Steve Nash doesn't care if he wins an NBA Title

[Radiosparks]

It seems odd that someone that plays in the NBA wouldn't care if he ever won an NBA Title. Am I missing something here? The rest is irrelevant?

http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/steve-nash-doesnt-care-about-winning-nba-title-16510

[Xylus]

If you watch the guy play, especially in recent years, it's obvious he wants a ring more than anything. He's merely saying that even if he doesn't win the title, he's still had a great career, and that's something to be proud of.

[koriwhat]

"3 championships"?

and hasn't this fool had multiple chances to topple the black & silver? yet.... what has he been up to after every post season going up vs the spurs? chances run out bro and if you don't get your shit together and jump on it then that chance will pass you up and you will never get another or in your case nash 1+.

[T Park]

If you watch the guy play, especially in recent years, it's obvious he wants a ring more than anything. He's merely saying that even if he doesn't win the title, he's still had a great career, and that's something to be proud of.

Thats a great attitude to have too.

Seriously.

[WalterBenitez]

hypocrite? I respect Nash ... I assume that was a non sense answer

[CubanMustGo]

(a) Wilbonehead asked the question, and
(b) what he asked was “Do you need a championship ring for some sort of athletic validation?”

Nash did NOT say he didn't care about winning a title, he basically told Wilbonehead to piss off.

And that's probably how DRob would have answered the question if posed to him pre-99.

[spursfan09]

Well if he doesn't care, then he should just give up. Not to be all dramatic or anything, but people actually care. Let someone who wants it have it.

[san antonio spurs]

Well if he doesn't care, then he should just give up. Not to be all dramatic or anything, but people actually care. Let someone who wants it have it.
Are you making these comments based on what?
have you seen the interview.
You should before you make yourself look bad.

He said he doesn't care if he gets a ring or not to validate his career. The man won 2 MVPs. He sure doesn't care if a ring would validate what he accomplished in the NBA.
But he sure as hell wants one. (just not to validate his career)

[stretch]

what is up with the idiots that don't read before they post shit like this?

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

(a) Wilbonehead asked the question, and
(b) what he asked was “Do you need a championship ring for some sort of athletic validation?”

Nash did NOT say he didn't care about winning a title, he basically told Wilbonehead to piss off.

And that's probably how DRob would have answered the question if posed to him pre-99.
+ 1

he was just defending his individual career, and contributions to his teams.
It definitely was an F' you kinda answer to a stupid question. If you're a competitor you want the ring and do care. How do you answer that question if you were in Nash's position where your window of opportunity is closing? And might not be able to get a ring? I'd say it was a pretty honest answer to a tricky question. Because he asked "do you need it for athletic validation?"


I guess it depends on having a realistic take of things. If he was in Lebron's position he'd have to say "yes." but he answered pretty candidly since he only has about two years left to go for a ring 'as the main contributor'. I don't know if Nash is going to go the Gary Payton route before he retires. But who knows.
Still anything's possible. (With Shaq he might have a better chance now??) I definitely would be all for him not caring about winning the ring this year. :lol

[BonnerDynasty]

Romo said the same thing.

[Agloco]

It seems odd that someone that plays in the NBA wouldn't care if he ever won an NBA Title. Am I missing something here? The rest is irrelevant?

http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/steve-nash-doesnt-care-about-winning-nba-title-16510

Pure horseshit......

He was just about in tears after last years loss to the Spurs. It's pretty obvious that the guy wants to win badly.

[urunobili]

saw the interview pre game.. he said it.. i was surprised.. it's a way not to get too frustrated or obsessed to keep his focus.. he truly is a gr8 PG

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Pure horseshit......

He was just about in tears after last years loss to the Spurs. It's pretty obvious that the guy wants to win badly.
I'm pretty sure his competitiveness is on the level of the current big ones( Duncan, Ginobili, Lebron, Kobe, Garnett, etc.) so the whole headline title is stupid.

[spursfan09]

what is up with the idiots that don't read before they post shit like this?

chill out. no need to call me an idiot. i'm just giving my opinion. And no I didn't read the article. But if he thinks it doesnt matter to win one or not Then thats his opinion. Some people will say that he never could go all the way. Some will say he had a great career because of his MVP's. The ultimate goal is a championship I think, but again thats my opinion.

[spursfan09]

Are you making these comments based on what?
have you seen the interview.
You should before you make yourself look bad.

He said he doesn't care if he gets a ring or not to validate his career. The man won 2 MVPs. He sure doesn't care if a ring would validate what he accomplished in the NBA.
But he sure as hell wants one. (just not to validate his career)

YOu think I care if I look bad on a message board? And if he doesn't care about getting a championship well, then thats his thing. To me the ultimate goal I think an NBA player would have is to win it all at least one time.

