Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes Feelings Clear About NBA Legend Steve Nash

Before Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander spoke about Nash.

Gilgeous-Alexander (via NBA TV): "Steve... Just a pioneer for Canadian basketball. He started the whole thing, I guess you can say. From the way he plays to the way he carries himself... I learned so much from Steve being a 17-year-old kid... The things he's done with Canada basketball and a whole and just push the culture forward has been amazing."

Nash played 18 years for the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers.

The two-time MVP had career averages of 14.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 8.5 assists per contest while shooting 49.0% from the field and 42.8% from the three-point range in 1,217 games.

Via StatMuse: "Steve Nash in his 2 MVP seasons:

— 17/4/11
— 51/44/91% (!)
— Led the league in AST"

On the other hand, Gilgeous-Alexander is just now hitting the prime of his career (he will turn 27 next month).

He finished the 2024-25 season with averages of 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.7 steals per contest while shooting 51.9% from the field and 37.5% from the three-point range in 76 games.

The Thunder are currently in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.