The
Prodigal Sun
By Scott Shapiro
In 1992, The Phoenix Suns were the
only game in town. Charles Barkley had just arrived,
the team had personality and they were on their way
to the NBA Finals.
Over ten years later, the thrill is back. The Suns are
young, fun to watch and among the top contenders in
the Western Conference. The return to glory is in large
part due to the contribution of their point guard, Steve
Nash, who has triumphantly come back to the Valley with
a new role as team leader.
Sonik had a chance to sit down with the NBA star who
has not only become one of the most marketable athletes
in Phoenix, but, possibly the best point guard in the
NBA.
First of all, I want to congratulate you on the birth
of your brand new twins. How do you think that being
a father might affect your approach to the game?
I don’t think it will change my approach to basketball
very much at all. I’m hoping it’s not going
to change anything. I mean, it’ll make my life
better and I’ll have a much more exciting and
meaningful life away from the game, but as far as the
game goes, it should be the same.
You’ve been a fan favorite since you began your
career here in Phoenix. What is it about you that Phoenix
loves so much?
I don’t know, I think maybe because I’m
the underdog. When I was drafted, I think they booed
me on draft night (laughs) so to see me actually be
worth something, I guess was exciting for them.
Your work ethic is nothing
short of legendary. Does it make your success all that
much sweeter, knowing how hard you had to work for it?
I suppose. As in anything, it’s not going to be
as meaningful if it was just given to you. It feels
good to see hard work pay off, but now it’s just
my way of life. It’s second nature now, so it’s
not like I even know anything different.
The Suns have gotten off to a great start this season,
and a lot of credit has been given to team chemistry.
Do you guys really get along as well as you appear to?
Yeah. Everyone really enjoys being around each other.
We enjoy practicing, being in the locker room, on the
plane and on the bus. I think those are components that
really help build a team and a team’s success.
You’re an 8-year NBA veteran, and you play on
the youngest team in the league. What’s it like
working with a bunch of guys who can barely order a
beer?
It’s different, it is, but I’m enjoying
it. I think It’s strange to be in a sort of retrospective
point in my career, but it’s also fun to be around
a bunch of guys who are trying to ascend through stages
of their careers that I’ve already been a part
of. They’re experiencing growing pains, they’re
going from a bad team to a good team and they’re
making all those adjustments. It’s fun to help
these guys attain those experiences, and hopefully,
doing it together will be even more rewarding.
You were born in South Africa, and you were raised
in Canada. I know you’re a big soccer and hockey
fan. What is it about those two sports that Americans
don’t get? Why aren’t they more popular?
Well, it’s tradition. You know, soccer, the world
over, is the most popular sport, and it’s because
people have been born with it, understand it and have
an appreciation for the beauty of the game. In the United
States, only a small percentage of the population are
born to foreign parents, and have an appreciation for
the game, so I think it’s just natural. If you’re
not brought up with the game, understanding the game
and surrounded by the game, it makes sense. I mean,
for the rest of the world, their culture is surrounded
by soccer.
If you had the choice to do it over again, do you think
you might have pursued soccer instead of basketball?
NASH: Of course, but you know. What is it that they
say? ‘The grass is always greener.’
You’ve now played in both Dallas and Phoenix.
Tell me a little about the differences between the two
cities in terms of culture and nightlife.
Well, I don’t know how much difference there is
in the nightlife. The culture’s different topographically.
It’s more ‘outdoorsy’ here. The weather
and the mountains, lend to more outdoor activity, whether
it’s hiking, biking, golf or tennis. There’s
more opportunity to do those things here. The casual
person would much rather do that in this weather and
on this terrain, than in Dallas, so I think that lends
itself to a different cultural element.
Do you have any favorite restaurants in the Valley?
I love Havana Café. That’s my favorite.
Every NBA player now has to
have a rap album. When can we expect yours?
I think mine might be found in the comedy section. I
don’t know. I think I’ll leave that for
the other guys.
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