It is always disappointing when a professional athlete is unable to leave their respective sports under their own terms. Two-time MVP Steve Nash seems to be a casualty of this unfortunate circumstance, as his 19th NBA season is over before it has even begun.
The Los Angeles Lakers announced Thursday night that the point guard will miss the entire 2014-15 season due to the recurring back injury that has plagued him for the past year. The two-time MVP has struggled to stay on the court these past few seasons, and it had been hoped that his lingering issues were behind him at this point.
Red flags were raised last week when it was reported that Nash would be sidelined after hurting his back while carrying bags. That circumstance was a sign of things to come, and the writing is on the wall as it relates to the future of Nash’s playing days.
The news that Nash would miss the entire 14-15 season was first announced by Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report. Ding also provides a thorough look at what Nash’s injury has meant for the Lakers since he joined the franchise in the summer of 2012.
Per Bleacher Report:
Nash was selected an All-Star by the league’s coaches as recently as 2012—the only other All-Stars aged 38 or older are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Michael Jordan—prompting the Lakers to jump at the chance to land him that summer.
It is instead going down as one of the Lakers’ worst deals: They haven’t won a playoff game since, and they gave up first-round picks in 2013 and ’15 (top-five protected) and second-round picks in ’13 and ’14 to the Phoenix Suns so they could pay Nash $27.9 million over three years. They also got almost nothing out of the idea that by pairing Nash with his coach in Phoenix, Mike D’Antoni, the Lakers would create a latter-day “Showtime” pick-and-roll era.
The promise of the Lakers coming together immediately with Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and Nash in 2012 was sidetracked in just their second game together. Nash fractured his left leg trying to defend Portland’s Damian Lillard upcourt, and an array of nerve issues ensued for Nash.
The Lakers also released an official statement on Nash’s injury:
“Being on the court this season has been my top priority and it is disappointing to not be able to do that right now,” said Nash. “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.”
“As disappointed as we are for ourselves and our fans, we’re even more disappointed for Steve,” said Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak. “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.”
When news of Nash missing the season broke, players around the NBA reacted offering their well wishes to the veteran player.
Though this was expected to be Nash’s final season in the NBA, it is still uncertain if he is ready to officially announce his retirement. If he is indeed done for good, Nash will leave the game as third on the NBA’s all time assists list.
Other News Around The League:
Fans of the Charlotte Hornets who actively use social media will be in for a treat on opening night. The Hornets have announced that on Wednesday October 28, team owner Michael Jordan will be in control of all of their social media accounts. Via the Hornets official site: Get ready for an #MJtakeover! The Hornets return to the court in Buzz City on Wednesday, Oct. 29 and the swarm continues to build here in Charlotte leading up to tipoff. But none of this could have happened without the overwhelming support of you – our fans! You spoke and we listened. Now, as a way of saying thanks to you and expressing his excitement for Opening Night, Chairman Michael Jordan will be taking over all of our Hornets social media accounts on Tuesday, Oct. 28, giving our fans unprecedented access behind the scenes with our owner.
It was announced that the Philadelphia 76ers will be expecting last seasons rookie of the year to make his season debut sooner than expected. Michael Carter-Williams who is recovering from a surgery on his right arm, is expected to return to the 76ers lineup in mid-November reports Jeff Goodman of ESPN: A source told ESPN that Carter-Williams is optimistic about returning Nov. 13 in Dallas. However, there remains a belief that the team will hold him back, since general manager Sam Hinkie has shown little desire to win games this season and instead remains hopeful of landing another top draft pick in order to rebuild the franchise through high draft picks.
It has been announced that Phoenix Suns rookie T.J. Warren will be out indefinitely per the Associated Press: Warren has sustained a small crack in a bone in his left thumb. He will be treated with a splint and rest. There is no timetable for his return. Warren, a rookie from North Carolina State, was selected by the Suns with the 14th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He has averaged 5.0 points and 12.2 minutes in five preseason appearances.
Esau Howard is a regular contributor to Sheridan Hoops. You can follow him on Twitter.