Phoenix Suns: 5 Reasons Steve Nash Will Finish His NBA Career in Phoenix

By (Featured Columnist) on December 14, 2010

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PHOENIX - DECEMBER 10:  Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers at US Airways Center on December 10, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona.  The Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 101-94. NOTE TO USER: User express
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Ever since the 2010-2011 NBA season began trade rumors have surfaced regarding Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash. The two-time MVP's squad has struggled through a quarter of the season and currently sits outside the playoff picture at 11-12.

Nash has shook off rumors for the past two months but that hasn't convinced many who still believe the ageless talent will want out if the losing gets worse and Phoenix can't contend this spring.

Instead of looking at the potential destinations, let's break down the five biggest reasons Nash will finish out his illustrious career in the desert.

Loyalty

PHOENIX - DECEMBER 03:  Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after scoring against the Indiana Pacers during the NBA game at US Airways Center on December 3, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona.  The Suns defeated the Pacers 105-97.  NOTE TO USER: User expressl
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Many forget that Nash had the option to flee Phoenix after a disappointing 2008-2009 season that saw the Suns in the lottery for the first time since Nash arrived.

Even then though Nash resigned with the Suns, claiming his respect for the franchise's and fans' support of him over the years as a major reason.

Also, Nash isn't a ring chaser. He often states that only one team can win the title every season and there is no guarantee you will win elsewhere.

Nash has built a huge fan base in Phoenix and will likely remain loyal to them unless the franchise decides to trade him for young talent in exchange.

Location

PHOENIX - DECEMBER 10:  General view of the exterior of US Airways Center before the NBA game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Phoenix Suns on December 10, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by d
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Phoenix isn't exactly the worst city to play in. The weather is quite nice, a dry heat, and Nash has grown used to it over the past seven seasons.

Nash has a place there and though it would be nice to play in the Eastern Conference, the west is a welcomed challenge for a player of Nash's caliber.

Arizona is on the up and up and Nash seems content with the city and the surrounding fan support.

Community

PHOENIX - MAY 05:  Phoenix Suns fan Isiah Quinonz poses with a 'Los Suns' sign before Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2010 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at US Airways Center on May 5, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The team is
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Nash has been heavily involved in the Phoenix and Suns community. He has been involved with several charitable organizations including his own Steve Nash Foundation.

Nash has worked with Educare Arizona, also helping to improve local area schools and make the lives of young people better by providing them with what they need to achieve.

Nash takes his foundation seriously and would certainly take into account his community goals before asking for a trade out of the desert.

Friendship

PHOENIX - DECEMBER 10:   (L-R) Goran Dragic #2, Hakim Warrick #21,Grant Hill #33, Earl Barron #30, Jason Richardson #23 and Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns huddle up before the NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers at US Airways Center on Decembe
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Nash is a teammate first and a player second. He has made a career out of putting others before himself on and off the court.

Don't underestimate the power of friendship and camaraderie. Nash is good friends with several Suns players including veteran Grant Hill and Jared Dudley.

When Raja Bell and Leandro Barbosa were traded Nash publicly expressed his frustration with the franchise.

Nash probably wouldn't be comfortable landing on a new team mid season and trying to fit in on the fly.

Style Of Play

PHOENIX - DECEMBER 10:  Head coach Alvin Gentry of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers at US Airways Center on December 10, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona.  The Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 101-94. NOTE TO USER: Use
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Suns' style of play has been as exciting and fast paced as it gets with Nash at the helm for the past seven years.

Phoenix has looked to outscore opponents ever since Mike D'Antoni implemented the seven seconds or less style back in 2004.

Since then head coach Alvin Gentry has placed more focus on the defensive end which resulted in a Western Conference Finals appearance last postseason.

No point guard in the league fits the Suns' style like Steve Nash because after all Nash is the Suns' style. Phoenix is unique and plays the way it does because of it's point guard. Nash is as unique and unorthodox as they come.

Nash Isn't Nash anywhere but Phoenix and the Suns aren't the Suns without Nash. Make sense?

Patrick Clarke is a student at Towson University and a writing intern for Bleacher Report.

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