Each NBA team’s greatest free agent signing in franchise history

Phoenix Suns: Steve Nash, Point Guard (1996-98, 2004-12)

Steve Nash was originally drafted by and played for the Phoenix Suns for two seasons before a trade sent him to the Dallas Mavericks. Six years passed and Nash had established himself as a two-time NBA All-Star and elite floor general.

In taking advantage of a hesitant Dallas team unwilling to pay the unrestricted free agent, the Suns brought Nash back to where his NBA career started. They knew they were getting a top-tier point guard. What they didn’t see coming was the best stretch in franchise history and a fundamental revolution of how basketball was played.

After a one-year postseason absence, Nash’s presence would help spark a revival in the desert. Phoenix would qualify for the playoffs in five of the following six campaigns in constant pursuit of a championship.

The Suns would win an average of 55.3 games during that run, but even that stellar number doesn’t fully do their play justice. Mike D’Antoni implemented smaller lineups and a faster pace that differed from the big man-centric style so many teams had grown accustomed to. At the center of it all was No. 13.

The famous “Seven Seconds or Less Offense” doesn’t work without Nash running the show. His court vision was indescribable and his efficiency at all three levels was unparalleled from the point guard position. The style of play helped his legacy tremendously, as he’d win back-to-back NBA  MVP trophies with averages of 16.3 points and 10.9 assists per game.

Phoenix would run into a number of roadblocks during those years that would ultimately keep it from the ultimate prize. That the Suns were even in contention is a testament to how great the signing of Nash was at a time where some may have questioned his worth.