Steve Nash Hands the Throne to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Steve Nash has handed over the crown. For years, whenever Canadian basketball was mentioned, one name stood above all others – that of the Phoenix Suns legend himself. Today, though, something has changed. And the strongest signal does not come from stats or trophies, but from the words of the man who wrote that history firsthand and who now, inevitably, yields the throne to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the brightest star of Canadian basketball.

The greatest Canadian of all time? I say Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Steve Nash on NBAonPrimeVideo

A clear and powerful passing of the torch, worth more than a thousand rankings. Because Nash was the quintessential point guard of the 2000s.

Two regular-season MVPs, elite court vision, complete control of tempo. He changed how the position was understood, shaping an entire era with the Suns’ famous “7 Seconds or Less” offense under coach Mike D’Antoni. The only real regret remains that elusive NBA title that never came.

And that is precisely where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – a player some, like Van Gundy, believe is still underappreciated – makes the difference. Gilgeous-Alexander represents the present, and the future. MVP, NBA champion, Finals MVP: a résumé Nash never had the chance to complete, despite playing at the highest level. His style is different, perhaps less flashy, but devastatingly effective. Shai dominates without raising his voice.

Basketball, like history, never stands still. Shai – who last night led OKC to a 121-111 win over the Denver Nuggets with a 34 points and 13 assists double-double – will keep writing his chapter, likely becoming the greatest without debate.