NBA star Damian Lillard recently opened up about a moment that weighed heavily on his conscience throughout his career. It was an accidental ‘knee hit’ to legendary player Steve Nash, which had severe consequences. Logo Lillard’s statement provides insight into the emotional toll such incidents can take on professional athletes.
It also sheds light on the interconnectedness of players, their careers, and the lasting impact of on-court accidents. Lillard’s honesty serves as a reminder of the humanity behind the game and the empathy that exists among players even in moments of unintentional harm.
Damian Lillard talks about Steve Nash’s injury
NBA star Damian Lillard recently shared a somber revelation regarding his unintentional involvement in the incident that played a significant role in the twilight of Steve Nash’s illustrious basketball career. In a podcast appearance on Back On Figg, Lillard recounted the fateful collision with Nash during his very first NBA game in 2012.
Lillard revealed that the accidental knee-to-leg contact resulted in Nash suffering a non-displaced fracture in his left leg. This injury, initially believed to be temporary, cast a long shadow over Nash’s final years in the league. In the aftermath of the collision, Nash’s career trajectory altered dramatically. He continued to grapple with nerve problems stemming from the incident, which severely hampered his on-court contributions.
Subsequently, Nash’s tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, marked by high expectations following his move from the Phoenix Suns, became a bittersweet “what-if” narrative. His decline due to the injury had a ripple effect, impacting not only his career but also the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
Despite the unfortunate turn of events, Steve Nash’s legacy in the NBA remains undiminished. From his early years with the Suns to his back-to-back MVP awards and influential role in revolutionizing the point guard position, Nash’s impact on the game endures, inspiring current stars like Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry.
Steve Nash’s achievements in the NBA
Steve Nash, an NBA luminary known for his transcendent skills and a transformative influence on modern point guard play, announced his retirement after an illustrious 18-season career. Nash’s exceptional journey through the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers deserves admiration and celebration.
A statistical reflection on Nash’s career underscores his exceptional excellence. He is a two-time MVP, a feat achieved only by legends like Tim Duncan and Karl Malone. Remarkably, Nash secured these honors past what many consider prime years, demonstrating his enduring brilliance.
Nash had four of the NBA's 10 50-40-90 years. Fell short by two missed shots at 38, and by seven shots, including one three-pointer, at 36.
— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) March 21, 2015
Nash’s mastery extended to the free-throw line, where he ranks as the all-time leader in free-throw percentage, exemplifying his unmatched precision and consistency.
Nash’s 50-40-90 club membership, with four such seasons, highlights his versatility and scoring prowess. Nash’s ability to shoot efficiently from all ranges revolutionized the point guard position.As a passing virtuoso, Nash ranks third all-time in assists behind John Stockton and Jason Kidd.
His mesmerizing offensive style, epitomized in the “Seven Seconds or Less” era with the Suns, left an indelible mark.Nash’s mid-range proficiency, often disregarded in modern analytics, defied convention. He shot above 50 percent in this challenging range six times, outshining current stars like Curry and Harden.
Steve Nash’s NBA legacy resonates as a testament to his transcendent talent, leadership, and unique contributions to the game.
