Sunday, October 9th, 2011 at 11:00 am  |  174 responses

Top 50: Steve Nash, no. 20

The definitive ranking of the NBA’s best players.

by Ben York / @bjyork

I pride myself on being ignorant (and by ‘ignorant’ I mean ‘apathetic’) in many facets of life, but after nearly 30 years on this planet there are three things I’m downright sure of:

1. Human beings need food, water and shelter to survive.
2. The Earth is round. Trust me; I’ve seen pictures.
3. When you mention the name Steve Nash, it has to be followed by a conjunction (I.e. ‘but’) or we’ll all die.

I’m 100 percent convinced of this.

And since I’m not ready to die yet…

Steve Nash has phenomenal vision offensively, BUT he’s not a good defensive player.

In related news, the sky is blue and grass is green.

The great thing about Nash is that he has never pretended to be someone different. He isn’t like a box of chocolates; with Nash, you always know what you’re going to get. He’ll help your team score a ton of points but he can be a liability on the defensive end of the floor. This isn’t anything new, mind you; it has obviously been his Achilles heel (for lack of a better term) over the course of his career.

The question then becomes: Is it (still) worth it? Is it worth sacrificing comprehensive defensive schemes to win a lot of games in the regular season? Based on what he’s been able to do with Phoenix Suns teams since 2004 that have featured an abundance of talent as well as squads with mediocre talent (at best), I think the answer is, unequivocally, yes.

Why? Simple—because in this case, there isn’t an equal and opposite reaction. Nash’s offensive prowess and leadership continue to FAR outweigh his defensive inefficiencies.

Steve Nash makes others infinitely better, BUT he’s the beneficiary of an up-tempo system.

Nash is the BASF of the NBA; he doesn’t make the product, he makes the product better. Isn’t that what you want in a point guard? We can delve into this chicken and egg debate (and many have over the years) but if you’re honest with yourself, there isn’t one definitive answer. More clearly, one isn’t contingent on the other.

Any point guard worth their salt can run an up-tempo system. Some (like Nash) simply run it better than others.

Does the system help make Nash more effective? Absolutely. Conversely, does Nash make the system more effective? No doubt about it.

To this day, that still holds true.

Steve Nash is one of the best point guards in NBA history, BUT he’s never won a ‘chip.

Unless something drastic changes, in all likelihood, Nash will never win an NBA Championship. Based on the Suns’ salary cap situation in the next 37 five years, hope isn’t exactly knocking on the door.

Adam Morrison has two titles. Nash has zero. I don’t have anything against Adam Morrison but that reality physically hurts me.

Should this affect Nash’s legacy? Should he even have a legacy? Knowing Nash, he wouldn’t care either way but I’d argue that he should. After all, he is a two-time MVP recipient and has managed to make the point guard a vastly more relevant position in the coming decade.

With Nash, every time he and the Suns have generated sustainable momentum and began to build a team that could feasibly compete for a championship, something dramatic changes. (Don’t call it rebuilding!) Joe Johnson signs elsewhere. Shawn Marion is traded. Amar’e Stoudemire was lowballed.

But Nash doesn’t want you to feel sorry for him and neither do I. One could make an argument that the Suns haven’t caught a break in the Nash era but he’ll be the first to tell you that maybe they just weren’t good enough.

***

Steve Nash is 37 years old and has the potential, at the very least, of being among the league-leaders in assists for the next several years. That alone solidifies him as a top-20 player. The fact that he could help the Suns finish remotely close to .500 last season is nothing short of remarkable.

Ultimately, Nash’s No. 20 ranking means that, in a general sense, 19 players in the NBA are currently better/more valuable. I’m OK with that. In fact, when I submitted my rankings I had Nash much lower on my list. Not long ago, there was a time when Nash was undeniably the best (and most important) point guard in the game. But as the NBA evolves and the Roses and Pauls continue to make a stirring impact on their teams and the League, the balance of power has quickly shifted.

Even so, the dude managed to lead the League in assists again last season without Amar’e Stoudemire. Perhaps more compelling, he also led the Suns in scoring by the end of the year.

If you ask me, that’s pretty damn impressive.

