Can a player's absence bolster MVP argument?

[RonMexico]

Therein lies the difference: Barbosa is making himself better, but not others like Bell/Marion.

I couldn't get in these threads with you guys because I was in Dallas all weekend, helping write Dirk's new book: "Man on the Perimeter" about his difficulty being a Hasselhoff fan in America... or just partying in Uptown with a few friends.

[mabber]

Therein lies the difference: Barbosa is making himself better, but not others like Bell/Marion.

I couldn't get in these threads with you guys because I was in Dallas all weekend, helping write Dirk's new book: "Man on the Perimeter" about his difficulty being a Hasselhoff fan in America... or just partying in Uptown with a few friends.

Raja Bell is a good defensive player and good role player on offense at best. I'm fairly certain he's maxed out his potential at this point. I believe he's one of those players that is a perfect fit for the Sun's system but would struggle outside of it (or even in it w/o Nash). I really liked him when he was with Dallas but I think he's a bench player on most teams other than the Suns. He'd get Greg Buckner minutes in Dallas (16-18 minutes/game) and that's assuming Buckner wasn't on the team. He'd get less minutes than that if he were added to the Mav's roster right now. I think he & Buck would split up those 16-18 minutes. I just don't think he's a 30+ minute/game player in this league and shouldn't be even in the Sun's system but their depth at that position is not good.

I guess my main point is that I don't think Bell can improve anymore. I think he's overachieving as it is.

[MrChug]

It amplifies the argument exponentially. That's a fact. It's very hard to prove a negative. The fact is that if Nash was NOT playing, the Suns are mediocre at best. When he is playing, they're "All-World". What more proof do you want?

I actually heard a guy say that it was the offensive system that made the Suns go and HAD THE AUDACITY to say that he KNEW that Barbosa would have the Suns at 60 wins too!!!

[sandeepgm]

Suns seems to be progressing like the old kings... Injuries during playoffs... A little bad luck this year and their window will be closed probably for ever and o yea next year raja bell has to become a little more of a psycho like artest...

[Shank]

I'm so proud of everyone in this thread. Minimal arguing, very little cussing and some decent discussion. I knew we could all get along.

Hold me.