Player Focus: Steve Nash

Steve Nash, probably the best PG in the game right now, has been slowly regaining his hobby stature with each passing month this season. His 96-97 Topps Chrome RC had an average TAC of $25.85 in November, $27.93 in December, $30.80 in January and $32.68 in February. In each of those months, Nash averaged double digit points & assists, helping his Suns to achieve one of the best records in the West. In his last 10 games, he's averaged a decent 18.4 ppg and 9.8 apg, but his team went 4-6. The hobby was quick to respond to Suns' short slump by punishing Nash's top rookie card's market value. So far this month, it's averaging just $25, down 23.5% from February, and lower than it was at the beginning of the season.

It's too bad that the Suns traded away the versatile Shawn Marion for the well-past-his-prime Shaquille O'Neal. I think that they could have acquired & started a so-so center (like the Celtics did with Kendrick Perkins) without giving up any of there top 6 players, and had a better chance at the championship this season. Nash isn't getting any younger, and the Suns really need to find a roster mix that will optimize their chances at success. I'm afraid that the 07-08 season will end with a first round playoff exit, and they'll be back to the drawing board again.

With Nash's Chrome rookie trading as season-low levels, now might be a good time to find some deals. One sold on 3/4 for $23.49. A low $20's price tag creates a lot of room for value growth.