The South African-born sports star who became the most valuable basketball player in America

Steve Nash was born in apartheid-era South Africa and would go on to become the most valuable player (MVP) in the USA.

Nash was born in Johannesburg in February 1974, the child of English and Welsh parents. His father, John, played professional soccer in South Africa, while his mom played netball.

After nearly two years in South Africa, the family moved to Canada. The family did not want to raise their children in South Africa during the height of apartheid and eventually settled in Victoria, British Columbia.

Despite being born and spending his early years in South Africa, Nash sees himself as a Canadian as he spent his formative years in the North American country.

He did return to South Africa in 2010 as a correspondent for CBS as per the network’s coverage of the 2010 World Cup.

Nash played several sports as a child and, like his father, was a gifted soccer player. His brother, Martin, went on to play professionally, and his sister, Joann, was a successful college player.

Nash’s talent in basketball saw him move to Santa Clara University in California in 1992, with it being the only basketball scholarship offered to him.

He led the Santa Clara Broncos men’s basketball team to three NCAA Tourney berths and graduated with a BA in Sociology.

He was drafted as the 15th overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns, where he would eventually go on to become one of the best players in the competition.

However, he would be traded to the Dallas Mavericks amidst struggles to break into the team. This is where his game would evolve into All-Star status.

After a successful run with the Mavericks, he would return to the Phoenix Suns. Nash’s success was based on his shooting efficiency, playmaking ability and leadership.

He would go on to be named the MVP of the NBA in 2005 and 2006. He was also an eight-time All-Star and a five-time NBA assists leader. Despite his personal achievements, Nash never won an NBA title.

In 2012, he would move to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would wear the #10 jersey, which is often reserved for elite players.

Nash announced his retirement from basketball in 2015 after 18 seasons in the NBA. In 2018, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

He is still the only South African-born athlete to have played in the NBA.

After hanging up his boots, he won his first Championship ring with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 as a player development consultant. He also served as the Head Coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2020 to 2022.

A businessman

Outside of basketball, Nash is an avid investor with a diverse portfolio ranging from media to sports teams.

With his love of soccer, Nash is a part-owner of RCD Mallorca in Spain’s La Liga and the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer, where his brother played.

Outside of soccer, he also has a stake in the Las Vegas Desert Dogs of the National Lacrosse League.

He has also invested in a movement training app, Block, and can often be seen creating content for television and film with his production company, Control Media.

He has also integrated his film work into his endorsement, creating/staring in ads for Vitaminwater, EA Sports, Toyota and Nike.

He also launched his first off-court shoe with Wolf & Shepherd, with the proceeds being sent to the Steve Nash Foundation, which assists underserved children.

He was named to the Order of British Colombia and the Order of Canada and has received plenty of awards, such as the St. Boniface Foundation International Award.

Due to his humanitarian work, Nash received an honorary degree from the University of Victoria.