Phoenix Suns Fans Cheer Steve Nash on the Way Out

Steve Nash might be on his way to a different, better team, but the Phoenix Suns crowd certainly does not seem bitter over it. As Nash exited last night's loss to the San Antonio Spurs, fans emotionally cheered the point guard with full-throated appreciation. It was moving, in part, because he is likely moving. 

There is a mysterious threshold a player passes to avoid fan hatred upon his free-agent exit. Derek Fisher passed it in Los Angeles through a combination of clutch shots and likable off-court demeanor. Fans were quick to forgive him for taking a larger check from the Golden State Warriors of all teams. 

It appears that Nash is at that point for many reasons, most of them good. He's a charismatic guy, who brought Phoenix the NBA's most charismatic offense. His high point was basketball at its most fun and inspiring. He also never publicly sought a trade, despite owner Robert Sarver's tendency to slowly siphon talent from the Suns roster. 

As for the playoff losses? There always seemed to be some external culprit. Joe Johnson's face, Amar'e's injury, Horry's forearm, Artest's blind put-back—the Suns just didn't have a lot of luck.

Of course, there's also the aspect of Steve looking more like media members (and ticket holders) than most basketball players do. I'm not talking ethnicity strictly—the shaggy hair and lack of tattoos made Nash look more like a school teacher than a pro athlete. People can better empathize with those they look like. For many, Nash's appearance may make it subconsciously easier to excuse his leaving, to relate to an exit for greener pastures ("This is like when I wanted to leave my tanking company...). 

Regardless of why, Steve Nash deserves the love. He is truly one of the greats.