08-07-2025
Goran Dragic recalls being mentored by Steve Nash as a rookie: "'I'm Steve. If you need anything, just let me know'"
Goran Dragic recalls being mentored by Steve Nash as a rookie: "'I'm Steve. If you need anything, just let me know'" originally appeared on Basketball Network.
The 2008 draft class was stacked with talent, especially at the guard position — names like Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, O.J. Mayo, Eric Gordon and George Hill were all selected that year. However, few could have predicted that the 45th pick in the second round would turn out to be one of the most respected players from that group.
That player, of course, is Goran Dragic, whose draft rights were traded from the San Antonio Spurs to the Phoenix Suns on draft night.
Looking back, that move was one of the rare missteps by the Spurs' front office, especially considering their reputation for scouting international talent. Regardless, Dragic joined a Suns roster that was — at the time — revolutionizing NBA basketball with its "Seven seconds or less" offense, led by none other than Steve Nash.
In an interview with Basketball Network, Dragic reflected on his early years with the Suns, coached by Mike D'Antoni. Still, the legendary Canadian point guard had the biggest impact on the start of his NBA career.
"I remember the first day when I walked into the locker room," Dragic recalled with a smile, "I was sitting, waiting to meet all the players and Steve Nash walked in and immediately, you know, handshake, 'I'm Steve. If you need anything, just let me know. I'm here for you.'"
"But then, I was sitting next to him on the plane just to see how professional he was, how he's eating healthy. And, of course, basketball-wise, he got me a lot of pointers — how not to kill my dribble, how to go through the paint, and always have all the options open. Of course, my game is totally different from his, but those little things — how to push the pace, pitch ahead, pick and roll," the Slovenian added.
Dragic's first year in the NBA was Nash's fifth with the Suns during his second stint in Phoenix — he was drafted there in 1996 and spent two years with the organization before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks. At that point, the latter had already won two regular season MVPs, establishing himself as arguably the best playmaker in the Association.
Having a guy like that as a mentor was invaluable for Dragic.
"Confidence-wise, when you have a two-time MVP — and in my first year I struggled, didn't play much — he was always in my ear: just be ready, chance will come. You have to put a lot of hard work behind the scenes, you have to develop yourself and then you never know, maybe one or two chances you're going to have in your first year. He was preparing me to work and to be patient and work for my opportunity," Dragic that's exactly what Dragic did — he listened to Nash's advice and stayed patient. His opportunity finally came, and it all culminated in the 2010 playoff game against the San Antonio Spurs — a breakout moment that put him on the map.
Dragic scored 23 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, shooting an incredible 9-for-11 from the field. That game turned out to be a major momentum shift. Had the Spurs managed to come back and cut the series deficit to 2-1, who knows what could've happened? But thanks to Dragic's explosion, the Suns went up 3-0 and never looked back.
"The Spurs at the time were tough, but we swept them four to zero. It was something unbelievable. Definitely, the game that I went off kind of put me on the map. I even said to myself, 'Finally, I belong in this league,'" added Dragic.
Nash's influence and mentorship were crucial for the rookie Dragic. It's worth noting that it was still uncommon for 6'4" European guards to get significant playing time back then. Also, it certainly helped that coach D'Antoni, a basketball revolutionary, had spent years coaching in Europe and was aware of the quality European players brought to the story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
