummate professional, and we greatly appreciate his efforts."
"Being on the court this season has been my top priority and it is disappointing to not be able to do that right now," Nash said in a news release. "I work very hard to stay healthy and unfortunately my recent setback makes performing at full capacity difficult. I will continue to support my team during this period of rest, and will focus on my long-term health."
Initially before the pre-season, Nash was completely fit and was ready to play out the final year of his three year contract with the team. Nonetheless it didn’t take long before his back started to bother him again the new Lakers Head Coach began resting Nash in pre-season games in order to have him healthy during the season but things went from bad to worse when the uneasiness in the back worsened while lifting luggage.
A future Hall of Famer
Steve Nash is one of only 12 players to be named League MVP twice in his career during the back-to-back seasons between 2004 and 2006. With 10335 assists he is third on the all-time assists leaderboard behind Hall of Famers John Stcokton and Magic Johnson. He has been a member of the illustrious 50-40-90 (field goal percentage, three point shooting percentage and free throw percentage) club four times in his career.
In 18 season in the league, Nash was a 8 time All-Star including a 5-time assists leader for a season. Without doubt he is among the top 5 international players to ever played in the league and there should be no doubt about the fact that he will be a first ballet Hall of Famer.
NBA players react to the injury