Steve Nash picked up basketball at 13

[ace23]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YFt2dS-vUg

Just saw this video today. Many of y'all already knew this I'm sure, but that's insane to me. With that in mind, to reach his level of skill and win 2 MVPs without exceptional size or athleticism is almost unthinkable. Most dudes in the NBA who picked up basketball that late are at least 6'10 and none that I can think of was anywhere near as skilled as Nash.

True legend.

[NBAplayoffs2001]

Explains his defense.

[Rocketswin2013]

Captain Canada. :bowdown:

[FKAri]

It's called talent.

I believe Hakeem also picked up basketball late. Even though he was a big guy he was extremely skilled.

[ClipperRevival]

One of the most skilled players ever to step on a basketball court. Maybe THE most skilled given his height and lack of athleticism and what he was able to achieve. The guy was a basketball genius.

[ace23]

It's called talent.

I believe Hakeem also picked up basketball late. Even though he was a big guy he was extremely skilled.
I had Hakeem in mind when I said no one was close to Nash's level of skill...Hakeem couldn't have played in the league if he were Nash's size.

[JimmyMcAdocious]

I had Hakeem in mind when I said no one was close to Nash's level of skill...Hakeem couldn't have played in the league if he were Nash's size.

Maybe. Hakeem has the footwork of a guard at 7+. So I'd say he was a pretty naturally athletic dude. And Nash was listed at 6-3. Not sure I believe that but what else you going to go off of? That's prototype height.

Nash got one of the best basketball stories tho. I think I read he had to send his tape to so many college begging for an offer and Santa Clara was the only one. Then when he got there he was completely overmatched by his crappy Santa Clara teammates. Almost quit basketball his freshman year before his roommate changed his mind. To go from that to where he ended up? damn...

[inclinerator]

well he is kind of a late blossom
playing soccer growing up also helped his footwork, agility

[DCL]

it is pretty odd.

most ordinary people who don't play basketball until 13 usually suck at it for life. they missed out on all the fundamentals, don't even know how to shoot, play proper d, do anything...

nash is obviously extraordinary.

[rmt]

Duncan didn't pick up basketball until high school iirc.

[ClipperRevival]

Maybe. Hakeem has the footwork of a guard at 7+. So I'd say he was a pretty naturally athletic dude. And Nash was listed at 6-3. Not sure I believe that but what else you going to go off of? That's prototype height.

Nash got one of the best basketball stories tho. I think I read he had to send his tape to so many college begging for an offer and Santa Clara was the only one. Then when he got there he was completely overmatched by his crappy Santa Clara teammates. Almost quit basketball his freshman year before his roommate changed his mind. To go from that to where he ended up? damn...

The game has never seen a guy like Hakeem. His footwork, agility and lower body fluidiy for a big was off the charts. He was truly one of a kind. Can't imagine how dominant he would be in today's game.

[DCL]

Duncan didn't pick up basketball until high school iirc.

actually, quite a number of nba legends didn't start until late as well. hakeem, ewing, duncan all started relatively late...

but those guys are huge with long wingspans which can overcome a lot of stuff.

nash, at his size, playing with elite pg skills, while starting at age 13.... is pretty bonkers.

[ace23]

Good to see all the other examples being posted are players who were 6'10+ which I addressed in the OP.

[ace23]

Maybe. Hakeem has the footwork of a guard at 7+. So I'd say he was a pretty naturally athletic dude. And Nash was listed at 6-3. Not sure I believe that but what else you going to go off of? That's prototype height.

Nash got one of the best basketball stories tho. I think I read he had to send his tape to so many college begging for an offer and Santa Clara was the only one. Then when he got there he was completely overmatched by his crappy Santa Clara teammates. Almost quit basketball his freshman year before his roommate changed his mind. To go from that to where he ended up? damn...
Yeah awe inspiring stuff really.

And sure, I'll give Hakeem post-up footwork but that's about it. His court vision, ballhandling, and shooting ability were nowhere near Nash's. Maybe he would have developed those skills if were a PG, but I doubt he would to Nash's level.

[ClipperRevival]

Good to see all the other examples being posted are players who were 6'10+ which I addressed in the OP.

I don't think people realize how special Nash was. Even other small, white pgs like Stockson and Price had much more natural explosion Nash. He had to rely so much on pure skills to get it done. He is so underappreciated. The guy made guys taller and more athletic than him look like fools his entire career.

[jstern]

I believe Jordan started at 12. Hakeem at 15.

[jstern]

it is pretty odd.

most ordinary people who don't play basketball until 13 usually suck at it for life. they missed out on all the fundamentals, don't even know how to shoot, play proper d, do anything...

nash is obviously extraordinary.

I kind of see the opposite. Many of the people that I see picking it up like at 15, 16, seem to be motivated, watching film, copying moves, more of a repertoire. While their peers who had been playing since they were kids are doing the same over dribbling And 1 moves over and over. That's something that stands out to me from what I see in the play ground.

[Genaro]

Didn't Parker also start late? I think I heard somewhere he started at 15 or something.

[ace23]

I believe Jordan started at 12.
Maybe official organized basketball, but I've read the grew up playing his brother one-on-one routinely. I'm sure he had a decent level of experience with the game at that point. And honestly, that could be true for Nash as well. The fact that he's white and Canadian probably subconsciously swayed my opinion a bit. :lol

[HOoopCityJones]

Kobe was born playing Basketball.

[StephHamann]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YFt2dS-vUg

Just saw this video today. Many of y'all already knew this I'm sure, but that's insane to me. With that in mind, to reach his level of skill and win 2 MVPs without exceptional size or athleticism is almost unthinkable. Most dudes in the NBA who picked up basketball that late are at least 6'10 and none that I can think of was anywhere near as skilled as Nash.

True legend.

Worth watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usDpG9ijnew

Most underrated fact about Nash is, he mentored Dirk from beeing a low self esteem beta to the alpha male he is now.

[ace23]

Worth watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usDpG9ijnew

Most underrated fact about Nash is, he mentored Dirk from beeing a low self esteem beta to the alpha male he is now.
This some good shit. :cheers: