Hoops Habit
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Best Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee from each NBA franchise

By Daniel Lubofsky

INGLEWOOD, CA- JUNE 7: Magic Johnson #32 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles against Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during Game Three of the 1991 NBA Finals on June 7, 1991 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1991 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CA- JUNE 7: Magic Johnson #32 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles against Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during Game Three of the 1991 NBA Finals on June 7, 1991 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1991 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Phoenix Suns, Steve Nash
Phoenix Suns, Steve Nash (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Best Phoenix Suns Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee: Steve Nash

The Phoenix Suns had traded Steve Nash a mere two years after drafting him 13th overall in 1996. When the opportunity presented itself to bring him back into the fold in the summer of 2004, they didn’t hesitate, and the franchise’s history has prospered greatly.

At just 6’3” and roughly 195 pounds, Nash had a very unassuming physique for a man who would go on to provide immense value. That didn’t stop him from making a significant impact not only for the Suns but in the fundamental way in which both the point guard position and offenses as a whole were looked at.

Thanks in large part to head coach Mike D’Antoni, Nash was given the freedom of space on the court with the encouragement to push the ball at every moment. The Seven Seconds or Less Suns teams were a nightmare to defend, but it was a philosophy that wouldn’t have worked without a high-IQ floor general making all the plays.

Across a decade’s worth of seasons in the desert, Nash led the league in assists four times and averaged double-digit assist figures on six separate occasions. He was a scorer when he deemed necessary, averaging as many as 18.8 points per game with a career 42.8 percentage from beyond the arc.

He was the perfect engine to a super-charged offense and helped elevate the Suns to that status of perennial contenders. They would make the playoffs in five of six seasons including three runs to the Western Conference Finals. Unfortunately, it was superior competition mixed with untimely luck that kept them from winning a championship.

The Dallas Mavericks were hesitant to give Nash a deal similar to Phoenix’s offer of five years and more than $65 million back in 2004. Phoenix pounced on a golden opportunity to bring back the player it should’ve never let go of. Six All-Star appearances, two MVP trophies and franchise-defining moments and the move certainly worked out for both sides.