Poll
Weekend poll: Can the Kings make the playoffs this season?
Your vote has been counted, thank you for voting.
Steve Nash brings his Phoenix Suns to town for tonight's game against the Kings, but it doesn't (and wouldn't) matter if the two-time MVP played in Los Angeles, Manhattan or Mars. At 38, he's still amazing to watch.
In 2006, ESPN ranked Nash ninth on its list of all-time-great point guards behind Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson, Isiah Thomas, John Stockton, Bob Cousy, Walt Frazier, Jason Kidd and Tiny Archibald. If the list were updated, the Canadian would (and should) move up.
The 6-foot-3 Nash again leads the league in assists average (10.1 per game), remains a primary scorer and is shooting 56 percent, and is the most creative playmaker of his era. And did we mention that he celebrated his 38th birthday Feb. 7?
While we could chat forever about the reasons for Nash's effectiveness, his game is characterized by the following:
• Vision and elusiveness when he penetrates. No one has ever been better at slicing between defenders and improvising with crafty layups, floaters, stepback jumpers or passes to open teammates.
• Perfect form on his jumper. He holds the ball much like Larry Bird, with palms perpendicular to the floor and with a similar rotation.
• Superb physical conditioning, a la Stockton before him.
Then there are his exceptional ballhandling skills; his ball control enables him to dribble out of jams, separate for jumpers and runners, and play fast, while never appearing in a hurry. Most impressively, he has mastered the delicate balance between setting up teammates and finding his own offense.
Players want to play with Nash, which, of course, is the ultimate compliment.
What to do
NBA, Phoenix at Kings, Power Balance Pavilion, 7 p.m.: After tonight, the Kings hit the road for six games in nine days.
Weekend poll
Can the Kings make the playoffs this season?
• Yes • No
Vote above or leave your comments in the comments field; or go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Thursday's results
Who is the best major leaguer to come from Sacramento City College?
• Jeff Blauser: 7%
• Chris Bosio: 5%
• Larry Bowa: 32%
• F.P. Santangelo: 3%
• Greg Vaughn: 41%
• Fernando Vina: 7%
• Other: 5%
Total votes: 351
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