Canucks Honour NBA – MVP

The Vancouver Canucks officially announced the club will honour Canadian basketball legend Steve Nash on March 3rd, celebrating his career and contributions to sport and the community.

An evening-long tribute is planned to acknowledge Nash’s many achievements on and off the hard-court honouring both his athletic legacy and dedication to giving back through countless charitable initiatives.

“Steve is and continues to be a role model and inspiration for Canadian athletes,” said Trevor Linden, Canucks President of Hockey Operations.

“Through his relentless passion and dedication to basketball and to the community, Steve has left a lasting imprint on the game and on what it means to be a global citizen. We look forward to welcoming and recognizing him for his many contributions.”

Nash, who earned NBA Most Valuable Player honours in back-to-back seasons with the Phoenix Suns (2005 and 2006), is an eight-time NBA All-Star and has been named to the All-NBA Team six-times in his career.

The 6’3″ point guard ranks third on the NBA’s all-time assists list (10,335) and is the best free throw shooter in NBA history (.904) and ninth most accurate three-point shooter of all-time (.428).

Named to the Order of Canada as well as the recipient of the 2007 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, Nash has been just as instrumental providing assists off the court.

Since 2005 his charitable organization, the Steve Nash Foundation, has implemented programs to assist BC children in accessing health and education resources.

The Foundation has also funded capital projects and initiatives for child-focused non-profits delivering health and education services to the youth throughout BC, which range from Steve’s hometown in Victoria to Salmon Arm to Smithers.

The Foundation also dedicates its resources to underserved populations of children throughout Canada, the United States, Paraguay and Uganda.

Nash is the current General Manager of Canada’s senior men’s basketball team, providing leadership for the nation’s top basketball program.

He is also part-owner of Whitecaps FC of the MLS.

Originally selected by the Phoenix Suns 15th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft, Nash, an 18-year NBA veteran, has career averages of 14.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 8.5 assists in 31.3 minutes.

Thanks to the Canucks media department for the info.

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