Refurbished basketball court dedicated to Steve Nash opens in East Vancouver

Canada's most famous basketball player now has a basketball court named after him in B.C.

The Nash Family Court was unveiled Saturday at an event on the grounds of the Pacific National Exhibition in East Vancouver.

The newly refurbished court was dedicated to the legacy of Nash, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame earlier this month.

"Steve had an incredible impact on the game and his hall of fame career left a lasting legacy on the NBA community," said NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum in a speech at the event. "We hope that this court will serve as a reminder of Steve's hard work, of his humility and his dedication to the game and will inspire generations of Canadians and kids to come."

The court is steps away from the site where Nash led his team to a AAA provincial championship in 1992. It is the fourth court in Vancouver to receive investments from the professional basketball league.

"The revitalization of these spaces helps increase participation for these young boys and girls here," said Tatum. "It gives them a place to come and to learn basketball and to play basketball."

The colourful scheme painted on the court represents the teams Nash played for in the NBA — the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers.

Saturday's event was also attended by former NBA star Isaiah Thomas, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, and PNE CEO Shelly Frost, along with members of the Vancouver basketball community.

The opening came hours before the Toronto Raptors would take the court against the Portland Trailblazers at Rogers Arena for the first NBA Canada Series game of the 2018-2019 season. The Raptors won the game 122-104.

Nash planned to attend the opening day but he fell ill, so his father, John Nash, took his place.

Nash, who grew up in Victoria, spent 17 years playing in the NBA and was awarded the most valuable player award two years in a row.

Kids play basketball

After the ceremony, a group of local kids took part in a basketball clinic where they did drills led by local basketball coaches.

Patrick Ireland, a 12-year-old resident of East Vancouver, told reporters he was impressed with the upgrade. The last time he visited the court, he said, it was in bad shape.

"It's really good that they did this. It's a lot better and more kids can come," said Ireland.

"It's nice that everyone can have a safe place to play and have fun."

Maliyah Mendoza, a 10-year-old from the area, has been playing basketball for two years. She was excited to practice with skilled players at the clinic.

"I'm hoping to learn to get my shooting form better and my dribbling skills," said Mendoza.

NBA team for Vancouver?

Mendoza also expressed what may have been on a lot of people's minds: when Vancouverites can expect the return of an NBA team to Vancouver.

"The fans, we like watching other teams, but it would be nice to know that we have a team in our community," she said.

Despite the show of support from the community, the NBA Deputy Commissioner was not optimistic about that prospect.

"Unfortunately, right now, expansion is not on the table but [Vancouver] is certainly worthy of an NBA team, we're just not focused on expansion right now," said Tatum.