Last night the Lakers lost in a massive way against the much more talented Minnesota Timberwolves. From the first quarter, it was clear the Lakers weren’t in the same league as this team, when they allowed a putrid 47 points on 76% shooting in the first quarter. A complete embarrassment that is only overshadowed by the exit, once again, of Steve Nash.
Nash only logged 13 minutes before leaving the game for good. Back issues have limited Nash, and are now forcing him to go see a specialist to determine the best course of action. Nash is having by far the worst season of his career and his body, which he keeps in the best shape possible, appears to be betraying him. It is a nerve problem in his back, and Nash is reluctant to even speak on the matter as it is an emotional time, as Kevin Ding of BleacherReport noted. Nash wants to play but doesn’t know when or if that will be a possibility.
When the Lakers traded for Nash, they thought they were getting a great point guard, albeit one who was not close to his athletic prime, in a game dominated by athletic point guards. Nash has had a history of back problems that he has had to work relentlessly on to be able to play. When Mike D’Antoni was hired over Phil Jackson, it was because Jim Buss felt Jackson wouldn’t be able to utilize the point guard they had just completed a sign and trade for.
When the Lakers traded for Steve Nash, I was ecstatic. Despite his age, his style of play was not dependent on athleticism, and he still had incredible handles and passing ability. Above all else, his shooting was perhaps the best in the league. No matter what, I felt Nash would be able to contribute in a positive way, despite his defensive shortcomings. Now we don’t know if or when Nash will play again. And maybe that is for the best. The Lakers have two very solid point guard options in Jordan Farmar and Steve Blake. Both have proven thus far to be more reliable at this point in their careers.
In retrospect, the trade for Steve Nash was a colossal mistake. The Lakers traded away two first round picks in hopes of being able to win now in Kobe’s final years. They seemed to bet on the wrong horse, and it isn’t difficult to think the Lakers would have been in a better position keeping Ramon Sessions, who they also traded a first round pick for. In the Lakers quest to find that point guard that has been eluding them, they have managed to throw away THREE first round picks. These picks could all have been used to try and make the team better for the future, but the desperate desire to get Kobe one more title has crippled the team.
I hope Steve Nash can come back. I think it would be a travesty that Kobe and Nash could be on the same team, and yet not be able to show their true ability. Perhaps last year was what needed to happen. Kobe end up as the primary ball handler and Nash work as a spot up shooter. It keeps Nash more fresh and allows Kobe to be the ball dominant player he is.
Nash is going to work his hardest to get back in a position to play again, but there is the very real chance he is done as a professional basketball player. Nash is a 39 year old playing a 20-30 year old’s sport. Father time catches up with everyone, and it appears he finally caught up with Steve Nash.
