// THE SHOTCALLER // Steve Nash
The Phoenix Suns point guard talks about his hybrid car game, recycled sneakers, and lighting up the gym with muscle power. By Justin Monroe
On the hardwood, Steve Nash’s ability to push an offense to light speed while maximizing his teammates’ productivity has made him a two-time NBA MVP. Off the court, the father of two young girls is setting an eco-friendly example and hoping to bring the best out of the rest of us earthlings. In addition to driving a Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV, he’s in the process of cutting down on the waste produced by his Vancouver-based Steve Nash Sports Club and converting his home to solar power. The sun powers him, he powers the Suns. And we all shine on.
What made you decide to go solar?
Steve Nash: Well, we’re waiting on the plans and proposals right now, but I just want to try to be thoughtful about our family’s carbon consumption. It’s great to go solar, but there’s so many things you can do around your house that can greatly reduce your negative impact on the environment, whether it’s your lights or your heating and air-conditioning or your cleaning products.
Do you do much to try to encourage eco-friendly practices to teammates and others around the NBA?
Steve Nash:I don’t necessarily stand on a soapbox, but if they ask, and they have on occasion, I share what I know. I’ve had a few teammates who have asked, and I know the Suns are also trying to make good decisions and be open to different opportunities, so hopefully our team will move in the right direction.
The Steve Nash Sports Club in Vancouver was modeled after reflecting those values as well.
Steve Nash: Our goal is to take a step in the right direction. In the design we wanted to use as many reusable, recyclable products as possible. In the future, the big idea is to harness some of the energy—especially on the cardiovascular machines—and reuse that in the facility.
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JUST CAUSE
Nash isn’t the only NBA player with worldly matters on his mind (it only seems that way). Introducing the starting five for the Complex All-Star Rabble-rousers.DENNIS RODMAN
In 1987, Rodman calls Larry Bird “overrated” and claims Bird won his MVP awards because he is white. Bird is later rumored to have called Rodman a “balls-out tranny freak.”
CRAIG HODGES
Hodges wears a dashiki for the Bulls’ 1992 visit with President Bush Sr. and criticizes his treatment of minorities. Bush surprises him by responding, “As-salaam Alaikum.”
MAHMOUD ABDUL-RAUF
In 1996, the Nuggets guard is suspended for refusing to stand during the national anthem. He relents, but bows his head in protest. And crosses his fingers.ETAN THOMAS
A vocal opponent of the Iraq War, the Wizards center also blogs for the Huffington Post. He’s only pro-war when it comes to scrapping with his teammate Brendan Haywood.
RON ARTEST
November 19, 2004: Artest takes a stand for temperance, rushing into the stands in Detroit to pummel a fan who’d thrown a beer on him. He had the wrong guy, but the point was made.
STEVE NASH WEB EXCLUSIVE
We couldn’t fit Nash’s entire interview into the magazine. Read up on everything else the man had to say including a potential future playing pro soccer.