SLAMonline Top 50 Players 2011
Rank Player Team Position Pos. Rank
50 Luol Deng Bulls SF 8
49 Andrew Bogut Bucks C 7
48 Ray Allen Celtics SG 9
47 Marc Gasol Grizzlies C 6
46 David West Hornets PF 15
45 Kevin Martin Rockets SG 8
44 Andrew Bynum Lakers C 5
43 Brandon Jennings Bucks PG 11
42 Lamar Odom Lakers PF 14
41 Gerald Wallace Blazers SF 7
40 Brook Lopez Nets C 4
39 Joakim Noah Bulls C 3
38 Carlos Boozer Bulls PF 13
37 Kevin Garnett Celtics PF 12
36 Eric Gordon Clippers SG 7
35 Tony Parker Spurs PG 10
34 Andre Iguodala 76ers SG 6
33 Al Jefferson Jazz PF 11
32 Al Horford Hawks C 2
31 Stephen Curry Warriors PG 9
30 Tim Duncan Spurs PF 10
29 Josh Smith Hawks PF 9
28 Manu Ginobili Spurs SG 5
27 Tyreke Evans Kings PG 8
26 Rudy Gay Grizzlies SF 6
25 John Wall Wizards PG 7
24 Danny Granger Pacers SF 5
23 Monta Ellis Warriors SG 4
22 Joe Johnson Hawks SG 3
21 Paul Pierce Celtics SF 4
20 Steve Nash Suns PG 6

Notes
• Rankings are based solely on projected ’11-12 performance.
• Contributors to this list include: Maurice Bobb, Shannon Booher, David Cassilo, Bryan Crawford, Sandy Dover, Adam Figman, Jon Jaques, Eldon Khorshidi, Ryne Nelson, Doobie Okon, Ben Osborne, Quinn Peterson, Dave Schnur, Abe Schwadron, Dan Shapiro, Irv Soonachan, Todd Spehr, Tzvi Twersky, Yaron Weitzman, DeMarco Williams and Ben York.
• Want more of the SLAMonline Top 50? Check out the archive.

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  • KH10

    This is a decent spot for Nashty, everyone gets on his defence and with good reason, but he’s yet to play for a defensive coach. I remember his first few years in the league he made a name for himself with hustle and defense before flourishing on run and gun teams. would have liked to see him ahead of Bosh though.
    KJ was Chris Paul back in his day, but injuries pretty much ruined his career, should be in the HOF purely for the baseline slam on Dream.
    And there’s no way Billups or Parker don’t make it, both have been the most consistent, winning players at their position for almost a decade, the fact that they have played with other great players on great teams is why neither has exploded with gaudy individual stats but they are both very capable.

  • http://stapledesign.com Spaceship Jay

    Is it too early for Chris Paul? Or are we only talking older and past players? And Chauncey CERTAINLY was the best player of that finals.

  • http://hibachi20.blogspot.com Moose

    @Enigmatic: I’ve been gone for too long, huh. I’m mad about the lockout, I think it’s all juvenile and ignorant.

  • http://www.bulls.com Enigmatic

    Yeah, call me crazy but I think Tim Duncan and his 20.5 points, 14.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 blocks per game that series made him the best player in those finals.
    @Moose – Yeah, I know what you mean. Though I figured it was mainly school that was holding you and BlackPhantom from commenting on here more often. Which I wouldn’t be mad about at all.

  • http://slamonline.com Allenp

    I’m not sure how someone could have Nash as having a better all-time career than Kidd. That boggles the mind.

  • http://www.optimabbc.be Max

    ^^
    I read all these comments at school lol.

  • Heals

    Benefits that greatly shift the advantage to modern PG’s over their predacessors; league expansion and defensive restaints. It’s just a less physical/more open game offensively. Although older generations may have benefited from having to beat fewer teams (could be the opposite as now more teams but lesser quality) to win the Finals. Lastly I’m not arguing with anybody’ all-time Nash rank, but he plays in a system (both play calling and personel) that is tailor made for him to thrive statistically I don’t know if the same can be said for many of the players that some have ranked below Steve…

  • http://hibachi20.blogspot.com Moose

    @Enigmatic: School is definitely the reason. Beautiful weather is another reason. Lack of play is another. Other sports going on is another. School is definitely the big one, though. How old is BlackPhantom? Didn’t know he was a youngun.

  • http://www.bulls.com Enigmatic

    I think he’s 15 or 16? He’s a good kid, though. Likes 90′s rap. That’s my dude.

  • http://hibachi20.blogspot.com Moose

    Haha I feel you. Hey, doesn’t matter the age as long as it doesn’t make you ignorant.

