Thirteeen.It’s the atomic number of aluminum. It’s the number of original colonies in the United States. It’s the number of loaves in a baker’s dozen. And it’s society’s most unlucky number.
But the stigma of the number 13 certainly didn’t stop notable figures in sports history.
A-Rod, Dan Marino, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaq, and Tim Duncan have all sported the unlucky digits on their jerseys at one point or another. Perhaps the most well known athlete sporting the big one-three on the courts today is Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash.
Maybe Nash feels 13 is lucky. He certainly has the stats to back it up.
Given the media frenzy surrounding Nash, I knew the Suns trip' to Sacramento to play the Kings on December 30th was one I couldn't miss.
(And with the whole trip funded on my parents’ dime, who could resist?)
After adjusting my eyes to the overwhelming display of purple on both sides of the court at ARCO Arena, I settled in to watch the mind-blowing athletic exhibitions of Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion, Grant Hill and, of course, Steve Nash.
When the Suns’ starting lineup was announced prior to tipoff, the expected silence followed each player’s name. However, when Nash was called last, the crowd erupted in cheers.
Nash was welcomed with such applause and support by the opposing fans that I felt, maybe for a moment, that number 13 wasn’t so unlucky after all.
Steve Nash isn’t the tallest guy in the NBA, nor does he come close to measuring up to his teammates in Phoenix. He doesn’t even have the boyish charm or dashing good looks of a Tom Brady or Peyton Manning.
So what, exactly, does Nash bring to the table?
His style, or maybe more accurately, his lack of style makes Nash a captivating player to watch. Whether he’s anxiously hopping in place before receiving an inbounds pass, tossing a behind-the-back pass in the paint, or sending the ball full-force downcourt, Nash has his own unmistakable way of doing everything.
And it’s far from graceful.
Not that it matters for the two-time MVP, who manages to hit baskets, recover loose balls, and find open spaces on the court while making it look almost effortless. And that's to say nothing of his incredible assists—last night Nash scored a mere 12 points, but dished out 15 dimes.
I laughed out loud when I saw Nash’s goofy long pass firsthand. It’s not as funny-looking on television, and it's more impossible to describe accurately in writing—but in person, one can see the force with which Nash heaves the basketball.
What's more, his legs kick up awkwardly—but as with the great majority of his on-court efforts, Nash succeeds.
And admirably enough, Nash executes without being selfish—never does he hog the ball, and his assist numbers irrefutably prove his team-first attitude.
After all, he has set assist records at his alma mater, Santa Clara University, and in the NBA with Dallas and Phoenix.
The most memorable image I’ll keep in my head is that of Nash's presence on the court. Or maybe his lack of presence.
Most superstars have an aura that seems to follow them like a shadow. When Nash steps out to play, there is no aura, nor shadow—just a player willing to work hard, sweat a lot, and do what he loves.
Many basketball stars play for the fame, the titles, the records, the glory. Nash seems to play for the pure joy and passion that should fill every arena on any given night. Nash’s lack of beauty, ‘tude, grace, and presence is what makes him even better, even more unbeatable, and even harder to replicate.
When critics accuse professional sports of turning into a money-hungry industry, look no further than the hardwood. Nash is a refreshing reminder that there are still some athletes out there who play for the love of the game.
Maybe there is some merit to that “lucky 13” theory after all.
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7 months ago
Tori,
Good stuff - Nash will prove the #13 lucky when the Suns find someone to defend T. Duncan
from 7 months ago
He's already proven that the #13 is lucky. 2 MVP's in a row sound familiar to you?
7 months ago
Nice piece here, one of the best I've read on here.
7 months ago
Good work.
7 months ago
Great article Tori!
7 months ago
13... Sadly, also as far as the Blazers win streak goes. Not bad, though. :-)
Anyhow, nice article.
7 months ago
Nash is the man, screw that unlucky 13 superstition.
7 months ago
Steve Nash is everything that is wrong with the current NBA style.. I think that's why so many people love him. He actually plays basketball and understands it as a team sport.
I don't find it surprising that Sacramento's fan base applauded him. How can you do anything but?
7 months ago
Canadian Hockey Player mentality in a basketball personality. I would have said basketball body, but that certainly is not the case.
Nash is everything basketball should be. Unfortunately, players are more interested in highlight reel dunks and personal acclaim and fortune.
Steve Nash is a player that ALL should pattern after. With nothing, he does everything. What is not to like about that.
