NBA Free Agency: Why Steve Nash Would Shine in a New City

Deron Williams might be the only true superstar of this year’s crop of free agents, but with the acquisition of Joe Johnson, there’s a good chance Williams stays in Brooklyn.

The group of free agents lacks a bona fide star outside of Williams, and the guys ranked right below him—Roy Hibbert of the Indiana Pacers, Ryan Anderson of the Orlando Magic and Eric Gordon of the New Orleans Hornets—should all return to their respective teams.

But for teams looking for another star point guard—albeit an aging one—they should be licking their chops to sign Steve Nash.

With his rare combination of shooting touch, passing skills and leadership, the future Hall of Famer is destined to shine for a new city.

Nash has long been the floor general for the Phoenix Suns’ high-tempo offense, yet the long-haired Canadian is still searching for his first championship ring.

Throughout his illustrious 16-year career, the seemingly unflappable 6’3” point guard has sunk more three-pointers and thrown more pinpoint passes than his opponents would care to remember.

However, once Phoenix broke up the trio of Nash, Shawn Marion and Amar'e Stoudemire, Nash’s scoring numbers have taken a dip.

During his heyday, Nash averaged over 18 points a game, but that number regressed to just 12.5 last year.

Relying on inconsistent talents like Channing Frye, Josh Childress and Hakim Warrick simply isn’t enough for a crafty veteran like Nash.

That’s why the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player should pack his bags for a new destination.

Whether it’s Miami, Dallas or another team, Nash’s incredible gifts would be maximized playing alongside the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or Dirk Nowitzki.

Sure, Dallas already has an aging Hall of Fame point guard in Jason Kidd, but last time I checked, Kidd doesn’t shoot the ball like Nash.

During the past five seasons, Kidd has averaged double-digit points just once.

The last time Nash failed to top double-digits we were entering a new millennium.

Even though he’s still a good passer, Kidd still doesn’t dish the ball like Nash.

While Kidd’s assist numbers have dwindled to a career-worst 5.5 per game last season, all Nash did was hand out 10.7 at age 38.

If Nash were able to play with elite finishers like James and Wade and still have a post presence like Chris Bosh it’s scary to think how much better the Miami Heat could be.

It could be a case of the rich getting richer.

Watch out, Big Three. You could be getting a new stepfather.