Brooklyn Nets: 5 Reasons Steve Nash Should Be Brought into New York

The Brooklyn Nets are rumored to chasing two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, and Nets fans should hope this rumor becomes a reality.

ESPN's Marc Stein reported that Brooklyn is one of three teams who are positioned to make a legitimate run at Nash, who will be an unrestricted free agent July 1.

The Nets, along with Portland and Toronto, are looking to bring in the 38-year-old veteran who has continued to make an impact despite his age.

After 16 NBA seasons, Nash is still a feared guard who can burn you at anytime. Despite playing the game with no fear, he has remained healthy enough to continue performing at a high level.

Brooklyn would be an interesting situation for Nash should he decide to head east, and the Nets would be crazy not to try their best to grab him.

Here are five reasons the Nets need Nash to open their tenure in Brooklyn with success.

Deron Williams Probably Won't Be a Net

When the Nets traded for Deron Williams, they believed they would have a centerpiece to build their rebranded franchise around for years to come.

But Williams and New Jersey never meshed and it doesn't seem like he will give Brooklyn a chance. Williams told Yahoo! Sports that although he hasn't left the Nets just yet, but he shouldn't be considered a traitor if he leaves.

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“I didn’t ask to be here. I got traded. I didn’t come here being a free agent. This is the first time that I’m a free agent in my career.”

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With that sentiment in mind, the Nets will probably be without a true star to lead the team. 

Williams' productivity was a bright spot for the Nets since his arrival and will be hard to replace. A solid point guard like Steve Nash will help minimize the loss.

Veteran Leadership

Steve Nash has been around for a long time. He knows the game of basketball and how to stay healthy in the NBA while maintaining success.

The Nets have a ton of youth on their squad. DeShawn Stevenson was the oldest player on the team in 2011-12; he was 31.

While youth is a great thing to have, it is hard to succeed without an experienced veteran to lead the way. 

If Nash came to Brooklyn, young players like Brook Lopez and MarShon Brooks will finally have a player to teach them how to take their games to the next level. Nash was able to get the most out of Amar'e Stoudemire while in Phoenix to turn him into a superstar. He will be able to bring the same skills to the Big Apple.

Cheap Price Tag

At 38, Steve Nash has already made his big money as an NBA player. 

In his prime, Nash's received a $63 million contract from the Phoenix Suns to lead their franchise. 

He may still be just as valuable on the court today as he was then, but his value outside the lines has dropped. 

With plenty of cap room being cleared if Deron Williams leaves the team, the Nets will have space to sign Nash as well as another high-caliber player to rebuild the struggling franchise into a winner.

Low Risk, High Reward

Steve Nash has gained the respect of all around the league for his ability to lead an offense. He has been at the pinnacle of his position for the last decade and may still have a few years in him.

Even at 38, teams are still trying to bring the guard to their cities to energize their offense. Still, his age places his value much lower than a younger player of his caliber.

Because of his age, nobody would be surprised if Nash suddenly fell off from stardom in 2012-13. It may be disappointing for his team, but it would almost be expected.

If the Nets were to sign Nash and his downfall became apparent in Brooklyn, it would be difficult to criticize the front office for the move. His low price tag insures that a bust in Brooklyn does not guarantee failure for years to come. 

If he succeeds, however, the Nets would be heralded as geniuses who got the best out of a player at the end of his career.

For Brooklyn, it really would be a no-lose situation. 

Marketability

Moving to New York City will be a huge challenge for the Nets for not just a year or two, but for decades to come.

The Knicks are an established franchise with fans who have followed the team for generations. Even in Brooklyn, the Nets will need to lure fans to their new arena somehow to compete against the Knicks.

It will be extremely hard to market the franchise without having a face to show off. Steve Nash can be that face.

The first few years will be extremely crucial to how New York City basketball fans react to the new franchise in their backyard. Without a reason to come watch, fans will continue on with their business and ignore the Nets like they did when they played across the Hudson River.

If the Nets can land Nash, they give the franchise a face in these crucial first years. With new uniforms being released, fans would be more likely to buy a jersey with a two-time MVP's name on the back than someone who they have never heard of. The Barclays Center would also look pretty silly with empty seats should the team not have anyone worth coming to watch. 

If the Nets want to contend with the Knicks and not just be a little brother, they need a player to step up and act like they are on par. They need a player like Nash.