Steve Nash took some time to train with the Major League Soccer club he co-owns on Tuesday as the NBA lockout rages on.
The Phoenix Suns point guard underwent a 75-minute training session with Vancouver Whitecaps to keep in shape for whenever the new NBA season begins (currently unsure as NBA players and owners cannot agree terms on a collective bargaining agreement) and to see what it was like to be a pro soccer player for a day.
Nash said he thoroughly enjoyed the session but was in no way about to switch the court for the pitch.
"By the way I played today, they're not going to have me come back for a while," he said after practice.
"It was a great opportunity for me not just to kick the ball with the guys but to get to know them a little bit. It's fun to kind of get the temperature of the club and see how the guys' spirits are. Obviously we're disappointed we only have a few wins but I think, if you look at it, it's always going to be difficult in an expansion year.
"I thought the guys played really well on many nights this year and just couldn't get wins, or draws, or had one-goal defeats. You lose some of those close ones and then it kind of avalanches and gets on top of you. But coming here today, the spirit is really good and that's all you can ask for.
"You want guys to come out and fight every day and train with some passion and inspiration. And they're doing that."
As for the NBA lockout, Nash admits there is not much he can do but wait and simply get fit for the season ahead whenever that kicks off.
"I really don't get that far ahead," Nash said. "I'm just trying to worry about staying in shape and being prepared for whenever the season comes, then have a great season, lead my team and, hopefully, get back to the playoffs and contend.
"So instead of worrying about all the different variables, I just try to worry about staying in shape and being prepared. Everything else will take care of itself."
