Nash deserves All-Star game, also needs rest
Feb 9, 2012, 10:31 PM | Updated: 11:01 pm
The selections for the 2012 NBA All-Star reserves will be
announced Thursday night, and Steve Nash will find out if
he’ll play in the game for an eighth time.
But, with the high amount of the games the Suns are left
to face in the rest of the season, Suns coach Alvin Gentry
is unsure whether or not he wants his star to be selected.
“It’s kind of a catch-22 for me because, obviously, I
would love to have him have that week off and just kind of
be able to rejuvenate and rest,” Gentry told Arizona
Sports 620’s Burns and Gambo.
Nash, who turned 38 this week, has averaged 31.3 minutes
and 15.1 points per game. He’s been beat up this season
with a bruised thigh and rib and continues play with an
ailing back condition. Also, the Suns’ season won’t get
easier, with 40 games squeezed into the next three months.
Although Gentry would like to see Nash get some downtime,
he does want him to have the All-Star recognition.
“I think no one’s more deserving to be in that game than
him this year,” Gentry said. “He’s played unbelievably
great basketball. We’ve asked him to do so many things.
“Anyone that played us and seen him play and any coach,
especially in the west, understands the value that he has
for our team and the value that he is for the league.”