[JamStone]

Like has been mentioned, it's taken slightly out of context. He was asked if a ring would validate his career. That's not the same as asking whether he wanted to win a ring. He obviously wants to win a ring. But, if he doesn't, he won't feel like his career was less than it was. I think it's more of a semantical argument than anything.

And, as for the "3 championships" comment, I'm sure he meant the current core group of Spurs players. Duncan is the only with 4. This core group of Spurs has won 3 championships. Why does everything have to make certain Spurs fans pull out the disrespect card out?

[TampaDude]

Folks...Steve Nash never said he didn't care about winning a title, he merely said that if it didn't happen, it wouldn't invalidate his excellent career in the NBA. Anyone who thinks Nash isn't a lock for the HOF is on crack.

[lurker]

He said the same thing in his Playboy interview (I know, I was shocked to find out they do interviews, too.)


Playboy: You're 33 now, a 10 year veteran. How crucial is it for you to win a title before you're through?
Nash: Not crucial. I won't kill myself if it never happens.
Playboy: Is it more American to think you have to win or else?
Nash: Yes, and I'm a Canadian who will not commit suicide if I don't win an NBA Championship. But I'm sure gonna give it a go.


I don't think it's a bad thing that he realizes there are more important things in life.

[san antonio spurs]

He said the same thing in his Playboy interview (I know, I was shocked to find out they do interviews, too.)


Playboy: You're 33 now, a 10 year veteran. How crucial is it for you to win a title before you're through?
Nash: Not crucial. I won't kill myself if it never happens.
Playboy: Is it more American to think you have to win or else?
Nash: Yes, and I'm a Canadian who will not commit suicide if I don't win an NBA Championship. But I'm sure gonna give it a go.


I don't think it's a bad thing that he realizes there are more important things in life.
Exactly. And what's more important is that he doesn't give an open door to critics saying his career is moot because he never won a ring.
And what I like about it is that it shows he knows the perspective of things and has realised how tough it is to win a title.
Pop said he could give a rat's ass about repeating. Now come out and call out his ass :rolleyes

[spursfan09]

Pop may say he doens't care about repeating. But I bet he does at least alittle. And as for Nash he opens up the door for his critics by saying he doesn't need a title to validate his career. I'm not a critic of him though. I could care less wether he gets a title or not. If I'm comparing him against guards from the past however. That could be a determining factor if he never won a championship.

[san antonio spurs]

Pop may say he doens't care about repeating. But I bet he does at least alittle. And as for Nash he opens up the door for his critics by saying he doesn't need a title to validate his career. I'm not a critic of him though. I could care less wether he gets a title or not. If I'm comparing him against guards from the past however. That could be a determining factor if he never won a championship.
I see you have comprehension problems.

Pop: I don't care to repeat to validate my legacy = Nash: I don't care to win a championship to validate my legacy.

I just hope you're smarter than a 5th grader :lol

[spursfan09]

I see you have comprehension problems.

Pop: I don't care to repeat to validate my legacy = Nash: I don't care to win a championship to validate my legacy.

I just guess you're smarter than a 5th grader :lol

I think you have comprehension problems. I said I bet Pop does care and he does want to repeat. Besides repeating and winning are two different things. Repeating means you've been there at least once. If Nash doens't care to win a championship to validate his legacy. It's his opinion.

[san antonio spurs]

I think you have comprehension problems. I said I bet Pop does care and he does want to repeat. Besides repeating and winning are two different things. Repeating means you've been there at least once. If Nash doens't care to win a championship to validate his legacy. It's his opinion.
There is no hope :dramaquee

[spursfan09]

And pop doesn't need validation for this legacy. Repeating will just add to his legacy. if Nash never wins a c=ship critics can always use that against him. Even if he has a legacy.

[spursfan09]

There is no hope :dramaquee

Well sorry I don't get your point. Why does it bother you so much that I don't think nash should of said that? And no matter what he says I think he does care about winning it all.

[milkyway21]

It seems odd that someone that plays in the NBA wouldn't care if he ever won an NBA Title. Am I missing something here? The rest is irrelevant?

http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/steve-nash-doesnt-care-about-winning-nba-title-16510
BALONEY! :p:

[K-State Spur]

Nothing wrong with his statement.

To put it in real world terms, is anybody here going to consider their career a failure if they don't eventually become president of their company?

Or if the company they work for doesn't make it to #1 on the S&P 500?

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

If you watch the guy play, especially in recent years, it's obvious he wants a ring more than anything. He's merely saying that even if he doesn't win the title, he's still had a great career, and that's something to be proud of.

I remember DRob had a quote like that prior to '99.

Nash definitely has nothing to hang his head about. Not too many players have worked harder than he has to improve his game over the years. He's not quite in Beno's league but there's always hope.

