Prior to the Oklahoma City Thunder game against Brooklyn, the Nets head coach Steve Nash was asked about two OKC players: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort.
They have blossomed before our eyes this season, and Nash thinks he knows what has helped them develop.
“I think it must be in the water in Canada, if you ask me,” he said. “That’s a pretty high-powered back court.”
Nash would know. Born in South Africa, his family moved to Canada when he was a young toddler and he grew up in British Colombia. Whatever water he was drinking there must have helped him develop into a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player.
He said he has seen growth in Gilgeous-Alexander, who was born in Toronto, this season.
“Shai is turning into an All-Star guard in front of our eyes,” Nash said.
“He’s taken another step — his scoring, his feel, his passing, pick-and-roll and isolation situations … He’s shooting better off the bounce than (he) has been historically. He just continues to grow and prove he’s a very clever player.”
Nash thinks that multiple All-Star games are in Gilgeous-Alexander’s future.
“For such a young career, you can see him evolving into a perennial All-Star,” Nash said.
Dort was born in Montreal and grew up in the area. He hasn’t made as much of an impression on Nash, who just became a head coach this year.
“Dort’s a terrific defender and shooting the ball very well this year from 3,” Nash said.
The two can continue growing. Nash didn’t even become a starter until his third season, and it took him six to become an All-Star. The Hall of Famer will be watching their progress with whatever Secret Stuff they’ve got up north.
Nets Wire contributed to this post.
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