Steve Nash Was Lured By Dallas Mavericks Into NBA Return

The Dallas Mavericks tried to lure Steve Nash back into the NBA and offered the veteran point guard a spot in their roster for the upcoming NBA season. However, the Canadian could not be convinced, and a possible reunion with former teammate Dirk Nowitzki in Texas did not happen.

Marc Stein of ESPN reported the Nash’s possible return to Dallas, stating that the Mavericks lobbied for Nash to consider playing spot minutes at the point guard spot last June. The report added that the Cleveland Cavaliers also tried to lure Nash last season.

Nash, who made the NBA All-Star team eight times in his career, announced his retirement from the league last March, officially ending an 18-year NBA career. He played the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers but injuries limited his play. Nash, who won the NBA Most Valuable Player awards in 2005 and 2006, played with Nowitzki in Dallas from 1998 to 2004.

Throughout his career, Nash averaged 14.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 8.5 assists in the regular season and 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 8.8 assists in the playoffs. More than the stats, Nash was valued as a true point guard that can run a team, and as an on and off court leader for his squads.

The Mavericks will feature veteran point guards Deron Williams, Devin Harris and J.J. Barea in the upcoming NBA season. The addition of Nash would have added another experienced point guard to the Mavericks in a semi-rebuilding mode in the next few seasons.

Meanwhile, Nash is reportedly finalizing a deal with the Golden State Warriors to serve as the team’s part-time player development consultant. Nash is currently the general manager of the Canadian national basketball team.