Steve Nash was towered over by most of his peers in the NBA, but the man who was born on this day 43 years ago became a true giant of the sport for his achievements on the court.

The South Africa-born Canadian was an eight-time NBA All-Star and a seven-time All-NBA selection while in active duty from 1996-2015.

Nash’s imprint was also felt away from competition, being named by Time magazine as one of its 100 most influential people in the world in 2006 because of his philanthropic work.

The point guard came to the NBA with the Phoenix Suns, a franchise who retired his No13 jersey because of his supreme second stint there from 2004-12.

A true all-rounder, he excelled at three-point shooting, free throws and making assists. Since retirng, he has been a co-owner of Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer.

Other sport stars born on this day

1978: Daniel van Buyten, giant ex-Belgium and Bayern Munich centre-back (39).

1988: Matthew Stafford, resolute NFL quarterback for the Detroit Lions who was a 2014 Pro Bowler (29).

1989: Elia Viviani, Italian cyclist for Team Sky won gold in the omnium at the 2016 Rio Olympics (28).

1992: Sergi Roberto, utility player for Barcelona and Spain who is comfortable in midfield or full-back (25).