Phoenix Suns MVP Steve Nash Credits Mike D'Antoni for Changing NBA

Steve Nash is virtually synonymous with Phoenix Suns basketball. The two-time MVP with the Suns not only played a major role in reshaping the way the NBA operated offensively, he also revived hope that Phoenix had light at the end of the tunnel as a long-tormented organization. However, Nash continues to heap praise on former Suns' head coach Mike D'Antoni rather than claim all of the glory himself. This reflected in a video that preceded D'Antoni's induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday night, where Nash alluded to the 2005 NBA Coach of the Year being "ahead of his time" in a heartfelt tribute. D'Antoni became the head coach of the Suns 21 games into the 2003-04 season, eventually shedding the interim tag.  The 2004-05 season saw a massive leap, with Phoenix transforming from a tempered 28-win team into an overpowering 62-20 squad. This came in response to the Suns bringing former point guard Steve Nash to the Valley in the summer of 2004.  The many years of success that D'Antoni had in Phoenix overlooked the "seven seconds or less" Suns transforming the way that the game of basketball is played. This system is based around exactly what the title they were minted states - they sought out a shot within the first seven seconds of the shot clock. This was managed by pushing the ball up-court as quickly as possible, utilizing high-set screens at the top of the key before defenses were set, sending shooters to the corner, and using Amar'e Stoudemire as the ultimate "pick your poison" offensive threat.  While Phoenix fell short in heartbreaking fashion on multiple occasions, the special and longstanding precedent that these teams set cannot be overlooked in the grand scheme of the game of basketball. Nash is absolutely correct that D'Antoni was well ahead of his time - the game is better off in this era because of a little-know Italian American assistant coach that revolutionized modern offensive basketball. The two sides did part rather unceremoniously in 2008, as Phoenix ownership allowed the under-contract D'Antoni to negotiate contracts elsewhere. He eventually parted to the Knicks that offseason, which seemingly burned the bridge between the two. Fortunately, D'Antoni managed to point towards the notion that the two sides have since reconciled, as he praised current governor Mat Ishbia, as well as the city of Phoenix. Is the next step for this revolutionary offensive mind and icon in Phoenix to be placed in the Suns' Ring of Honor?