Nash Hails SGA: “Historic Type Player” the NBA Needs to Showcase

Nash Hails SGA: “Historic Type Player” the NBA Needs to Showcase

Steve Nash, a two-time NBA MVP and basketball savant, believes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) is a generational talent that the league should be plastering across every available platform. In a recent commentary, Nash emphatically stated that the Oklahoma City Thunder star is precisely the kind of player the NBA should be promoting, regardless of market size.

“The guy that the league should be putting everywhere… and the Thunder, they should be everywhere,” Nash declared. “Like I know it’s not a big market, but put the Lakers, put the Knicks and OKC at every chance we get. Like this is exactly what we want a basketball team to look like.”

SGA: A Master of His Craft

Nash’s praise for SGA extends beyond his scoring prowess. He detailed the evolution of the Thunder guard into a more complete and polished offensive weapon. “Shay, getting back to Shay, he’s a master of his craft,” Nash explained. “He’s changed to becoming a more balanced, smoother, quicker three-point shooter.”

While acknowledging SGA’s signature herky-jerky, shifty style, Nash highlighted the player’s athletic gifts and refined skills. “He’s always been herky-jerky, quick, but not the most explosive, but a phenomenal athlete. Quick, change of pace, change of direction, shifty, skilled, incredible length.”

The Art of Physicality and Footwork

A key aspect of SGA’s game, according to Nash, is his masterful use of physicality and body control to create space. This, combined with his exceptional footwork and length, sets him apart. “I think people don’t recognize how long this guy is, whether that’s at the rim or in the mid-range,” Nash noted. “He also is a master of physicality. Okay? So, like his ability to use his body to create a little bit of separation is textbook.”

Nash broke down the nuanced technique involved, emphasizing timing, rhythm, and angles over brute strength. “It’s not about strength, it’s about timing, rhythm, angles,” he said. “I got this angle on him. So now he goes from being the strongest man on the court to the fifth strongest man because I got him leaning. Now the bump, now he can’t recover.” This calculated approach allows SGA to consistently gain an advantage, whether driving to the basket or operating in the mid-range.

Historic Efficiency and Potential

The former MVP highlighted SGA’s efficiency, particularly in the mid-range, suggesting his scoring ability places him in rare company. “Whether it’s a spin, step, use that length. I mean, he is a master of footwork. Change of pace, change of direction, physicality, then he can use the incredible efficient. I think this year something around 58 60% on like 16 mid-range jump shots a game.”

Nash concluded his assessment with a bold comparison, placing SGA among the league’s all-time greats. “Like we’re talking Jordan plus like I mean like he’s a historic historic type player. I might have butchered those numbers, but elite elite elite historically.” This endorsement from a Hall of Fame point guard underscores the significance of SGA’s current trajectory and his impact on the league.

What’s Next for SGA and the Thunder?

Nash’s comments arrive at a time when the Oklahoma City Thunder are exceeding expectations, showcasing a young, dynamic team built around their star. SGA’s continued development and Nash’s recognition signal a potential shift in how the league views the Thunder and their franchise player. For SGA, this level of praise from a respected figure like Nash validates his hard work and positions him as a must-watch talent. The NBA, and indeed the basketball world, will be watching to see if SGA can continue to elevate his game and lead the Thunder to new heights, solidifying his status as the “historic type player” Nash believes he is.

Source: "The guy that the league should be putting everywhere … historic type player" — Steve Nash on SGA (YouTube)