Nash Eager as Ever

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Steve Nash has reveled in the chance to play half-court games during the past week with new teammate Grant Hill at US Airways Center.

Nash welcomes the infusion of talent and personality, but maybe Hill, familiar with the concept of doubters, can help split up the questions on age and health. Nash, 33, has missed 16 games (some as precautions or rest) in the three seasons since his return to Phoenix but still was dogged this summer by questions of whether his window for a championship is closing.

Nash said he thinks the queries began as soon as Dallas owner Mark Cuban justified letting him go to the Suns by saying he "had fears in terms of his durability."

Two Most Valuable Player awards and a runner-up finish later and Nash is showing up earlier than ever for voluntary workouts and again is fit from a summer of soccer.

"What can I say, I feel great," Nash said. "There's a sense of urgency every year. What's the point of playing if you don't have a sense of urgency? . . . The last three years, we've had pretty unfortunate bounces. At the same time, I think we've got some improving to do. We can look at those years and put blame there."

He still knows his limits, saying he would be "extremely surprised" if he would play for Team Canada despite continuing talk or hope that he might.

"Do I know when I'll retire? No," he said. "Will it be after this contract (in 2010)? Maybe. Will it be when I'm 40? Maybe."

John Stockton played until he was 41 and was fifth in assists his final season.

"I don't know if I'm at John's level, fitness wise, but why not?" Nash said. "I have no feeling that I'm running out of steam. I'm getting sharper every day and enjoying it rather than coming in and being burnt out or tired to be back. I've been excited all summer to get back."</div>

Source: AZ Central