Two-time MVP and the greatest Canadian player in NBA history — revolutionised the point guard position.
Stephen John Nash was born in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1974 and grew up in Victoria, British Columbia. Santa Clara University developed him before Phoenix Suns selected him 15th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft. His 18-season career produced two consecutive MVP awards (2005, 2006) — the first back-to-back since Moses Malone in 1982-83 — eight All-Star appearances and the most influential offensive era in Phoenix Suns history. He led the league in assists five times and averaged 8.5 per game for his career. His Seven Seconds or Less offence under coach Mike D'Antoni transformed how teams thought about pace, spacing and ball movement — the philosophical foundation of the positionless offence that now dominates the NBA. He shot 43.0% from three and 50.4% from two — making him one of the most efficient guards in NBA history. He never won an NBA championship despite three conference finals appearances. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018. He became head coach of the Brooklyn Nets (2020-2022) and later the Canadian national team, which won Olympic gold at Paris 2024. He is the greatest Canadian player in NBA history.
Revolutionary point guard known for exceptional passing, shooting, and leadership
How They Played
Elite playmaker with exceptional court vision, accurate three-point shooter, fast-break specialist
Lasting Impact
Two-time MVP who transformed modern NBA offense with his pace and space philosophy
NBA MVP 2x (2005,2006)
Career Honours
- NBA MVP 2x (2005,2006)
- All-Star 8x
- All-NBA First Team 3x
- Olympic Gold Medal (2024 as coach)
- Hall of Fame (2018)