Steve Nash is among the eligible candidates for enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018 announced on Thursday.

Nash, who played 18 seasons in the NBA, joins Jason Kidd and Ray Allen as some of the more notable first-time nominees.

Nash was born in South Africa, but grew up in Victoria, British Columbia. He played collegiately at Santa Clara University before being drafted 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns as part of the much-maligned 1996 draft class.

Over the course of his 18 seasons, Nash had two separate stints with the Suns, played with the Mavericks as well as the Lakers to close out his career. He was name MVP of the league in back-to-back seasons (2005, '06) and was selected to the All-Star game eight times in his career.

Nash ranks third all-time in assists and holds careers averages of 14.3 points per game and 8.5 assists.

Kidd, who ranks second all-time in assists, played 19 seasons with the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, Suns, Knicks and Mavericks, winning the 2011 NBA title with Dallas. He holds career totals of 12.6 ppg and 8.7 assists.

Allen, a veteran of 17 seasons, was a part of the Celtics' and Heat's championship winning squads in 2008 and 2013, respectively. He also spent time with the Bucks and Seattle Supersonics. He's the NBA's all-time leader in 3-point shots made.