Steve Nash concedes NBA career is likely over

It comes as little surprise, but Steve Nash admitted Tuesday that his playing days are likely finished. 

Nash made the comments on Vancouver radio station TSN 1040, during a visit to the area he was raised in.

"Unfortunately, the NBA game is just a touch too far for me," said Nash, who turned 41 last month. "I play one game and I'm out a month. I have a bunch of back things going on that compromise that nerve."

Nash played just 65 games over two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2012 to 2014 before being ruled out for this season with a back injury. 

"I never worked as hard as I did the last 18 months, two years, twice a day almost every day to try to just give it that one last year," Nash said. "And I finally just had to admit that it's just not meant to be."

It appears to be the most definitive thing Nash has said regarding the likelihood of his retirement. Over 18 seasons, the point guard averaged 14.3 points and 8.5 assists on 49 percent shooting with three teams. His impact on the development of basketball in his native Canada - alongside former Toronto Raptors star Vince Carter - is also substantial.