From Backup Hope to MVP: Steve Nash’s Father Had Modest Dreams, But Son Became a Legend
The 1996 NBA Draft was packed with talent, featuring future Hall of Famers like Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant. Yet, one of the biggest hidden gems that year was Steve Nash, a little-known guard from Santa Clara University. Even Nash’s own father, John, had pretty low expectations. When Steve first got drafted, John recalled thinking, ‘Well, this is great, hopefully he can have a nice career as a backup point guard.’
But Steve aimed higher. He told his dad, ‘No, Dad, I’m going to be a starter in this league.’ And he wasn’t wrong. In his first two seasons with the Phoenix Suns, Nash started just 11 games and averaged a modest 6.4 points. It wasn’t until he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 1998 that things started to turn around. Donnie Nelson, from the Mavericks’ front office, was one of the first to believe in him, saying, ‘Steve is going to be the NBA’s first Canadian All-Star.’ That kind of belief gave Nash the push he needed.
With Dallas, Nash became a regular starter, and by his third season, he was averaging 15.6 points and 7.3 assists per game. He earned back-to-back All-Star nods and helped lead the Mavericks to the playoffs. Then, fate brought him back to Phoenix, where he transformed into a superstar. In his first two years back, Nash won consecutive MVP awards, something his father admitted caught him by surprise. ‘I don’t ever think I heard Steve talk about being MVP,’ John said, ‘but we’re used to him surpassing expectations now.’
Nash’s success came from his hard work, vision, and passing skills—he wasn’t the most athletic player, but he outworked everyone. Over his 18-year career, he racked up two MVPs, eight All-Star selections, seven All-NBA teams, five assist titles, and a spot in the Hall of Fame. All from a guy whose dad just wanted him to be a solid backup.
