Even a little bit of Nash 'worth it'
http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/OtherSports/2007/07/27/4372358-sun.html
 
Part of me, as a Suns fan, want him to completely retire from the national team. And part of me, the Canadian side of me, want to see him wear the Canadian uniform and play for the country. This team, is hopeless without him.

That said, Nash had carried the national program (a program that other NBA players wouldn't give it a sniff) for MANY years busting his butt at stupid qualifying tourneys all over the world and gave up many many summers to it above and beyond the call. He carried the program for years, unlike the selfish Rick Fox and Magloire, who's been a no show (not even once) in all these years.

I'd say, for a job well done, whatever his decision is, no one can question his dedication to the national team program over the years. He made a major commitment to Canada early in his career and has more than earned the right to now focus solely on winning a championship for the Phoenix Suns.

Nash's resume playing for Canada looks something like this:

'93 World University Games - played (for Dave Nutbrown)
'94 World Championship/Toronto - played (for Ken Shields)
'95 Americas Zone Qualifier - played (for Steve Konchalski)
'95 Americas Zone Qualifier/failed to qualify - played (for Steve Konchalski)
'96 Olympics/Atlanta - failed to qualify
'96 Summer Tour - played (for Steve Konchalski)
'97 Americas Zone Qualifier - played (for Steve Konchalski)
'98 World Championship/Sicily - injured/did not play (for Steve Konchalski)
'99 Americas Zone Qualifier - played (for Jay Triano)
'00 Olympics/Sidney - played (for Jay Triano)
'01 Americas Zone Qualifier - played (for Jay Triano)
'02 World Championships/Indiana - injured/did not play (for Jay Triano)
'03 Americas Zone Qualifier/failed to qualify - injured/did not play (for Jay Triano)
'04 Olympics/Greece - failed to qualify
'04 Summer Tour - did not play (for Jay Triano)
'05 Americas Zone Qualifier/failed to qualify - did not play (for Leo Rautins)
'06 World Championships/Japan - failed to qualify
'06 Summer Tour - did not play (for Leo Rautins)


The only times Nash has not played for Canada, since he was a youth in '93 (Silver Medal/Buffalo, NY), have been (i) when he's been injured or (ii) since Leo Rautins has coached the team.


He made a major commitment to Canada early in his career, and when you consider two Olympic appearances equates to essentially eight years, and the wolrd tournaments year after year, no one can ever discredit him for turning his back on the National program. Particularily now that it's Leo's team.

"Okay Steve, we're going to feed the big man, and make good solid fundamental passes".


LOL

Nash has paid his dues to the national team. If there is such a thing as retiring a national player's number, Nash would deserve it. The guy is 30 something years old now so yes, he shouldn't play since his career is more important. But the guy has done so much for Canadian basketball already. i remember in this interview that described how when Nash goes on trips with the national team, he would just chill with the boys and pull out his guitar and jam with the team; no ego or anything. The guy is a class act.


Let me just say this, when you have given your country your best years as an athlete there is no shame in wanting to prolong your club career in your last years by declining national team involvement.


Go Nash.