Steve Nash used to be the model of durability. Prior to signing over to the Los Angeles Lakers, the point guard had missed just more than 10 games in a single season three times in his 16-year NBA career. However last season with the Lakers he missed 32 games as age finally began to catch up to him. Now dealing with another bout of serious injuries, Nash is putting serious consideration into what his future looks like.
NBA insider Peter Vecsey is reporting that Nash is in so much pain due to nerve damage in his back that he is seriously considering calling it a career and taking the medical retirement option. Nash has played just six games this season which would qualify him to earn the medical retirement. He would still get his salary for this season, but his contract would be wiped for next year, giving the Lakers the salary cap relief.
Nash's injury stems from a broken leg he suffered last year and now he is paying the price with the repercussions. As he pushes 40, the two-time MVP is not sure the pain will ease up. Speaking with the Los Angeles Times, Nash admitted he was frustrated and finding it hard to think about the future.
"I hesitate to even talk about it now because it's probably not a good time, I'm feeling a little emotional, but it's hard," Nash said. "I really want to play and I really want to play the way I'm accustomed to playing, and to be so limited is frustrating. And also to not know where a clean-ish bill of health is is a little daunting too."
Nash chalks his recent injury stint up to a lot of wear and tear on his body. He has tried numerous times to play through the pain, but this time around things are much worse.
"The pain is always there, it's not as much of a concern," said Nash. "It's just when you're so limited and you're limping, you're trying to get off your left leg the whole time, then you just can't be effective and you're making it worse. I tried to play through it, but to what diminishing returns."
Lakers head coach Mike D'Antoni is moving on believing that Nash is coming back, but if he is not the Lakers will have to look at depth issues on the roster. As of now, Steve Blake and Jordan Farmar are the two other point guards listed on the roster. The Lakers will likely try and pick up someone if Nash decides he cannot fight back from this.
