Three games. Averages of 14.3 points and 9.3 assists.
Those are the statistical numbers Steve Nash has posted since he returned to the floor for the Los Angeles Lakers after missing 24 games with a small fracture in his left leg.
But for those that have paid any attention to Nash's career, they know that he provides much more than stats in a box score.
Labeled as one of the headiest point guards in the game, Nash returned to a Lakers team reeling at 12-14 on the season. With critics mandating the team break up its talent, management insisted it would not make any changes until it could see what it had with Nash running D'Antoni's system again.
A lot of D'Antoni's system is predicated on pick-and-roll play. With Pau Gasol, the Lakers have one of the best pick-and-roll big men in the game because of his skill level, size and ability to knock down a jumper. Dwight Howard is athletic enough to play the pick-and-roll game and go get lobs at the rim from Nash. The two-man game is key to success under D'Antoni's philosophy.
As an extension of D'Antoni on the floor, Nash can also dictate the uptempo style the system likes to create. Even at 38 years old, the Canadian can still get up and down to push the tempo and create easy baskets in transition.
Nash does not always have to be the playmaker, though. With Kobe Bryant, Gasol and Howard all on the floor together, the Lakers do not lack guys who can create for themselves and others.
It has been said by Nash's teammates since his return (and throughout his career) that there ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
