NBA: Who are the greatest NBA players to fall short in the playoffs?

Make the Finals: Steve Nash

Steve Nash was a late bloomer but that didn’t stop him from becoming a superstar. Making his first All-Star appearance at the age of 27, he later became a two-time MVP winner. He led the league in assists five times, but more importantly, he was a revolutionary player in terms of his high-tempo pace. His Phoenix Suns’ Seven Seconds or Less style of offense was greatly copied, notably by the Golden State Warriors dynasty.

The Canadian point guard’s best shot at making the finals was in the 2004-05 season. He had just won his first MVP and his Suns had the best record in the league with 62 wins. Amar’e Stoudemire, their power forward, broke out and became a star, averaging a career-high 26 points. Shawn Marion was also an All-Star that season, the trio was selected to All-NBA teams.

In the Conference Finals, he faced the San Antonio Spurs who were a very strong team and would be the eventual champions. The Suns were good, but they just couldn’t win. They managed to steal one game on the road but were quickly beaten in five games. They had another good shot in 2007, but that post-season, also against the Spurs, was marred with controversy after a fight and ensuing suspensions. Their 2007 run ended in the second round.