2012 NBA Free Agents: Ideal Landing Spots for Steve Nash
Future Hall of Famer Steve Nash still has plenty of game, and could be a perfect piece for a team ready to contend for a championship.
This past season, he averaged 12.5 points and 10.7 assists per game, which was good for second in the NBA. Nash rolled up this nice assist number despite being on a team that wasn't exactly loaded with scoring threats.
Nash is still a floor general of the highest caliber. He also is an extremely efficient offensive player, shooting 53.2 percent from the floor and 39 percent from beyond the arc last season.
Nash destroys defenses playing in the pick-and-roll or in the open court. He is a terrible one-on-one defender, but is decent in a team concept.
Here are three teams that Nash could help win a championship.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are going to have plenty of cap space this offseason, and they have a strong young team.
They would flourish with the veteran leadership and smarts of Nash. Point guard is arguably the Pacers weakest spot on the floor, and Nash would fix that.
He would help players like Danny Granger and Roy Hibbert by getting them the ball in the perfect spot, and he would be able to destroy defenses in the pick-and-roll while teaming with David West.
West was lethal in this role when paired with Chris Paul in New Orleans.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are hurting for cap space. Nash would have to either play at a hugely reduced rate or the two teams would have to work a sign-and-trade.
If Nash is serious about making a run at the championship, he will come in for the veteran's minimum and really complete this team.
Can you imagine Nash orchestrating the offense in the open floor with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade?
He also would be able to develop a nice pick-and-roll game with Chris Bosh. The Heat have the overall defense to make up for Nash's lack of defense.
This would be Nash's best chance to win a ring.
Los Angeles Lakers
After years of getting used and abused by Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash has to find the idea of joining forces with him somewhat appealing.
Like the Heat, Nash would have to go for a reduced salary or in some kind of sign-and-trade. However, this would give him another good chance of going for the ring.
The Lakers have needed an outside shooting boost for years. They have players in Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum who can command the double team, and Nash would help them space the floor.
He would also be able to perfectly work the pick-and-roll with the bigs. The Lakers are used to playing with a point guard that can't play any D, so this liability would be nothing new to them.
