Jan. 30, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash reacts in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Lakers 92-86. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Nash isn’t getting any younger, that’s not exactly a secret. At 39-years-old the two-time MVP has been in the league for 16 great years. It could come to an end all too soon though, as he told the Vancouver Sun retirement is nearing.

“There’s a chance that that (41) could be it. A big chance,” Nash said. “But you never know how it goes, or how I’ll feel. Anything can happen between now and then.”

We knew a day would come that Nash would retire, but it doesn’t change our reluctance to face it – or our unwillingness to face the other legends that will soon close the door on their careers.

Tim Duncan (37), Kevin Garnett (36), Jason Kidd (40), Ray Allen (37), Kobe Bryant (34); these are all players on their last legs. Players with an important connection to the past.

Before you scoff at Bryant being on that list, take a deep breath, and consider the facts; he’s been in the league for 16 years, he’s coming off a torn Achilles, and he’s made it clear he will retire while he’s still on top.

As for the rest, they’ve all played over 15 years in the league. And in turn, they bridge the gap between the Lebron James generation and the Michael Jordan era. They’re ambassadors of how the game used to be played, how it was meant to be played.

So while Nash will still be around till the end of his current contract, don’t take him for granted. Don’t take any of these players for granted.

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