Phoenix Suns: 5 Reasons Steve Nash Will Finish His NBA Career in Phoenix
Ever since the 2010-2011 NBA season began trade rumors have surfaced regarding Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash. The two-time MVP's squad has struggled through a quarter of the season and currently sits outside the playoff picture at 11-12.
Nash has shook off rumors for the past two months but that hasn't convinced many who still believe the ageless talent will want out if the losing gets worse and Phoenix can't contend this spring.
Instead of looking at the potential destinations, let's break down the five biggest reasons Nash will finish out his illustrious career in the desert.
Loyalty
1 of 5
Many forget that Nash had the option to flee Phoenix after a disappointing 2008-2009 season that saw the Suns in the lottery for the first time since Nash arrived.
Even then though Nash resigned with the Suns, claiming his respect for the franchise's and fans' support of him over the years as a major reason.
Also, Nash isn't a ring chaser. He often states that only one team can win the title every season and there is no guarantee you will win elsewhere.
Nash has built a huge fan base in Phoenix and will likely remain loyal to them unless the franchise decides to trade him for young talent in exchange.
Location
2 of 5
Phoenix isn't exactly the worst city to play in. The weather is quite nice, a dry heat, and Nash has grown used to it over the past seven seasons.
Nash has a place there and though it would be nice to play in the Eastern Conference, the west is a welcomed challenge for a player of Nash's caliber.
Arizona is on the up and up and Nash seems content with the city and the surrounding fan support.
Community
3 of 5
Nash has been heavily involved in the Phoenix and Suns community. He has been involved with several charitable organizations including his own Steve Nash Foundation.
Nash has worked with Educare Arizona, also helping to improve local area schools and make the lives of young people better by providing them with what they need to achieve.
Nash takes his foundation seriously and would certainly take into account his community goals before asking for a trade out of the desert.
Friendship
4 of 5
Nash is a teammate first and a player second. He has made a career out of putting others before himself on and off the court.
Don't underestimate the power of friendship and camaraderie. Nash is good friends with several Suns players including veteran Grant Hill and Jared Dudley.
When Raja Bell and Leandro Barbosa were traded Nash publicly expressed his frustration with the franchise.
Nash probably wouldn't be comfortable landing on a new team mid season and trying to fit in on the fly.
Style Of Play
5 of 5
The Suns' style of play has been as exciting and fast paced as it gets with Nash at the helm for the past seven years.
Phoenix has looked to outscore opponents ever since Mike D'Antoni implemented the seven seconds or less style back in 2004.
Since then head coach Alvin Gentry has placed more focus on the defensive end which resulted in a Western Conference Finals appearance last postseason.
No point guard in the league fits the Suns' style like Steve Nash because after all Nash is the Suns' style. Phoenix is unique and plays the way it does because of it's point guard. Nash is as unique and unorthodox as they come.
Nash Isn't Nash anywhere but Phoenix and the Suns aren't the Suns without Nash. Make sense?
Patrick Clarke is a student at Towson University and a writing intern for Bleacher Report.
