Steve Nash's Class Personifies Everything We Love About the NBA

Steve Nash likely played his final regular season game for the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.

After his team lost a must-win game against the Utah Jazz earlier in the week, the Suns were eliminated from postseason contention.

Several have suggested for Nash to push for a trade to escape the desert for several seasons so he could have a shot at winning a title, but the veteran point guard never lost his cool.

He found his name in fairy tale trade rumors throughout the season, but Nash was never going to abandon his team.

Back in February when the trade winds were swirling around him, Nash was asked about whether or not he'd seek to move on from Phoenix. His response, via ESPN's J.A. Adande, was refreshing.

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“I’m not oblivious to [the chance of] playing on a contender,” Nash said. “But at the same time, especially in the position I’m in right now, I feel a sense of loyalty to my team. To go and ask for a trade, it’s not like I’m going to say, ‘Trade me to..."

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I wonder if Dwight Howard was listening.

Nash began his career in Phoenix. For the last eight years, it's been the place he's called home.

Now 38 years old and still absolutely balling, Nash has no intention of walking away from the game he loves.

He told ESPN's Marc Stein that he plans on signing a three-year contract in the offseason to continue playing.

Expect him to sign with a contender that will give him a chance to compete for a championship.

And honestly, Suns fans, you shouldn't be mad. You should be thankful.

This guy has given you his all every night. He hasn't made headlines for being unhappy with his team, nor has he called out his teammates for not performing on the court.

He's gone through a rebuilding process that he didn't want to, and Nash has been a leader every step along the way.

Again, that deserves a thank you.

Since Nash rejoined the Suns prior to the 2004-05 season, he failed to average double-digit assists in just one season. He shot under 50 percent from the floor in just one season, and Nash stayed fairly healthy throughout his entire tenure.

In today's NBA, a league that is driven by superstars who want it their way or no way at all, Nash is a breath of fresh air.

He goes out there and allows his play to do the talking. He's not concerned about what people are saying about him, because that's not what is most important.

Instead, Nash has been a model citizen. He's surpassed expectations, he's provided excitement to the team and he's never complained about a thing.

It would be nice to see more stars in this league take his approach to the game.

Maybe Nash is just old school. Maybe he was just brought up differently.

Whatever it is, Nash shouldn't change a thing about his persona both on and off the court.

I wish the NBA had more players like Steve Nash.