After I watched Steve Nash and the Suns dispose of Dirk and the Mavs in the 2004-05 Western Conference semis. I was convinced Dirk could never win a championship on any team where he was the best player. In fact, I remember e-mailing the Ticket's Bob Sturm and suggesting the Mavericks trade Dirk for a package deal. He really underwhelmed us in those playoffs with a tough series against the Rockets. Critics were left wondering why Ryan Bowen was able to shut down Dirk? Although Dirk played better in the Phoenix series it just wasn't enough. The doubters arose with their questions. Can Dirk take a team on his shoulders and carry them to the promised land? Is Dirk clutch? Will Dirk ever develop an all around game? etc.
After the Mavericks climbed the NBA's verison of "Mount 12 big ones" last season to reach the NBA finals. Dirk came into last night's game with the Suns the leading MVP candidate. Quite a transformation for a guy who only 2 years earlier I was willing to part with for the rights to Gerald Green and a stick of chewing gum. Who is responsible for Dirk's transformation? Avery Johnson is no doubt about it.
So while all of the internet discussion boards are full of people who think Steve Nash is better off in Phoenix. I can't help but wonder wouldn't Avery have helped Steve to grow as a complete, well rounded player just like he did for Dirk? The average Joe Schmo fan thinks Nash wound up in a better situation with the Suns. On a team better suited to his playing style, with an offensive philosophy catering to his strengths and a supporting cast to carry out the game plan. They also think the Mavericks are better off without Nash sort of a win win scenario. I'm not so sure. Don't let anyone fool you the players play for contracts, but next on the pecking order is a championship. I'm not so sure the Phoenix Suns aren't just a glorified Run TMC only with one incredibly large angry black man in the middle by the name of Amare. I'll ask the same question Randy Galloway did in this morning's Star Telegram, "explain to me the whole losing Nash was a good thing again?"
We all know how hard Avery is on his point guards just ask Devin Harris or Jason Terry. I'd love to see what an equally defensive minded Steve Nash would look like under Avery's guidance. Nellie's Dirk Nowitzki never would of gotten the Mavs past San Antonio last season, but Avery's Dirk Nowitzki did. I always hear people saying "We already saw Dirk and Nash together in Dallas they didn't go anywhere in the playoffs. They're better off apart." Correction we saw Nellie's Dirk and Nash together in Dallas, but never Avery's verison. Under Avery's direction I doubt Nash is your two time reigning MVP, but he might be a reigning NBA champion.
I love my Mavs as currently constructed, but after last night's awesome display by Nashty I couldn't help but wonder. If nothing else it wouldn't of hurt to play keep away from Phoenix. Still I don't blame Cuban for letting Steve go. No one knew he would hold up this well and to a certain extent we just didn't appreciate what we had.
Here's a goofy little video to remember the Nash and Dirk years by
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