NBA Stars Comment on Nash's Game

By Stefan Swiat, Suns.comPosted: Feb. 25, 2012

What hasn't been said about Suns point guard Steve Nash? He's an eight-time All-Star, two-time MVP and still leading the league in assists at the age of 38. But it was interesting to hear what some of the stars around the league thought of the Suns playmaker. Check out what they had to say below.

NETS GUARD MARSHON BROOKS:

“Just watching him, he’s always looking up, he always keeps his dribble alive and that’s the hardest thing about guarding him. When we were scouting against Nash we were saying that when he gets under that rim he’s not always looking to finish, he’s looking to pass it so the guys do a good job of cutting off of him. You could go on all day about Steve Nash. Great player. Hall of Famer.”

HEAT GUARD MARIO CHALMERS:

“Steve Nash is one of the great point guards in the game. He’s definitely going to be a Hall of Famer and and somebody that l looked up to growing up. He’s been in the league a long time and he just keeps going. He hasn’t lost a step and he’s still the same old Steve Nash finding his teammates, scores when he needs to and just does all of the little things to help his team win."

KINGS CENTER DEMARCUS COUSINS:

“It’s incredible, especially at his size, the way he’s been doing it. All credit to him because I don’t know how he does it."

JAZZ FORWARD GORDON HAYWARD:

"I was impressed with Steve Nash growing up. When I was in high school I was a point guard and that’s who I modeled my game after. So last year when we played them for the first time it was weird because you’re playing against your idol. Although he’s a little aged, he can still show that he’s one of the best point guards in the league. He’s a real competitor. He’s a winner. I told Raja Bell that I had his jersey and that it would be cool to meet him, but it never worked out. But I think the during the (last) game (we played against each other) he flopped on me and I got a charge called so he’s not too high on my list right now... But my favorite part about my game is getting my teammates involved and that’s what he does best. He’s always hi-fiving people and doing everything that he can to make his team win. That’s what I admire most about him."

SIXERS GUARD/FORWARD ANDRE IGUODALA:

“I’ve seen him do it night in and night out. They also have a pretty good staff there in Phoenix keeping him healthy. And it’s a testament to how much hard work he’s put in to stay strong all of these years in the league.”

HAWKS SWINGMAN JOE JOHNSON:

"The thing that stands out about Steve is the way he carries himself on the court and off the court. He’s a great teammate, a great guy and he always looks to get guys involved. He breeds that cohesiveness for a team. (I thought he’d still be playing at 38). He works hard. His work ethic is tireless. So he could probably play until he’s about 45. He was more mentally prepared than anybody, always in great shape and he’s probably the ultimate teammate."

HEAT FORWARD JAMES JONES:

"Steve Nash is built for this and some guys aren’t. Physically, he’s in great condition, he has all the tools, but he’s a tireless worker. When you’ve played the game as long as Steve has, you have to find a different level of motivation and he’s found it. It’s tough for some guys to do it just because eventually it becomes a grind and he’s found a way to re-invent himself every year, get better and become better with age. He’s truly remarkable. When I think of Steve I think of efficiency of movement, time, energy, effort and recovery. Everything that he does is strategic. He’s very consistent in his approach to maintaining his body, improving his game and compensating for a lack of speed or athleticism by increasing his skills. A lot can be learned from analyzing Steve Nash."

MAVS POWER FORWARD DIRK NOWITZKI:

“What stands out about him is the way he plays with others. He’s one of the best point guards to ever play the game. His support and friendship is something I’ll always cherish. He’s so smart and he always makes the right play. The great thing is he’s so unselfish. He’s not a shoot-first point guard, he’s a pass-first point guard. He’s like an old school point guard in that way and was fun to play with.”

BULLS POINT GUARD DERRICK ROSE:

"It’s a blessing that he’s still out there playing. I don’t think that I’d be able to play at the age of 38. For him to be out there, still leading a team like that, still playing, still being a force on the offensive end, it’s great. Hopefully I can have a long career like that."

CAVS POWER FORWARD AND FELLOW CANADIAN TRISTAN THOMPSON:

“Playing against ‘Big Bro Steve’ is always an honor. You don’t understand how good he is until you see it courtside. He’s super-talented. I wish I was a couple years younger so I could probably play with him on the national team or something. He’s a great player. He’s done a lot for Canadian basketball and he’s done a lot for the Suns.”

HEAT GUARD DWYANE WADE:

“He’s still able to do what he’s been doing since he came into the league. And he’s 38 and still doing it. It’s amazing. Us, as players, love to see guys like Steve Nash that are 38 and are still playing at a high level. Because they say, ‘He’s getting old and he’s getting older’ and they’re going to try to push him out. But he’s going to leave when he’s ready.”

NETS POINT GUARD DERON WILLIAMS:

"Steve is getting older, but he was the best point guard in the game for a long time though. You could tell that it is definitely wearing on him. He’s 37-38, but I hope I can play as well as he is at 38. I hope I’m still playing at 38. He’s an All-Star. He’s still very effective. His shooting percentages are always at the top of the league, he’s leading the league in assists and does a great job of finding people. He’s one of the best players that have ever been."

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