Nash is straight up garbage.  The kid’s been running the show in Dallas and Phoenix for years without so much as a shred of criticism.  He followed up Cuban’s denial of a new deal with back to back MVP seasons, ensuring his place in the hall of fame. 

However, Nash is not one of the all-time greats.  He’s good.  Perhaps garbage is too strong.  The reason it comes to mind is as simple as one word: defense. 

Nash has been getting shredded by opposing point guards since he got in the league.  A phenomenal offense talent, Nash apparently forgot that there are two ends on a basketball court. 

The Kings, then the Suns and now perhaps the Raptors are trying to prove to the basketball world that run and gun can work as a basketball strategy.  Maybe in high school.  Nash goes out and drops 45 on you, and your guards combine for 55.  He hits a running three in traffic, you respond. 

He takes it to double overtime, you finally smarten up and send Robert Horry to slam him into the boards.  There are so many ways to beat his teams, it is actually funny that he is considered one of the greatest by so many. 

Perhaps when his career is over, they will remember that this is a game where the object is scoring the most points, not merely scoring many.

25. Sebastian Telfair 6’0 Age: 23

I was thinking about Beno Udrih and a couple of other guys for this spot, but Telfair is still quite young.  His entire game could use help, but that’s the kind of help he’s going to get on a young team like the T-wolves. 

Duhon has always had the skills to play in the league.  Playing in Chicago seems to be a ticket to inconsistency for many players there for whatever reason.  It looks as though the Knicks may have stolen him away as the Bulls grew tired of his demands to be given starter’s minutes. 

Now he gets his chance.  His handling, three point shooting, and passing have always been solid. 

Like many NBA players, he can get a bit out of control in trying to do everything, but if he had been given the chance to make more mistakes as a Bull, perhaps those tendencies would have dissipated by now. 

He’s 26, so I don’t think it’s time to give up on him.

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