Phoenix Suns star Steve Nash tells Derek Abraham that after the lockout, NBA season has become hectic and exciting.
How are things progressing in the league after the lockout?
Things are progressing very quickly indeed. Each team is scheduled to play 66 games over a period of 120 days. We are playing almost every other night. The tough schedule is taking a toll on all the players and we are witnessing some less-than-standard performances. But at the same time, it’s intriguing.
The likes of Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat and LA Lakers have been slow off the blocks. Are you surprised?
Yes and no. It’s a condensed schedule and a lot of players are missing games here and there. Moreover, most teams are trying out new players and fresh combinations. Basically, things are just beginning to hot up in the league. I believe we haven’t really seen the best from Dallas, Miami and Los Angeles. They are expected to fight back, but yes, it’s going to be very exciting.
The Phoenix Suns are in the bottom five of the Western Conference. What exactly is going wrong for your side? Are you missing Amar’e Stoudemire?
Of course, we are missing Stoudemire. But we are a team in transition. We are trying to rebuild our side this summer. We obviously lack the talent other teams have. And we haven’t been able to put it all together. It’s going to take time.
What are your expectations this season?
We’ve got be to be realistic, you see. We are not a championship calibre team right now. It could make you go crazy if you were to think like that, but it’s a fact. We need to focus on short-term and immediate goals. For example, I tell the boys, ‘Okay, today we are going to focus on our defence’. Or maybe we’d choose to work on ball movement because we were stagnant in the last game. The idea is to improve with every game. We are concentrating on the small things. That’s what motivates us.
How do you motivate yourself at the age of 37?
I just love to play the game. I love to lead a healthy lifestyle. I get to compete at the highest level of the game and I lock horns with the best in the business. But I never take this opportunity for granted. And as one gets older, one gets to know so much more about the body, about movement, about the science of sport. But it’s the love for the game that keeps me going.
What are your predictions for the season? Who do you think will take home the MVP crown after the regular season?
The MVP? Can I name a few? I think Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) was a deserving candidate last year and he’ll be in contention this time as well. You can’t write off LeBron James (Miami Heat) and Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder) either. And yes, if he can remain free of injury, then Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) would also be a serious contender.
What about the teams?
I think Miami will win the Eastern Conference. Things are likely to get a little bit interesting in the West, but I think Oklahoma City will come through. Anything can happen in the playoffs, but I guess these two teams will come out on top. I’d also put my money on Chicago (East).
You’ve always wanted to play professional football, you’ve trained with MLS side New York Red Bulls and you are a die hard Tottenham fan. Tell us something more about your love for football.
My parents are from London. My mother is Welsh, but she grew up in London and so did my father. And my grandpa, my father, all of them played football. The first word I learnt was ‘goal’ and I’ve been a Tottenham supporter ever since I was a kid. I make it a point to watch football on TV. I love watching the UEFA Champions League and it’s hard for me to pick anyone but Barcelona because I think they play awesome football. I’ve never seen any team play such free-flowing football.
You were born in Johannesburg and lived a few years in England. Are you familiar with cricket?
Oh yes, very much! I remember playing cricket at my cousin’s place in England and we used an old gas (petrol) tanker as wickets. And I’ve heard that Sachin Tendulkar is on the cusp of yet another milestone. We don’t get to watch cricket in the US, but I vividly remember watching it on TV back in England.
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