It’s hard to imagine a two time MVP that’s known for dropping dimes being called selfish, but that’s exactly what’s happening to the Phoenix Suns Steve Nash. The criticism isn’t coming from his teammates or coaching staff, it’s straight outta Canada. Some of our homies to the north have a problem with Nash skipping out on Canada Basketball.

But clearly there is large contingent of people who feel strongly about Nash’s decision not to play for Canada. There are roughly two camps: the first are those who look at the 10 or so summers he did play and figure he’s earned the right to say no. The second, and smaller group, figure he’s shirking his duty to his country and the sport in this country and he should be there, end of story, often citing the examples of Gretzky, Yzerman and Lemieux doing just that on the hockey side, late in their careers, possibly to their detriment.

I could make the argument either way, but I’m in the Steve Nash has earned the right to say no group. The people that feel Nash is being disloyal to Canada claim he used Canada Basketball to promote Steve Nash. First as a hungry up and coming kid, and again as an NBA vet.

Later, when Nash was in the NBA, the national team offered even more. While he was getting overlooked in Phoenix and booed in Dallas, he would come back to Canada in the summers and be reminded what it was like to be a key cog again and what it was like to have success on the basketball court again.

I understand where the people that want Steve Nash to play for Canada Basketball are coming from. He’s at the height of his game, and he would make Canada a legit team. The downside to this is the wear and tear on Steve Nash’s body. It can’t be a coincidence that Steve Nash’s first MVP season came after the summer he decided to rest, and Larry Bird challenged the NBA’s white players.

Nash is no traitor. Courtesy of Globe and Mail

Tags: Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns, NBA, Canada, Larry Bird

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb5t1cP0FMM[/youtube]

It’s impossible to compile any kind of list of NBA quotes and not include Charles Barkley. Shaq gives Sir Charles a run for his money, falling short because Charles’ humor is from the heart, while Shaq is trying to be funny… The Chuckster stopped in the booth last week on Monday Night Football, and said that he plans to run for governor of Alabama in 2014.. He better hope that none of his constituents are Boston Celtics fans.

I’m disappointed that there weren’t any clips from the 2004 Olympic team. It woulda been great to see Larry Brown’s loose coaching style keeping the players in stitches… Or footage from the cruise ship poker games. My favorite part of the video is that woman having no idea she’s talking to John Stockton.

Tags: NBA, Dream Team, You Tube, Charles Barkley, Team USA, Boston Celtics, LeBron James

Jay-Z/Michael Jordan: Jay donned himself the MJ of rap and everybody rolled with it. Both are considered by many to be the greatest to ever do it in their fields.. although Jay and MJ came out of retirement with performances that made us wish they had stayed away. Whether its Tupac/Biggie/Rakim or Magic/Bird/Wilt, somebody will use one of those names in an argument against Sean Carter or Michael Jordan. They’re similar all the way down to their work ethic and figure head positions.

Dr. Dre/Phil Jackson: If you’re having a problem getting your project or your team to the next level these are the guys you want to call. Phil Jax has the rings, Dre has the plaques. Lately, neither has shown a sense of urgency about current projects, and will let cats sit on the bench for no given reason.

 Eminem/Larry Bird: White guys that dominated the “Brothas Game”. If Bird was a teenager today he’d be listening to Em’s “Lose Yourself” on his mp3 player while warming up before some AAU tournament.. Their forays into the front office have brought mixed results. Both lost a close teammate recently.

Young Buck/Stephen Jackson: Neither are superstars but they’re valuable parts on a team.. Opponents get nervous just thinking about ‘em. They will both have your back in a scrap no questions asked, and both show glimpses of greatness that they can’t reach consistently.

Ice Cube/Doctor J: They took an element of their fields and raised it to new heights.. Gangsta rap and the dunk contest are boring now, but their contributions will always be remembered. They get mentioned in top ten lists and occasionally somebody will call them the greatest ever. Does a parallel between the ABA and the late 80s West Coast rap scene work?

Dame Dash/Isiah Thomas: They were critical parts of great teams in the past. Their independent ventures are unsuccessful whether it’s a league or a record label.. Both would get 85 cents back on change for a dollar, but somehow always land on their feet.

50 Cent/Kobe Bryant: Kobe’s balling skills are 100 times better than 50′s rapping skills, but that’s not the comparison I’m making. They’re the two most polarizing people in their professions. Hate ‘em or Love ‘em you can’t deny Kobe’s hoop game or 50′s business game. You never have to wait long to hear their names in the news, and they both go for 50 every night.

Here’s a few outside of the NBA…

Ras Kass/Ken Griffey Jr: Two dudes that seemed like mortal locks to be in the greatest of all time argument. Both are still decent but neither was able to maximize their potential. You have to worry if they’ll get hurt or hurt themselves when they walk outside.

DMX/Mike Tyson: Drugs, jail and wildin out. Check, check and check. Both exploded onto the scene. Both imploded when they reached the top and eventually went to Arizona to chill out. You shouldn’t let either of the two borrow your car.

LL Cool J/Brett Favre: Their contributions to the game have to be recognized but LL and Brett are currently over staying their welcome. Aside from padding their numbers, neither has any business performing anymore.

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