This isn't how it was supposed to end. Inevitably, every star begins to dim at some point. Talent fades as a player's body begins to betray them in the losing battle against Father Time's undefeated streak, but we always hope for great players to have the chance to go out on their own terms. Not like this.
This week, Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni suggested that we have likely seen the last of Steve Nash on a basketball court this season. His rationale was justifiable - Nash isn't completely healthy and with the team far from playoff contention, it's in the best interest of the franchise to develop young players by giving them a chance to flourish.
So if Nash is actually shut down for the rest of the season, is it possible that this is the end of his brilliant career? Nash still has one year left on his current contract worth $9.7 million, but as he discussed in the documentary series "The Finish Line" on Grantland.com, there is real concern that he could be waived this summer under the NBA's new stretch provision. Essentially, this would mean that the Lakers can cut him after this season and spread next year's salary over a three year period. So instead of counting $9.7 million against their cap next season, he would count for only approximately $3.2 million in each of the next three seasons. If the Lakers do waive Nash, it's unclear if the 40-year old point guard, who has struggled to stay healthy, will be able to find a new home.
That would be a shame, because the savvy veteran still has something left to offer and the desire to continue playing the game he loves - so long as his body allows him.
If this is the end of the line for Nash, what a ride it's been. The two-time MVP has career averages of 14.3 points and 8.5 assists per game and ranks 4th all-time in total assists. He's also one of the most efficient shooters in league history. Nash is part of an elite group of players that has produced a season shooting above 50% from the field, 40% from three-point range and 90% from the free throw line. He and Larry Bird are the only members of the 50-40-90 club to accomplish this multiple times in their careers, with Nash having done it four times. He nearly qualifies for his entire career, with a .490/.428/.904 line over his 18 years in the league and his free throw percentage is the best of all-time.
During his heyday with the Phoenix Suns, Nash was instrumental in creating the wildly entertaining "Seven Seconds or Less" offense that set the standard for pushing the pace in the modern era. While he wasn't able to achieve the ultimate goal of winning a championship, he did lead his team to several deep playoff runs that included classic series against the Spurs and Lakers.
One day these accomplishments will earn him a ticket to the Hall of Fame. With the career he's had, one thing he's also earned is the chance to decide for himself when it's time to retire. His health and a strict new collective bargaining agreement may prevent that from happening.
Perhaps the Lakers won't waive him after all. They may decide they don't need the cap space this summer and prefer to let his entire salary fall off their books after another year to free up even more space for a run at 2015's crop of free agents (which will likely include Kevin Love). Or if he is cut by the Lakers, perhaps another team will show interest. Given that he's the closest thing the league currently has to a Canadian hero, the Toronto Raptors may give him a look - especially if their own star point guard, Kyle Lowry, departs as a free agent. Neither scenario is impractical, which is not to say that they are entirely likely either.
In any case, the sun is setting on the career of Steve Nash. Whether or not he makes it back on to the court for one last run remains to be seen. Unfortunately, that decision may not be entirely up to him. Which is unfortunate for a star of his caliber. He deserves a better farewell.
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