*Ask Steve Nash what shaped his status as one of the NBA’s best players, and he’ll probably put it all on culture. So much so that he has no trouble admitting that he “wanted to be black” during his early years in the league to mold himself and his game in the same vein as his favorite athletes and entertainers.
Nash’s confession came during a recent episode of LeBron James’ new podcast “Mind the Game.”
The two-time NBA MVP, who grew up in Canada, shared how hip-hop and urban culture had a deep influence beyond the basketball court, shaping his world view.
“Let’s also just be real. I wanted to be Black,” said Nash, who reflected on the excellence and artistry of Black athletes and entertainers and how his game and sense of identity were shaped through both factors. All of the best players in the world were Black, all the best rappers, you know. So I’m trying to emulate anyone who had something about them.”
In addition, his appreciation for black and hip-hop culture, the 51-year-old former basketball standout recalled the birth of his love of basketball and the culture surrounding it.
“Started playing basketball, fell in love with it,” Nash told James.
“Like the first Air Jordan 1s, the Spike Lee commercials, right when I was in the eighth grade, when I started playing. I was like, this world’s amazing.”
Nash’s trip down memory lane comes years after the start of his NBA journey with being drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft.
As his pro ball career progressed, Nash secured a noted reputation for creative moves on the court. The sports star came to prominence many times once he aligned with Dirk Nowitzki after being traded to the Dallas Mavericks. In 2004, Nash rejoined the Suns in in his prime and played his final NBA years with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018. Overall, Nash averaged 14.3 points and 8.5 assists over the course of his basketball time.
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