  • http://www.bulls.com Enigmatic

    No doubt, there’s a lot of 20-plus commenters on here that come off as immature jerks.
    nbk is the worst.
    Just kidding Soop! Lol

  • http://sajkflf.com Jukai

    Tarzan: Sorry buddy, it’s just me, Spaceship Jay, John Hollinger and Bill Simmons over here who think Billups was the best player in that series. Feel free to give your Tim Duncan plushie an extra little hug!
    Allen: Not sure anyone actually said that… Kidd is a better player and had a better career.

  • Mr. Smith

    In my mind. The top 5 point guards of now are;

    1. Derrick Rose
    2. Rajon Rondo
    3. Steve Nash
    4. Deron Williams
    5. Monta Ellis

    Kidd is past his prime now so he isn’t there.

  • Armando

    Duncan was Duncan, and as always he was the key… but he shot 42%! Nevertheless, no Duncan, no title… (Manu was pretty awsome at times in that series as well)… I’ll call it a tie between Billups and Duncan.

  • Armando

    @Mr. Smith. No Chris Paul?

  • Armando

    @Mr. Smith: No Chris Paul?

  • http://Slamonline.coM nbk

    U lucky you live in Alaska Matic lol

  • http://www.bulls.com Enigmatic

    Don’t trip Soop, I’ll buy you a beer if I’m ever in AZ and we can sit and talk about how underrated and unappreciated David West is. lol

  • http://slamonline.com nbk

    haha sounds like a plan. I advise you not to come between Mid-May through September, being in Alaska all this time, you’ll melt. And where the hell is #19, Chris Bosh. (I bet he is 19, any takers?)

  • Double J

    ya where is 19!??!

  • http://slamonline.com Allenp

    Wow that might be worst ranking of point guards I’ve ever seen.

  • Armando

    Him or Love

  • http://www.bulls.com Enigmatic

    I’ll make sure and ask whatever establishment we have said beers at if I can enjoy mine in the walk-in freezer. lol
    Yeah, seriously, NO #19, NO update on the labor talks, did Ryne and company over-over-oversleep this morning?
    And yeah, SMH at Monta Ellis making someone’s top 5 PG list. Or that Chris Paul is nowhere to be found on it.

  • http://slamonline.com nbk

    I figured whoever posted that list was black-out drunk & doesn’t even remember it.

  • http://slamonline.com nbk

    Just come in the height of January. It’s the coldest month of the year here, probably the hottest day of the year in Alaska.

  • http://www.bulls.com Enigmatic

    I wonder if Eric Gordon and OJ Mayo are on his top 10 PG list…

  • http://slamonline.com nbk

    probably top of his all world PF list

  • http://slamonline.com Allenp

    Also, Steve Nash has worked his way into having a better career than Kevin Johnson with his longevity, but I would say, in their primes, KJ was the better player.
    Any time KJ played more than 65 games, he was giving you 20 and 10. Period. Those are pure superstar numbers. Dude was putting Isiah Thomas/Magic Johnson numbers at one point. Nash, for all his talents, has never, in my opinion, been on that level.

  • http://slamonline.com nbk

    ^ I would agree with that.

  • http://www.bulls.com Enigmatic

    “In my mind. The top 5 power forwards of now are:
    1. Blake Griffin
    2. Kevin Love
    3. Kevin Garnett
    4. Amare Stoudemire
    5. Dwight Howard
    Duncan is past his prime now so he isn’t there.”

  • http://slamonline.com The Philosopher

    Spaceship Jay:
    If you’re still up here, check out the other thread, once more.
    Respectfully.

  • http://www.bulls.com Enigmatic

    ”In my mind. The top 5 shooting guards of now are:
    1. Dwyane Wade
    2. DeMar DeRozan
    3. Eric Gordon
    4. Manu Ginobili
    5. Luol Deng
    Kobe is past his prime so he isn’t there.”

  • http://www.bulls.com Enigmatic

    ”In my mind. The top 5 NBA head coaches of now are:
    1. Tom Thibodeau
    2. Doc Rivers
    3. Rick Adelman
    4. Scott Brooks
    5. David Khan
    Popovich is past his prime so he isn’t there.”

  • http://www.bulls.com Enigmatic

    LOL my bad, Mr. Smith. I feel like a jerk now.
    It’s all in fun.

  • http://slamonline.com Allenp

    What is the other thread, I want to read it

  • http://slamonline.com Allenp

    What is the other thread so I can read it too?

  • http://slamonline.com nbk

    In my mind the best players of all time are LeBron, Wade, Dirk, Dwight, Kobe. (All the other all-time greats are past their prime and don’t stand a chance)

  • http://www.bulls.com Enigmatic

    “In my mind the top 5 SLAMOnline commenters of now are:
    1. AllenP
    2. JTaylor21
    3. Enigmatic
    4. Bull22
    5. Ben Osborne
    nbk is past his prime so he isn’t there.”

