The Globe and Mail's take on the marketing opportunities available to NBA MVP Steve Nash -- if he wants to take them.

Some excerpts:

Already one of the most popular athletes in Canada, Nash could easily become one of the most marketable, rivalling the likes of golfer Mike Weir and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky -- still the champ, according to most experts, even well into his retirement -- should he desire.

But while other recent MVPs -- Kevin Garnett, Allen Iverson and even staid Tim Duncan have parlayed on-court success to off-court endorsements -- Nash has made little time for marketing outside his relationship with sportswear giant Nike, and those close to him don't see that changing. ...

In the marketing world, Nash is in a position to write his own ticket. "It's pretty much up to him," Bill Duffy, Nash's long-time agent, said of his client's marketing potential. "If he were more of a self-promoter he could be one of the icons, when you look at his likeability and character. But those kinds of things don't motivate him." ...

What endorsement work he does do, Nash donates to charity, Duffy said. ...

But one area that Nash is expected to become more active in is in the realm of charitable activities. He's expected to hold an all-star game at the Air Canada Centre on July 29, continuing a tradition started by former Toronto Raptors star Vince Carter, with the proceeds going to his charitable foundation.