Nash was rewarded for turning the Suns around in 2004-05.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
A year ago, the Suns brought Steve Nash back to Phoenix to run the show, help their young athletes develop and try to turn things around after a 29-53 season in which they traded Stephon Marbury to New York. Nash proceeded to spark a 31 game turnaround, lead the team to the Western Conference Finals and win the Most Valuable Player award. Not satisfied with how things ended, the Suns made some significant changes this summer, shipping Quentin Richardson to the Knicks for Kurt Thomas, sending Joe Johnson to Atlanta for Boris Diaw and draft picks, and bringing in free agents Raja Bell, Brian Grant, Eddie House and James Jones. The loss of Amare Stoudemire for most of the season is painful. Can Nash lead this new group to another winning season and keep them in the playoff picture until Stoudemire returns?
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Is it a little strange to have such a major roster overhaul to the team that had the best record in the NBA last season?
Nash: During the season we didn't think we'd have this many changes, but then the summer comes and it's somewhat inevitable that there will be changes with a basketball team these days.
Do you think there will be more of a focus on defense in camp this year?
Nash: Definitely. We brought in some good defensive players. We still want to be an offensive team – I think that's where our strength lies. We'd just like to hopefully improve with the personnel we've added.
The Suns struggled when you were out of the lineup last year. Will the added depth change that this season?
Nash: I think they'll be fine if I'm out for a few games. I think everyone is more experienced and more capable of adjusting without me. So, I think they'll do great if I were to miss a few games.
 Marion's a tough matchup Jesse D. Garrabrant/ NBAE/Getty Images |
Nash: Yeah for sure. Amare can be as good as he wants to be. He can be as good as anybody in the league. It's just a matter of how hard he works and how focused he is.
What can you say about Shawn Marion? Does he get enough respect around the league?
Nash: I think he's a terrific player, a huge part of our team.
Was he playing out of position last year?
Nash: Yeah, he was out of position, but that can be great for us. He's very difficult for 4s to guard, so in some ways it's an advantage for him. He deserves all the credit he can get because he's such a unique player in our league because of what he does.
You are the MVP. Can you improve individually on last season?
Nash: I'm just going try to get better at everything I do, try to be a good leader and help my teammates play well. I think I won the MVP because I was able to help my teammates play better. I don't necessarily want to put pressure on myself to put up big numbers. I just want to go out and help my team have a great year. If we win a lot of games, I consider it a success.
Twenty seconds left in the game… Would you rather have the ball down one, or be up one on D?
Nash: I'd rather be on D. It's obviously a lot harder to make the last shot. On the other hand, it is a lot more fun to have the ball trying to score.
 Parker's a tough guard Chris Birck/NBAE/Getty Images |
Nash: I think all of the young players have a lot of talent. I think Raymond Felton has a chance to be a terrific point guard. I'm really interested to see how Livingston progresses. I think with his size, he has a huge advantage, and he has a great feel for the game. I'll be interested to see what he does with it.
What players give you a tough time?
Nash: I think Chauncey Billups is tough (defending me). He's strong. To guard, Tony Parker is extremely quick and you don't get a lot of help on the pick and roll with Tim Duncan. There's a million point guards that are difficult to guard. Baron Davis is another one. Allen Iverson, Jason Kidd…
Speaking of Baron Davis, how do you think Golden State will do this year?
Nash: They'll be very difficult this year. We had a lot of difficulties with them at the end of last season. Who knows, Baron could be the MVP this season with his ability and the turnaround that that team is going to have.
Any other teams that you think will improve a lot this year?
Nash: I think that Golden State is the one to watch, but I also think Indiana is going to have a terrific year too.
What have you been doing this summer to improve your game?
Nash: Resting. I definitely train. I don't do a lot of weight work, but I definitely stay in shape cardiovascularly. I do a little bit of weights, but mostly I just try to do a lot of shooting and stay in shape.
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