Steve Nash: 'NBA game is just a touch too far for me'

Eight-time All-Star Steve Nash hinted at retirement on Tuesday when he said "the NBA game is just a touch too far for me."

Eight-time All-Star Steve Nash hinted at retirement on Tuesday when he told TSN Radio 1040 in Vancouver, "the NBA game is just a touch too far for me."

Nash, a two-time MVP who last appeared in 15 games for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2013-14, was ruled out for this season in October due to recurring nerve damage in his back. He previously said he expected 2014-15 to be his final season.

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[daily_cut.nba]"Unfortunately the NBA game is just a touch too far for me," the 41-year-old Nash said. "I play one game and I'm out for up to a month. That nerve... I have a bunch of back things going on that compromise that nerve. I've never worked as hard as I did the last 18 months, two years, twice a day, almost every day to try to just give it that one last year or so. I had to finally, kind of, admit that it’s not to be. It’s tough, but I also feel a sense of acceptance because I gave everything I possibly could."

Nash is owed $9.7 million this season before becoming an unrestricted free agent.

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Over 18 seasons, Nash has appeared in 1,217 games for the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and Lakers. He has averaged 14.3 points, 8.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game, and as a shooter, he holds a 49 percent career mark overall and a 42.8 percent clip from three-point range.

- Mike Fiammetta