NBA Free Agency 2012: 8 Reasons the New York Knicks Need Steve Nash

As much as some New York Knicks fans may be looking forward to Jeremy Lin's potential return, there's one name on the free-agent market that GM Glen Grunwald should be watching like a hawk. 

I'm talking about veteran point guard and two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, who's set to hit the open market after spending the past eight years with the Phoenix Suns.

Sure, I got caught up in the Linsanity like most Knicks supporters, but I'm not blind to the fact that Nash would be great for the team. His overall skill set and intangibles are such that if he were to bring his talents to New York, the Knicks would instantly become contenders.

Here are eight reasons why the Knicks need to pursue the 15-year veteran.

His Durability

Nash is 38 years old, an age where most NBA players are on the decline and start to get bogged down by various aches and pains. No such thing has happened to him yet. He has remained as healthy as a horse and practically played a full season every year since the 2001-2002 season.

As we all know, the Knicks were plagued by the injury bug over the latter stages of last season, losing Jeremy Lin to a torn meniscus in March and Amar'e Stoudemire to back issues and the famous fire extinguisher incident. 

Nash's almost-freakish ability to stay healthy would be a welcome addition in New York.

His Basketball IQ

In 15 NBA seasons, Nash has averaged 14.5 points and 8.6 assists. His court vision is incredible, and he picks his shots very intelligently. 

On a Knicks team currently headlined by Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, two scorers who often put it on themselves to bring home a victory, adding someone with experience actually setting plays and a knack for finding the open man will only be a great help.

His Relationship with Amar'e Stoudemire

Nash and Stoudemire were teammates in Phoenix for six seasons, regularly making the playoffs and taking two trips to the Western Conference finals. 

Mike D'Antoni may no longer be the coach in New York, but it doesn't take away from the fact that these two All-Stars were a great pair on the hardwood.

That said, I can only imagine what a reunion in New York plus Carmelo Anthony would equal.

His Consistency

Of the past eight seasons, Nash has shot 50 percent or better from the floor seven times. Regarding his three-point shooting, he has only shot below 40 percent three times in a 15-year career.

Those numbers are pretty incredible for someone whose playing style is pass first, and on the inconsistently shooting Knicks, such reliability is needed.

His Charisma

I've been watching Steve Nash for about 10 years now, and I've noticed one thing about him that sets him apart from other NBA players. He isn't loud or brash, and you never really hear about his ego that much. Overall, he seems like a genuinely good guy.

In a loud and over-the-top city like New York, his humble attitude would be welcome on a Knicks team that is full of egos in Carmelo Anthony, J.R. Smith and others.

His Overall Experience

I love Jeremy Lin, but Steve Nash is Steve Nash. His 15 years of experience and knowledge of the game are exactly what the Knicks need right now. Nothing against the Harvard grad, but he still has a lot to learn.

His Playoff Experience

Nash has 118 postseason games under his belt, split between the Suns and the Dallas Mavericks. Over those games, he has averaged 17.3 points and 8.9 assists, and has shot 47 percent from the field. He has also been to the conference finals three times, making him one of the best players to never win a championship.

I hate to say it, but it wasn't just being overmatched by Miami that killed the Knicks in the playoffs this year; it was also the lack of overall playoff experience on the roster, at least in terms of how far each player has gotten (excluding the stars, of course). 

That said, Nash's time in the playoffs becomes all the more valuable to the team.

He Is a Team-First Player

Throughout his career, Nash has been a master at balancing his scoring with his distribution.  At one point, he'll be driving the lane to make a layup and possibly draw a foul. At another, he'll either fake out the opposition and drain a three-pointer, or drive the lane again before dishing the ball to the open man.

Simply put, a point guard with that type of approach is just what the Knicks need right now.  Their current offensive scheme is way too predictable and features three moves: Anthony scores, Stoudemire scores or somebody lobs the ball to Tyson Chandler for a dunk. When that isn't happening, Steve Novak or J.R. Smith is left open for a three.

That said, Nash's court vision and ability to make plays on his own would be a dream come true for the Knicks and their fans. Bring his leadership and experience to town, and they'll go from being underachievers to a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference.