One Guard

Now, if we want to tell a not-so-distant but legendary NBA story, it is inevitable to start from 1996.

In the summer of 1996, they were still one-of-a-kind, high-spirited teenagers who had overcome many difficulties since childhood. They were sitting in the talent show, gearing up and waiting to show off their talents, unable to hear the fate that hastily described opportunities and mistakes, glory and hardships, and Glory and silence are written into their lives, but they firmly believe that they will eventually stand out.

1996 draft, one of the greatest rookies in NBA history. The great Kobe Bryant, the unforgettable Allen Iverson. Marbury, who was transformed by the "core socialist values" in China, could still kill Ray Allen, who helped the team win the championship with a sword until two years ago...

There are too many great names in the 1996 golden generation, and these guys also have too many great experiences. But at that time, absolutely no one could have imagined that that thin, young, white guard could create his own world in the NBA.

Won the NBA regular season MVP in 2 years, was selected to the NBA All-Star team 8 times, and was selected to the NBA All-NBA team 7 times, including 3 first team, 2 second team, and 2 third team. He won the NBA assists title 5 times and won the NBA title 2 times. NBA All-Star Skills Challenge Champion. Steve Nash, this Canadian guard who didn't jump high or was strong, let the world know that basketball is not an exclusive sport for big men and muscular men.

Even though Nash has won many honors, he has never played in the Finals or won the O'Brien Cup. This is undoubtedly a lifelong pain for Steve Nash. In an interview, Nash even claimed that he was willing to trade two regular season MVP trophies for an FMVP trophy.

But this former "Son of the Wind" never got such an opportunity. From Phoenix to Los Angeles, everyone believes that Nash will eventually get his own honor. So much so that Phoenix fans didn't blame Nash for leaving. They also wanted to see a happy ending to Nash's career.

But what happened after that was known to everyone. Lakers F4 has become a laughing stock all over the world, and they are also one of the most failed giant combinations in the world. Nash was also plagued by injuries in Los Angeles. He didn't play any games and passed away due to injuries.

In March of this year, when teams were still fighting for their playoff hopes, Nash officially announced his retirement, ending his playing career. At the same time, he also accepted the fate that he would not be able to win the O'Brien Cup and FMVP trophy.

Nash has always been a tragic figure in the basketball world. In terms of skills, he is impeccable, and in terms of character, he is also a true athlete in the NBA. However, Nash still cannot get involved in the NBA's highest honor. This is his lifelong regret, and this regret will never be changed.

As for Yiyang and Nash, the two met and became friends at Brickley's training camp. Yiyang at that time,

Still a potential rising star. Nash, on the other hand, has already become famous.

On the training ground, Nash patiently taught Yiyang many things. It is precisely because of learning a lot from the two great guards Kidd and Nash that Yiyang is where it is today.

Therefore, when Nash invited Yiyang to visit his home in Canada, Yiyang was not surprised at all. Just like last year, Yiyang also invited Nash to attend his wedding. The two have a good personal relationship, and there is nothing wrong with them walking around occasionally.

But what Yiyang never expected was that Nash called him here because of work matters!

"Why didn't you bring your wife with you? I also want her to teach my two daughters how to put on makeup. Those two little guys, every time after using their makeup, I feel like I'm celebrating Halloween!" Nash drove the car. As a joke, he placed a cup of tea in front of Yiyang.

Yiyang sat upright, looking very restrained. Although Nash has retired, in his heart, Nash is still the respected senior.

"She had a commercial to shoot in Dallas, so I didn't bring her here."

"Oh, I know, you attended Ferragamo's press conference with her last month. That brand is good, and my two daughters like Ferragamo's leather shoes very much. Vignelli, are you shooting an advertisement for them?"

Yiyang didn't speak, just nodded restrainedly.

"Hey, this isn't like you, either. Forget it, let's go to the basketball court! I know that only there you feel most comfortable!" Nash smiled and asked his daughter to hold a basketball over. Then he led Yiyang and Nash to the outdoor basketball court in the backyard.

Although Nash has not played a professional basketball game for several months, Yiyang can see that this guy's touch has been maintained very well. This kind of guy who relies on technology to gain a foothold in the NBA will not become useless as time goes by.

After a few shots, Nash used a beautiful behind-the-back pass to deliver the ball accurately to Yiyang. Yiyang even felt that the ball was passed more accurately than himself!

After receiving a pass from Nash, Yiyang shot comfortably. After more than a month of no training, Yiyang's hands felt a little cold. The basketball did not hit the net hollowly, but spun twice on the rim before finally falling.

"You just said you were going to join the Dallas Mavericks? But haven't you already decided to retire?" Sure enough, on the basketball court, Yiyang's chatter started.

"Didn't Jordan retire twice? Magic also retired, but when they came back they were no worse than before they retired."

Yiyang looked at Nash in disbelief, as if to say: "You are not serious!"

"Hahahaha, are you so unbelievable about this? Well, I can't lie to you. Now, I really can't play at the NBA level anymore. My back," Nash said, touching himself That congenital spondylolisthesis of the back. "My back can no longer support me to do this. My two daughters don't let me do that anymore. They cry non-stop every time they see me hurt."

It's already a miracle that this guy can play in the NBA for so many years. Nash was fortunate that at least his face was not destroyed after suffering several severe injuries.

"Then join the Dallas Mavericks..."

"Player development consultant, next season, I will serve as the player development consultant for the Dallas Mavericks. Of course, it is part-time. Managing the Canadian national team, making movies, doing business... I have a lot to do, hahaha Haha! I just hope you are ready, after all, my training sessions are not easy."

It seems that the "Son of the Wind"'s enthusiasm for the championship has not been completely extinguished.

Although I can't win the O'Brien Cup as a player, winning it as a member of the coaching staff... seems pretty good. Besides compromise, what else can Nash do?

After Kidd left home, the Mavericks actually lacked a veteran who could provide guidance and help to the players. Although Carter has rich experience, he really has no experience in teaching others how to play.

With Steve Nash, the Mavericks have valuable experience. Nash is well-known in the training camp for being a great coach. Last season, Jordan Clarkson performed outstandingly under the guidance of Nash.

Jeremy Lin, Exum, Kemba Walker and McCollum have all received guidance from Nash in private training camps in the summer, just like Yiyang did back then.

Nash was never stingy with his experience and skills, and he was willing to coach anyone as long as you were willing to learn.

"You've just retired not long ago, and you can't wait to come back?" Yiyang looked at Nash's huge house and two beautiful daughters. Shouldn't this guy enjoy a few years of leisure? As soon as I retired, I couldn’t wait to return to frontline work. Moreover, he is still on a team like the Mavericks that has the pressure to win the championship.

Nash smiled and stared at the basketball in his hand, fascinated.

"When you reach my age, you will know. People like us have been inseparable from basketball for a long time."

Goodbye is so easy to say.