Phoenix Suns: 5 Signs It's Time to Move on from Steve Nash

Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy, but for Phoenix Suns fans, it might just be time to start preparing yourself for life after Steve Nash.

If it were up to fans, Nash would play out his remaining days in Phoenix and retire with the Suns.

Unfortunately for the Phoenix faithful, they have no say in the matter.

Nearing the end of his illustrious career, Nash will have the opportunity to chase a ring next season with whichever team he can sign with as a free agent. Whether that team is the Suns or not remains to be seen.

What we know, though, is that sooner or later the Suns will remember what it feels like to have a point guard not named Nash running the show.

Keeping him in purple and orange is ideal, but losing him to free agency is a possibility. 

If the team is willing to sever ties before this year's trade deadline, they should think about what's best for both Nash and the Suns organization and make Nash's final stand take place sooner rather than later. 

A Losing Record Is Hard to Defend

Despite Steve Nash being one of the greatest offensive point guards of all time, the Phoenix Suns are struggling to remain relevant this season.

A member of the exclusive 40/50/90 club, his ability to score and distribute is on display every time he takes the court. 

Defense, however, is another story.

As good as Nash is while controlling the ball, he might be that bad at defending it. Averaging only about one steal every two games, Nash has never been able to establish himself as a defensive presence. 

In past years, it hasn't mattered that his steal/turnover ratio is near the worst in the league because his assist/turnover ratio was among the best. This year, however,  the Suns are 10-14 and are averaging only 92.8 points per game—20th in the league. The team is also 20th in the league in points allowed, meaning that simply running teams out of the gym is no longer a given.  

Nash has been a defensive liability for a long time now, but with the team losing and not scoring like it once did, Nash's game might no longer be fitted for the Suns style of play.

It's Time to Rebuild

No team wants to enter the dreaded rebuilding phase; but for the Phoenix Suns, it might be time to admit that the team is going through some changes.

Once an organization that featured players such as Amar'e Stoudemire, Shawn Marion and even Joe Johnson, the Suns have a very different look to their roster now than they did when they were competing for Western Conference championships year in and year out.

If the team were still competing, savoring everything that Nash still has to offer would be a no-brainer.

Continuing to spend money, however, on a player who is reaching the end of his NBA timeline is irresponsible when the team cannot compete while acquiring new talent.

If you're the Suns, recruit free agents, don't sell your draft picks and rebuild your way back to relevancy in the Western Conference.

Nash Isn't Getting Any Younger

Steve Nash's NBA career has been an immaculate one, and his tenure with the Phoenix Suns has been nothing less than spectacular.

But all great things must come to an end.

Quite frankly, his numbers have not suffered as much as you would expect a 37-year-old point guard's numbers to suffer. His points are nearly identical to his career average and his assists are still among the most in the league.

Worthy of keeping around? Absolutely.

But are you really afraid to sell high on the fifth-oldest player in the NBA?

Nash isn't retiring today, but along with his age should come a craving for a championship. We've seen players such as Karl Malone, Gary Payton and Shaquille O'Neal change teams at the end of their careers in search of a championship ring, and Nash might just be the next big name to follow. 

Nash still has basketball to play, but if you're the Suns, don't wait for a drastic decline before doing what needs to be done.

A New Brand of Point Guard Has Emerged

With an obvious lack of dominating centers, the NBA has made a shift to a point guard's league.

Advantage Nash, right?

Not so fast. 

Size and athleticism have turned the new generation of point guards into physical aggressors who can score, defend and fly through the air as a team's biggest playmaker on any given possession.

The new frame has been set by players such as Derrick Rose, John Wall and Russell Westbrook, and in the midst of a remodel, the Suns would benefit from finding a point guard who can keep up with the top floor generals in the league on both ends of the court.

Nash is not that point guard.

Differing Priorities

Trading away Nash could leave many fans feeling jipped, but the organization needs to put on their blinders and do what is best for themselves and their player.

If Nash decides that he will not demand a trade from the Suns, and the organization believes it can improve with him still on the payroll, give it a shot.

But should the time come when he's begun to look for his next destination, and the organization has placed the future ahead of today, it'll be time to set him free.

Help Nash win now; help the team win down the road.