7 months ago
Steve Nash is one of my favorite basketball players. LeBron is by far my favorite being a Cleveland native but if I'm in town the one ticket I always try to get before any other is the Phoenix Suns game.
I don't know what it is about him because he's not big at all and he's not that athletic. But he'll make that pass that just makes you go "wow", he'll somehow manage to wiggle his way under the basket and hit a layup over 7-footers, or he'll shoot that deadly three pointer to win the game.
Nash is pretty quiet and unassuming and he looks a little goofy, but he's a hell of a basketball player.
7 months ago
I had absolutely no interest in watching professional basketball until I heard that there was a player from our neighbourhood of Saanich (a part of Victoria, B.C.) who was doing a wonderful job of passing the ball. As a teacher I became interested in watching a game and got hooked on not just Steve but the on court chemistry that happens between the Suns - watching a game is so suspenseful and magical. I can honestly say that the joy of watching is not in the number of wins but in the game itself. My students have learned about basketball from a common interest we've developed in watching Steve play with the Suns but even more about character. It weas a pleasure to find this article.
Jill
7 months ago
I, too became a Nash and basketball fan afters seeing Steve play with the Mavericks--Hey, that guy is really fun to watch! When Nash left the Mavs, I was divided in my loyalty for part of the season, but had to join the ranks as a fulltime Suns fan. I disagree however with the comment regarding his lack of athleticism. He is a tremendous athlete with more drive than anyone else I've seen in the NBA. I think is great attitude, lack of overinflated ego, and "what can I do for the team" make him the most respected and talented players on the court. Go, Nash!!!!!!
7 months ago
Nash and Santa Clara beat your Arizona Wildcats in a rare 15/2 upset in the early 90s...
No hard feelings on your part I see.
7 months ago
The last I heard he's not playing for free. And with a good opportunity to help his country to the Olympics, he declined because of his "professional obligations". (Unlike Jason Kidd who volunteered at his old age. lol)
Nash is a fantastic passer and shooter and I think delights more in the pass than the made shot. (I get the impression he only shoots when he has to)
But not so fast on his effort. His defense has become a liability to his team. He's tried to rest on D and save energy for the offense, but the Suns have not been able to hide his defiencies as well this year. Last nights Clippers game was a good example of that. Marian is having to more and more guard the opposing pt guard because of Steve's inability to stop them (example; CP, Parker, Fisher, Deron Williams)
Even with all the talent the Suns have had, he's not been able to lead them to even a finals match. My take is the quality of the playoff opponents can expose his weaknesses better.
He's an interesting talent for sure and a joy to watch, but not the complete player at the pt guard position that you need to compete at the highest levels in the NBA playoffs.
7 months ago
Think of the number of star athletes that play for the US Team, now let's think of how many star athletes there would be if Nash played on the Canadian Team.........hmmmmmm, One. I think Nash would be spending a lot more time on the court than Jason Kidd. I as a Canadian would love for him to play on the national team but I understand, he has a bad back and is getting older. He's given so much over so many years. He has spent many years playing on the Canadian National Team. Did you know he was named Tournament MVP at the 2004 Americas Qualifying Tournament in San Juan (which incidently includes the USA Team with their many super stars). You can't expect him to play until he can't walk, especially when he's playing on into the summer on the Phoenix Suns team.
Would love for him to play for us one more time around, but I think he's done more than anyone can ask already. Thank you Steve, for all the years that you did play.
7 months ago
"Many basketball stars play for the fame, the titles, the records, the glory. Nash seems to play for the pure joy and passion that should fill every arena on any given night. Nash’s lack of beauty, ‘tude, grace, and presence is what makes him even better, even more unbeatable, and even harder to replicate.
When critics accuse professional sports of turning into a money-hungry industry, look no further than the hardwood. Nash is a refreshing reminder that there are still some athletes out there who play for the love of the game."
This is my point you missed hoosier, Nash doesn't just play for the love of the game or he would play for his country. He was offered any circumstance from Team Canada officials to help him play, so he could do both. (I would assume less playing time than you imply) Nash refused as he said for 'professional reasons.' Translated, "Money." 13 million ones.
Nothing wrong with what Steve Nash did at all. But when the writer, who was idolizing Nash and portraying him as something he wasn't, I felt a need to eh, chime in.
(best friend is Canadian and we banter back like this all the time)
4 months ago
Great Article man... Yes NASH IS GOD !!!!!!!!
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