D'Antoni skeptical Nash can return this season, could come off books for 2014-15
This sucks.
We all probably knew it or had an idea that something close to this was the truth already, but it was nice to hold out a sliver of hope that Steve Nash would return for the Los Angeles Lakers this year.
Not that there's a point with the Lakers at 20-39, tied for dead last in the Western Conference, but Nash deserves a better send-off, if this is his last season, than a 17-minute, two-point, two-assist outing against Utah.
In any case, it doesn't sound like Nash's nerve and back issues will allow him to return this season.
Mike D'Antoni said he feels very skeptical Steve Nash could play this season
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) March 3, 2014
Steve Nash on prospects of returning: "We’ll see. I couldn’t really make a prediction. If I get a chance, it’ll be great."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) March 3, 2014
What's interesting here is that Nash would finish the season with exactly 10 games played. According to the rules of the collective bargaining agreement, if a player suffers a career-ending injury, he can retire and receive his salary but it does not get included in the team's salary for cap and luxury tax purposes under certain conditions.
If the player has played 10 games or fewer the prior year, the team can receive said exception 60 days after the player's final game (Feb. 11 for Nash) or one year after his final game the prior year (April 24 for Nash), whichever is later. So by June 24, right before free agency opens, Nash's $9.7 million 2014-15 salary would come off the Lakers' books, assuming both he and the team file.
One thing's certain: Nash wants to return next season. "I want to come back for sure," he said.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) March 3, 2014
While it's not a certainty Nash will retire, it seems more likely, update by update. And it sucks.