Steve Nash announces retirement in letter to fans

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Lakers guard Steve Nash hasn’t stepped on the court all season after chronic back issues forced him away from the game, and on Saturday, Nash announced that he’s walking away from basketball for good. In an letter published by The Players’ Tribune, the two-time NBA MVP announced that after 19 years in the NBA, he’s retiring.
“The greatest gift has been to be completely immersed in my passion and striving for something I loved so much — visualizing a ladder, climbing up to my heroes. The obsession became my best friend. I talked to her, cherished her, fought with her and got knocked on my ass by her.
And that is what I’m most thankful for in my career. In my entire life, in some ways. Obviously, I value my kids and my family more than the game, but in some ways having this friend — this ever-present pursuit — has made me who I am, taught me and tested me, and given me a mission that feels irreplaceable. I am so thankful. I’ve learned so many invaluable lessons about myself and about life. And of course I still have so much to learn. Another incredible gift.”
Nash thanked his family, and the many people within basketball that helped over the course of his Hall-of-Fame career, including Don Nelson, Mike D’Antoni, Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Finley.
“I will likely never play basketball again. It’s bittersweet. I already miss the game deeply, but I’m also really excited to learn to do something else. This letter is for anyone who’s taken note of my career. At the heart of this letter, I’m speaking to kids everywhere who have no idea what the future holds or how to take charge of their place in it. When I think of my career, I can’t help but think of the kid with his ball, falling in love. That’s still what I identify with and did so throughout my entire story.”
You can read the entire letter at The Players’ Tribune.