Hooped Up

Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash will not play in the 2007 NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 18 due to inflammation in his right shoulder that has forced him to miss the last three and a half games. Nash will also miss Wednesday’s game at Seattle.

The two-time defending NBA MVP was voted to his fifth All-Star team (and his third with Phoenix) on Feb. 1 along with teammates forward Shawn Marion and center Amaré Stoudemire. Nash also will not participate in the NBA’s Playstation® Skills Challenge, but will be in attendance for All-Star Weekend activities in Las Vegas.

“Steve’s just not ready to play right now. He needs the recovery and rehab time,” said Suns Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager/Head Coach Mike D’Antoni. “He hasn’t recovered as quickly as we anticipated. Hopefully, he’ll be able to resume play after the All-Star break.”

Hooped Up