  • http://slamonline.com nbk

    lmao, as long as Bull22 made the list.

  • Armando

    I’d put KJ 11th all time… great numbers in his prime, yes, but (cliche alert) stats only tells so much and assists are among the most dubious ones recorded. KJ never was the game changer Nash has been, and besides that his jumper was just barely better than Rondo’s..
    1. Magic
    2. Robertson
    3. Stockton
    4. Thomas
    5. Cousy
    6. Frazier
    7. Kidd
    8. Payton
    9. Nash
    10. Tiny
    11. KJ
    12. Wilkens

  • http://slamonline.com The Philosopher

    Allenp:
    The thread about Adam Morrison getting kicked out of a game.

  • Armando

    ^not saying he wasn’t a game changer, just not quite at Nash’s level.

  • http://www.bulls.com Enigmatic

    I love that everybody’s got the Big O on their list cause that dude was just a straight up beast, but was he really a 1 or a 2?
    I honestly have never really known, and didn’t he even play the 3 in college?

  • http://Slamonline.coM nbk

    Armando you didn’t watch Kevin Johnson, that is clear.

  • http://Slamonline.coM nbk

    He was a PG his first couple seasons Matic. But back then it wasn’t PG/SG, it was Guard/Guard. Whoever could hand the ball better did. Same issue defining Jerry West

  • http://slamonline.com Allenp

    Robertson defined positions differently. He aligned himself with West and Maravich as far as style of play and played forward in college. But he said in those days the “lead” guard handled the rock and made decisions even if he was.primarily a scorer. The other guard spotted up and used screens.
    You don’t average 20/10 and not be a game changer at the point position. And KJ was a very good mid range shooter just garbage from deep. Which he rarely shot.
    Nash had had less overall success with comparable talent and never put up the same level of stats despite a similar pace. KJ just couldn’t stay healthy although the seven years he played 65+ he averaged 20/10 and he was right there in several other years.

  • Heals

    Matic – C’mon you gotta give Pop more love than that, he’s in a tough spot with how that squad looks at the end of seasons (woredown even though he watches their mins the whole year). Still never forget seeing Doc and Thibs coach together in person. They were so intense, loud, animated and overall just entertainingly compelling when together (Thibs not being on Bos bench this past year can’t be overstated). When it comes up I’ll be interested to hear your POV’s on KLove…

  • http://sajkflf.com Jukai

    @Allen: Ugh… I don’t know if I’d pick healthy KJ or prime Nash, it’s a tough one against two point guards I have rooted for in the playoffs. I think I’d take KJ for a series, Nash for the entire season. Is that fair?
    I wouldn’t ever put KJ on Isiah/Magic territory though. Isiah and Magic were putting up 20/13. KJ got the points but his passing was just not there.
    @Armando: Uh… I agree with you on some points, but KJ had a sweet midrange pullup. Rondo can’t hit anything passed a layup. Also, KJ developed a semi-reliable spotup jumper from outside at the very end of his career, but by then his legs were gone so I guess it doesn’t count as much.
    @Enigmatic: It’s a tough question, but if you watch his Milwaukee days, you’d realize he was a point guard. In his Cincinnati days, he did everything cause he HAD to do everything. He played the way he did because there was no one else to score. Oscar could play any position seamlessly, just like Magic, but unlike Magic he was put in a combo guard role for the majority of his career.
    You also have to understand how incredible 11 assists were back in the 60s. That’s about 15+ assists in today’s game. It would blow Stockton’s record away. Of course, you also have to adjust for pace, so I don’t know what the balance would be, but Oscar’s passing was ridiculous. I just don’t think you can hand out that many assists while playing in a shooting guard role.

  • http://sajkflf.com Jukai

    I guess you could say…. on the break and in early offense, Oscar was the point. If he couldn’t find anything quickly, he switched to more of a point-forward role, trying to score first and pass second.
    He looked much more like a point guard when he played with Kareem.
    Of course, I’m judging this based on 15-20 games I’ve seen of him, plus All-Star games. So, grain of salt here.

  • http://www.bulls.com Enigmatic

    @Heals – nah, I got mad love for Pop.
    He’s probably my favorite coach now that PJax and Jerry Sloan are gone, I was just clowning on Mr. Smith’s PG fail list.

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