Recently, Steve Nash returned to the desert. The two-time MVP joined the Phoenix Suns as a senior advisor ahead of the 2025-26 season. Matt Ishbia felt elated to welcome him back. But even with the game held in California, Nash wasn’t present for the Suns when they bashed the Lakers in their preseason opener. He wasn’t too far away.
The reason Steve Nash didn’t make the trip was because he was showing up for his wife, Lilla Fredrick. She celebrated a career accolade as she walked into Pepperdine’s Hall of Fame. Lilla played sand volleyball, forming a lethal pair with her teammate Kim Hill. Nash, bursting with pride, wrote a sweet message for his wife.
“Congrats to my wife for going in the Pepperdine Hall of Fame. The best athlete and human in the family that we all look up to. Vamos Carajo! ❤️🐐🤩👏🏼❤️,” he wrote in an Instagram post.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While representing Pepperdine, Lilla Fredrick, along with Hill, had a 32-4 dual record. The entire 2012 Sand Volleyball team was enshrined in the Hall of Fame. They were the first women’s sand volleyball team to win a national championship for Pepperdine. They didn’t lose any of their 14 games en route to the victory, cementing their dominance.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Likewise, Steve Nash doesn’t levy the “best athlete” crown for nothing. Such a major occasion was the reason he couldn’t watch Devin Booker’s sensational preseason debut. Nonetheless, it ended in a victory for Phoenix. And Nash is eager to help out however he can. One player in particular wants to learn the Suns’ legend.
Steve Nash is thrilled to join the Phoenix Suns
Nash carved out his Hall of Fame legacy with the Phoenix Suns. He made six All-Star teams, won the MVP twice, and became the franchise’s all-time leader is assists. All of that, and he is still just as excited to join the Phoenix Suns as a senior advisor. The team is aligning itself with a new identity, and having a franchise legend clearly has an impact.
Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports
Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports
“Him being around for all of us, just knowing that he is in the gym is going to raise the level of everything,” Devin Booker said about his presence.
The Suns’ owner, Matt Ishbia, welcomes former players to be a part of the team. He views Nash is the ideal personality who could set a winning culture in Phoenix. Nash is also the player who probably felt the same love from Phoenix as Devin Booker. So with him back, the present cornerstone is hoping to take some lessons from Nash.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I’m excited to further develop that relationship and pick his brain. Obviously, he’s a mastermind of his sport and has been for a long time,” Booker added. The energy in the building has clearly shifted. The Suns looked fantastic against the Lakers, showing a positive approach. And Jalen Green is yet to join the team. As the Suns look over a new horizon, Steve Nash has brought his grit to the team.
How do you think the Suns will do this season? Let us know your views in the comments below.