[SenorSpur]

Nash is one of the more grounded players in the NBA, and a fierce competitor to boot. He really had to work hard at becoming the player he is today. I'm sure the career he's had exceeds, even his most lofty dreams. Of course he wants to win a championship. However, I believe what he is saying is "winning it all" will not define his career. I totally get what he was trying to say.

[mffl89]

Now on the other hand, I read that Larry Hughes said “I play to enjoy myself, some people take this the wrong way, but winning a championship is not what I base everything on. I was given an opportunity to play basketball, travel around and have fun doing it and that’s what I want to do. I wouldn’t take being unhappy and not being myself and winning."

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Now on the other hand, I read that Larry Hughes said “I play to enjoy myself, some people take this the wrong way, but winning a championship is not what I base everything on. I was given an opportunity to play basketball, travel around and have fun doing it and that’s what I want to do. I wouldn’t take being unhappy and not being myself and winning."
yeah, while Nash has a wider perspective, that dude has no perspective.

I remember reading that, and thinking "lame!"

[milkyway21]

I read that Larry Hughes said “I play to enjoy myself, some people take this the wrong way, but winning a championship is not what I base everything on. I was given an opportunity to play basketball, travel around and have fun doing it and that’s what I want to do. I wouldn’t take being unhappy and not being myself and winning."
That's not the direction that the owner of every team wants to take. Well it's business, but players and the organization shld have one focus on same goal.

If I am an owner of an NBA team and I have a player of the same mentality> travel, having fun doesn't care about winning, he can't expect me to offer him a contract the next time around.

That's why there's Michael Jordan. And there's Tim Duncan.

When Micheal got tired of hearing people asking when he's going to win a title it motivated him to prove them otherwise and yrs later won, then became a legend.

Duncan the asterisk motivated him to win another. Silenced critics in 2003. Then people still wants more. Wants proof him winning without the Admiral->won another one in 2005. Then, 2007.
I think what motivates him now is the quest for a repeat.

It's a never-ending story.

Well, there's a reason why years later when a player retires some of them gets remembered for their accomplishments, others easily forgotten.

[Taco]

If you watch the guy play, especially in recent years, it's obvious he wants a ring more than anything. He's merely saying that even if he doesn't win the title, he's still had a great career, and that's something to be proud of.

HEY XYLUS

DO YOU KNOW THE STORY WHY HE CUT AND RAN FROM DALLAS WHEN HE WAS A F/A?

IT SEEMED TO CHATCH DALLAS OFF GUARD WHEN HE SIGNED WITH PHX



JUST WONDERING

[SAGambler]

Under circumstances like this, where a reporter puts you between a rock and a hard spot, is where I would love to see the interviewee retaliate with a stupid, yeah stupid question of his own.....Like....

"Well, if you never get a grammy, oscar, emmy or whatever medallion or statue has been created to make sports reporters feel they are in the elite of their profession, will your career of basically doing nothing be validated?"

I would ROFLMAO if someone would throw this stupid shit back at them.

[polandprzem]

Thats a great attitude to have too.

Seriously.

You'd better not be sarcastic on that one.

cause you are the same way Mr. Tpark

[endrity]

There was a podcast on ESPN some days ago, with Bucher on it. Among many things he said that only 10 teams in the NBA really care about winning. They have owners who are pushing their FO to bring a championship. For the others, it's all about finding a happy medium between winning and bringing enough money. If they can have a competitive team for 10 years, and bring in the crowds, they are happy.

This is what should worry people a lot more, not whether Nash really wants to win a ring (he does). What should he say when his owner is protecting his wallet in a moment that his team could go for a title. Is there any incentive for owners to try to win in a league with no relegation and mostly shared profits? Most American sports unfortunately are first and foremost entertainment industry, that is why they'll never achieve the level of support that soccer for example achieves around the world.

[E20]

In all honesty if I were in the NBA I wouldn't give a flying fuck if I won a ring or not, I mean it's good enough they're giving me millions of dollars to play a game, WTF cares if I win a ring and trophy, because in teh big picture an NBA championship doesn't mean anything.

[timmy21_4rings]

because he knows he will not win one

[JMarkJohns]

He'd have bled all over the court in game one if the rules had only allowed him to finish. It was the "Cut me, Mick" moment of last year's playoffs. He likely wants it as much as anything in his sports life, but he's not going to let its absence define his stellar career. A part of me wishes he would, but maybe that's because i want to experience a Suns title more than anything in the world. I've watched my favorite Sun of all-time, Kevin Johnson, have his career cut short by injury and come up just short if winning that Title. I'd hate for my second-favorite Sun to come up just short as well. The reason people say your the most deserving is because of the amount of time/energy/life you've put into something without being rewarded with the ultimate prize. Nash is certainly amongst the most deserving current players.

