15 NBA legends who never won Rookie of the Year

6) Steve Nash

Steve Nash is a two-time MVP, eight-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA player, five-time assist champion, and a Hall of Famer. By the end of his career, he was regarded as one of the best point guards ever to play the game, but his career didn’t get off to a great start. There were a lot of growing pains in the early years of his storied 18-year career in the NBA. 

Drafted with the 15th overall pick by the Phoenix Suns, Nash's rookie season was a learning experience as he struggled to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NBA game. With averages of 3.3 points, 2.1 assists, and 0.9 rebounds per game playing 10 minutes per game, his rookie statistics didn’t necessarily foreshadow his future MVP-caliber and Hall-of-Fame career. 

Still, Nash showed flashes of his playmaking ability and basketball IQ, demonstrating his ability to distribute the ball effectively and showed promise as an elite shooter. He was predominantly a bench player his first two seasons in the league but in his first career start as a rookie, Nash recorded his first career double-double posting 17 points while dishing out 12 dimes and grabbing seven boards. 

Despite his overall lackluster production as a rookie, Nash's efficient shooting, passing skills, and vision on the court were already evident, showcasing his potential as a floor leader. Nash’s first season laid the groundwork for his development into one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.