Steve Nash is one of the best point guards in NBA history.
Throughout his 18-season career as a player, he made more than 9 out of every ten free throws across 1,300-plus games. His three-point percentage was 42.8%*. Most impressively, he contributed more than 10,000 assists^.
He attributed his success to preparation. “If every basketball player worked as hard as I did,” he said, “I’d be out of a job.”
But one thing most people did not know was that Nash suffered from a degenerative spine condition called spondylolisthesis. It created tremendous pressure and pain in his back. One wrong twist could put him out of the game for weeks—possibly forever.
This threat did not stop him. Nash followed a special regimen to train his core. He stretched daily. He re-learned how to run, jump, and pass to avoid injury. When he wasn’t in the game, he would lie on his back instead of sitting on a bench to reduce muscle stiffness.
With his more petite body build, Nash also developed a style to minimize direct contact with the big guys. Instead, he created opportunities for his teammates. When no one was looking, he finished a play with a graceful finger roll.
Nash did not blame the bad cards he was dealt with. Instead, he accepted the challenge. He focused on what he could control. He worked hard, he worked smart, and he worked around his limitations.
Grit, fearlessness, and resourcefulness.
That’s what made him a great player.
*Only 14 NBA players have ever achieved 3-pt field goal pct above 42%. Two other notable ones are Steve Kerr (45.4%) and Stephen Curry (42.8%). Warriors fans would then ask, “What about Klay Thompson?” He’s at 41.7%.
^Nash ranked no.4 in career assists. Watch this video for his top 10 jaw-dropping passes. I have admired his game since I was a little kid!