He did just that, averaging 17.9 points and 7.7 assists per game, leading the Mavericks to a second consecutive playoff berth. You would think two productive seasons would be enough to silence his critics, but this wasnt so in Nashs case. In an attempt to once and for all end the criticism, Nash posted identical numbers to the previous season. Once again, Nash led the team black cement 3s to the playoffs for the third consecutive time. With Nashs contract expired, Cuban only offered him $36 million over a 4 year span.
To Nash this didnt seem like much for a starting guard on a legitimate NBA playoff contender so he sought out other offers. History crept back up on Steve, as the Phoenix Suns, who drafted him, offered him a $63 million dollar contract. Desperately wanting to remain a Maverick, Steve confronted Cuban with the contract offer, giving him a chance to match it. Still not recognizing Nashs potential, Cuban decided to turn the offer down, saying that they were focused on building the team around young sensation, Dirk Nowitki. Going back to the Suns was yet another great career choice for Nash because they were now under new leadership of Mike DAntoni, who ran a run and gun offense. That year the Suns turned their previous years record around winning 60 out of 82 games and.