Steve Nash inducted into Phoenix Suns’ Ring of Honor

On Friday night, recently retired two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash was inducted into the Phoenix Suns' Ring of Honor at halftime of their game against the Portland Trailblazers.

Nash, an eight-time All-Star, played 10 seasons with the Suns (1996-1998, 2004-2012), and is the franchise's leader in assists, is in third place for number of games played, and also a leader for 3-point field goals made and free throw percentage, according to The Associated Press.

The Suns do not retire numbers, instead inducting franchise legends into the Ring of Honor, with Nash becoming just the 14th Suns player to be inducted.

After being drafted with the 15th pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, Nash was traded to the Dallas Mavericks after two seasons before returning to Phoenix as a free agent in 2004.

In his second stint with the team, Nash guided the Suns to their most successful winning era in in franchise history, winning back-to-back MVPs in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 (also finishing in second in 2006-2007). Nash was the maestro behind the Suns an up-tempo, high-octane offense, dubbed ‘seven seconds or less,’ that revolutionized NBA offenses and was employed by reigning NBA champion Golden State.

Speaking at halftime, Nash gave a candid, heartfelt speech as the team presented him with a mosaic of Suns fans and a $100,000 check for the Steve Nash foundation, reported AZ Central.

“You guys are the best,” Nash said. “The fans in Phoenix, you guys were so good to me. You supported me. You loved me. We went through bad times together. We went through great times together. You guys were always incredible.

“I will never, ever be able to tell you how much that meant to me. That really, really touched me and I loved you.”

Despite never winning a championship, Nash had a lasting impact on the game of basketball, and being inducted into the Suns Ring of Honor further cements his legacy as one of the greatest point guards of all time and also as a surefire first-ballot hall of famer.

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