Don’t Count Out Steve Nash to the Knicks

Though it was believed to be a long shot, New York’s potential pursuit of Steve Nash took a crushing blow, amid a report that the veteran point guard has no interest in signing with Knicks.

But are we really to believe that?

No, at least not right now.

Nash essentially has two options, take the money Phoenix is offering and return to the Suns to finish out his career embracing the not-art of mediocrity, or take a pay cut to play for a contender. While we cannot rule out Nash taking the money, his failure to capture a title suggests the latter. And what organization would be a better fit than the Knicks at this point?

Nash has already suggested that he’ll consider signing with the Heat, but as talented as Miami’s roster is, and would be with Nash, he just isn’t a good fit for South Beach. The last thing the Heat need is another star who demands the ball. Nash is a bona fide facilitator, but so is LeBron James, and both he and Dwyane Wade prefer to create for themselves over off-ball movement.

The Mavericks are also an option, but barring a miraculous turn in their favor within the Dwight Howard sweepstakes, a reunion between Dirk Nowitzki and Nash won’t be enough to contend for a championship.

And then there’s the Knicks, the supposed team Nash isn’t interested in.

While New York’s chances at landing the star point man would undoubtedly be higher if Mike D’Antioni—a Nash favorite—was still at the helm, we cannot rule out a union between Nash and the Knicks just yet.

Not only is Nash familiar with and fond of Amar’e Stoudemire, but he would thrive alongside a proven slasher in Tyson Chandler. Carmelo Anthony’s improved spot-up shooting also indicates Nash would have a field day in transition, and beyond, with him has well.

Throw in the potential for the Knicks to retain bird rights for Jeremy Lin and Steve Novak, and you have a team built for Nash to run and transform into a well-oiled machine. Failing to keep the window of opportunity even slightly open for a chance like this would be a huge mistake on Nash’s part.

And that’s why we must take this recent report with a grain of salt. Nash is one of the smartest players in the game, and he’s not about to completely close the door on one of the best fits out there, especially before having an actual grasp on the situation at hand.

There’s a strong possibility Nash foregoes the opportunity, if it even arises, to sign with the Knicks. That said, there’s an even stronger possibility that this recent report is merely unsubstantiated fodder, holding little to no significance with regard to the eventual outcome of Nash’s impending free-agency.

Consider yourself warned.