WATERCOOLER CHAT: NASH LIKES THE HEAT, FISHER LOVED IN LA, TAR HEELS TO DRAFT
In the NBA, one of the hottest free agents this summer is multiple MVP winner Steve Nash. Nash has been a long-time Phoenix Sun, but told the Dan Patrick show Thursday that he wouldn’t be coming back to the Suns if there wasn’t improvement. Keep in mind that Nash is 38, but in tip-top condition for a 38-year old. He doesn’t eat any sugar, and takes his sleep very seriously, always getting 9 hours a night. Nash’s 38 is other people’s 29. Now Nash has said that if the Miami Heat came calling, he’d definitely listen. Nash said that he really likes what they’re doing down there — that people hate them because they’re all together, but they play hard, and their coaching staff is solid. From the Suns to the Heat.
Elsewhere in the NBA, the Oklahoma Thunder traveled to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers. And whom did they bring with them? None other than former beloved LA Laker Derek Fisher. This was his first return after being included in a trade that brought a younger point guard to the Lakers. Fisher went to a contender in the Oklahoma City Thunder, providing them with the veteran leadership they needed. When Fisher came to LA, he got two standing ovations. They simply love him there. He even looked good, giving the Thunder 7 points off the bench. And the Lakers haven’t seen the last of Fisher, there is a decent chance they could meet up in the playoffs given the Lakers seed position. OKC 102, LA Lakers 93.
Finally, in college basketball, with UNC getting bounced by Kansas in the elite 8, it was time for the Tar Heels star players to decide: Draft or no draft. It looks like all 3 of their stars will head to the NBA Draft. That includes super blue-chip recruit Harrison Barnes, power forward John Henson, and point guard Kendall Marshall. Marshall made headlines recently because of his injury in the 2nd round of the tournament, and that probably raised his profile for the draft. Never a bad thing. UNC will once again have to retool, but that’s all part of the process.