[Spurminator]

Somewhere along the line during the "Winning is Everything" Reebok commercials and the Jim Rome era of sports talk where there are two kinds of people (Winners and Chokers), we've forgotten that sports are entertainment. Nash is as entertaining a player as we have in this league, and he's great for the NBA and basketball.

Obviously you want all players in the league to want to compete for the ultimate prize, because part of the entertainment is the heated competition. But to imply that players should be ashamed or invalidated for failing to win a Championship (or, as the new expectation seems to be, multiple Championships) is absurd. Particularly when that player has been among the best and most entertaining in the game.

[Indazone]

forum?

[TampaDude]

Or if the company they work for doesn't make it to #1 on the S&P 500?

I think you meant the FORTUNE 500... :lol

[stretch]

chill out. no need to call me an idiot. i'm just giving my opinion. And no I didn't read the article. But if he thinks it doesnt matter to win one or not Then thats his opinion. Some people will say that he never could go all the way. Some will say he had a great career because of his MVP's. The ultimate goal is a championship I think, but again thats my opinion.
actually, i wasn't really referring to you, but i suppose you apply too.

in fact, you definitely apply, as you still don't understand the meaning of what Nash was saying.

[stretch]

There is no hope :dramaquee
he is the only guy in this whole thread that really just doesn't get it...

[jag]

Romo said the same thing.

Romo needs a fuckin championship

[san antonio spurs]

he is the only guy in this whole thread that really just doesn't get it...
It's probably because he didn't listen to the interview. I guess if he did we wouldn't have to deal with this.
I think... :lol

[Findog]

It seems odd that someone that plays in the NBA wouldn't care if he ever won an NBA Title. Am I missing something here? The rest is irrelevant?

http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/steve-nash-doesnt-care-about-winning-nba-title-16510

Of course he wants a ring. But production is different from results, a basic principle of cogntive behaviorial therapy. You have control over the former but not the latter, and you have to be prepared for things not working out the way you want them.

[Findog]

Somewhere along the line during the "Winning is Everything" Reebok commercials and the Jim Rome era of sports talk where there are two kinds of people (Winners and Chokers), we've forgotten that sports are entertainment. Nash is as entertaining a player as we have in this league, and he's great for the NBA and basketball.

Obviously you want all players in the league to want to compete for the ultimate prize, because part of the entertainment is the heated competition. But to imply that players should be ashamed or invalidated for failing to win a Championship (or, as the new expectation seems to be, multiple Championships) is absurd. Particularly when that player has been among the best and most entertaining in the game.

:toast :toast :toast

One of the best takes I've ever read on here.

[SAGambler]

Not winning a title is no disgrace. Look what's happened so far this year. Pau Gasol, Shaq, Garnett, and Thomas have all gone from teams that didn't stand a chance in hell, to teams that are the top contenders via trade.

Sometimes it's the luck of the draw more than anything else that gets you that elusive ring.

[freemeat]

While I agree that he doesn't need an NBA title to validate his career -- it's been great -- this reminded me of Nash's interview on the Dan Patrick show a few months ago.

With the Super Bowl coming up, and it being played so closely to Phoenix, Patrick asked, "what major sporting event would you most like to take part in?"

He didn't skip a beat when he answered, "the World Cup or the Masters."

I was shocked when he didn't answer what most NBA players would say -- The Finals.

[endrity]

While I agree that he doesn't need an NBA title to validate his career -- it's been great -- this reminded me of Nash's interview on the Dan Patrick show a few months ago.

With the Super Bowl coming up, and it being played so closely to Phoenix, Patrick asked, "what major sporting event would you most like to take part in?"

He didn't skip a beat when he answered, "the World Cup or the Masters."

I was shocked when he didn't answer what most NBA players would say -- The Finals.

that's a smart answer actually

if he says the Finals, then it reopens this debate again, that he needs a ring to validate his career

plus he really loves soccer, and is pretty good with what I have seen, so it would be neat for him to be at the top level of another sport. Isn't it the same reason Jordan left the NBA for (though I understand he had won a title)

[E20]

He'd have bled all over the court in game one if the rules had only allowed him to finish. It was the "Cut me, Mick" moment of last year's playoffs. He likely wants it as much as anything in his sports life, but he's not going to let its absence define his stellar career. A part of me wishes he would, but maybe that's because i want to experience a Suns title more than anything in the world. I've watched my favorite Sun of all-time, Kevin Johnson, have his career cut short by injury and come up just short if winning that Title. I'd hate for my second-favorite Sun to come up just short as well. The reason people say your the most deserving is because of the amount of time/energy/life you've put into something without being rewarded with the ultimate prize. Nash is certainly amongst the most deserving current players.
+100 faith points for your allusion to Rocky.

[PhoenixSpursFan]

Dude....Dude.....I'ts just about friendship......Joser!