Steve Nash’s unfortunate injury deprives Jeremy Lin the opportunity to learn on the court from one of the greats.
Jeremy Lin now has some epic level shoes to fill.
There was always a very real chance that Steve Nash may not get the opportunity to see any action this season. After all, in his two previous seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, he has only managed to play in a combined 65 games — including a dismal 15 appearances last year. His age and declining health have been significant factors in his rapid depreciation.
He has been fighting serious nerve damage in his back, among other injuries. Last season, he hurt his back merely getting out of bed. Recently, he hurt his back carrying his own bags.
He acknowledged the chance that he might not be able to play back in September.
… But now I realize this is my last year and there’s no guarantees I’ll get to play any games this year. The truth is, I have a lot of miles on my back and a day or two into training camp it could all be done. I’m just trying to enjoy every moment every day.”
Now, that day has come. Father Time has claimed yet another basketball hero. Bleacher Report’s NBA senior writer, Kevin Ding broke the story Thursday evening.
I’ve been told @SteveNash will be ruled out for the entire 2014-15 NBA season with nerve issues: http://t.co/wur5txQ3Ar. #Lakers
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) October 23, 2014
Steve Nash addressed the disappointment of missing the upcoming season in the team’s official press release.
Being on the court this season has been my top priority and it is disappointing to not be able to do that right now. 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.”
The news shocked many around the league, including members of the media.
Damn. Lakers announce, officially, that Steve Nash will miss entire season w/recurring back issues. @KevinDing first with the information. — David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) October 24, 2014
Steve Nash got absolutely everything out of his body & physical/mental gifts. A great player, and a better person. All aces.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) October 24, 2014
Does the injury-plagued stagger to the finish of his career change how you feel about Steve Nash? Tough to see him go out like this.
— Sekou Smith (@SekouSmithNBA) October 24, 2014
Most fans are likely to remember Nash for his passing and his ability to run the floor, but Bleacher Report NBA featured columnist Andy Bailey shared a graphic illustrating Nash’s greatness as a shooter. Among those to have made as many (or more) three-point baskets as Nash, he has the best effective field goal percentage.
Steve Nash, arguably the best shooter of all time: Players with 1,685 threes, sorted by eFG% http://t.co/i5w7HTcFUy pic.twitter.com/lv3sP16uA2 — Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) October 24, 2014
A number of NBA athletes expressed their feelings upon hearing the news of Nash’s demise.
hate to see Nash go through this. all time great, even better guy
— Kendall Marshall (@KButter5) October 24, 2014
Damn damn damn. Hate to see Steve Nash go out like this. 1 of the best PGs to ever play the game! — Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) October 24, 2014
Sorry to hear the news. Prayers to @SteveNash — Wilson Chandler (@wilsonchandler) October 24, 2014
Prayers of healing for you @SteveNash #TrueProfessional #NervesAreCrazy
— Landry Fields (@landryfields) October 24, 2014
Hope @SteveNash is ok – my idol growing up
— Matthew Dellavedova (@matthewdelly) October 24, 2014
Nash, who is due $9.7 million this season, is likely to sit out the year and retire at the end of the season. Unless, by some miracle of modern medicine, doctors and scientists are able to engineer a more reliable body for a 40-year-old athlete, we have seen the last of one the league’s greatest point guards. In five years’ time, he is sure to be a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee. Here are some additional reactions from players around the league:
Wishing @SteveNash all the best… pic.twitter.com/jPp3NZFoT7
— James Worthy (@JamesWorthy42) October 24, 2014
Man…injuries suck. Get better @SteveNash #legend #truePG
— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) October 24, 2014
“@b_maine24: @MarkJackson13 what u think abt nash having to miss entire year?”…Praying 4 him. One of the Greats!
— Mark Jackson (@MarkJackson13) October 24, 2014
I know it’s not the way @SteveNash wanted to go out but what a hellava career! Honor to have played with him! Best teammate I have ever had!
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) October 24, 2014
If this is the end for @SteveNash, SPECTACULAR job of making the game better.. #1stBallotHOF
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) October 24, 2014
@SteveNash nothing more I can say other than Thank you for everything you’ve done as a teammate and as a friend. #cheers #ucanhaveaburgernow
— Channing Frye (@Channing_Frye) October 24, 2014
@stevenash I know what you’re going through brotha my prayers are with you, get well Famer.
— Martell Webster (@MartellWebster) October 24, 2014
Sorry to hear The news my man @SteveNash
— Nick Young (@NickSwagyPYoung) October 24, 2014
Feeling for @SteveNash tonight and wishing him the best. What an incredible competitor and humble spirit. The definition of “class.”
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) October 24, 2014
So sad to hear the news about my good friend @SteveNash. Best wishes to you in your recovery man! #CanadianBasketballIcon #ChangedTheGame
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) October 24, 2014
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Michael Brumagin writes the Tweet of the Day for SheridanHoops.com and is also a correspondent for BleacherReport.com. Follow @mbrumagin