<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Jalen Rose, for whom economy of motion is a career-extending necessity, can appreciate a teammate who makes his job easier. He?s amazed at what Steve Nash can do for a guy. Getting a first-hand look at the two-time most valuable player in the NBA, Rose sees teammates piling up stats almost effortlessly and marvels as how easy his Phoenix Suns teammate makes it. ?I see guys get 20, 25 points without dribbling,? the former Raptor said after the Suns worked out yesterday. ?That?s amazing.? Amazing is just one of the adjectives being tossed around to describe Nash these days as he continues to lead the Suns to unprecedented heights. There are those close to the NBA who think the 32-year-old point guard from Victoria is operating at a level even higher this season that he did in either of his two MVP years. Nash is just as fast, just as deadly with the pass, just as effective shooting from the field and he?s got Phoenix riding a 14-game winning streak heading into tonight?s game against the Raptors. He leads the NBA in assists per game at 11.4 and leads the Suns in scoring average at 19.9. While he?s still not a lockdown defender, no one seems to mind. His unique style of play fits perfectly with the Suns. ?He?s smart, he?s crafty, he has a unique style, it?s different,? Toronto?s T.J. Ford said. ?He masters his style of play and that?s tough on defenders.? It?s not as if Nash is resting on his two MVP awards. When he was subbed out of a full-speed scrimmage during practice yesterday, he didn?t saunter over to the sidelines to sip on water and catch his breath. He grabbed a ball and got going, dribbling and running full-tilt sprints around the court. ?The goal every summer is to get a little bit better ..... experience and maintaining your skill level ..... allows you to continue to improve the older you get,? he said. ?I think (I?m working on) everything a little bit; I think I?m a little bit better in all areas. I take a lot of pride in being the best teammate I can be and I think that?s what motivates you to continue to work hard and try to really be consistent.? There is no question Nash is loved and appreciated by his teammates, who are good players made greater by his pinpoint passes and shocking court vision. ?I think every year you get better,? Ford said. ?His decision-making is probably better. I don?t get to watch him every day and see many games because we?re on the east coast. He has the same team he?s been playing with the last two or three years or so. It makes it easier to understand each player on the court. I?m sure they know each other like the back of their hands.?</div> Source
