This years MVP? USA Today says it's Shaq

[Rummpd]

Spurster why not Duncan or Dirk? These two do more for their team directly tied to success especially in 4th quarters, last night again proved Miami tough team without Shaq.

IMO no way he deserves MVP, I would not even have him in top 3.

[Jimcs50]

Here is my top 5:

1. Nash
2. Dirk
3. Shaq
4. TD
5. Ray Allen

[spurster]

Sometimes MVP is not simply the best this year, but over a period of years. Whatever you might think about Shaq, he has had a huge impact for the teams he's played for and on the teams he plays against.

I don't agree that MVP equals most valuable for a particular team; it's most valuable in the league.

As to who wins without their stars, that measures team depth and team play in addition to the star's contribution.

Why not TD? Bad timing on his injury, I guess. This is the time of year you want your MVP to stand out.

Why not Dirk? He's had a great year, but he needs to show consistent defensive intensity.

Why not Nash? Well, there's defense again, and really, do you fear a team that happens to have Nash, or a team that happens to have Shaq?

[Spurminator]

I think MVP is about the player who has been most outstanding in making his team successful in 2005. Not necessarily the most talented or the one with the best career. Steve Nash, regardless of his defensive deficiencies, has made the Suns an elite team. The difference is apparent when he's not out there. He makes it so easy for his teammates to score.

Dirk has carried the Mavs through injuries and coaching changes, and his defense has been adequate now that he's playing his true PF position and not Center or SF or Shortstop, or whatever other position Don Nelson has conjured up for him in the past. He definitely belongs in the discussion.

Shaq, similar to Nash, has made the game easier for his teammates. Wade has become a top-tier NBA player, thanks in no small part to having Shaq as a teammate. Damon Jones and Udonis Haslem have careers thanks to him.

At the moment, I'm leaning toward Shaq in a tight race with Nash.

[Guru of Nothing]

WHY DOES THE STATE OF ARIZONA GET NO NATIONAL RECONIZATION?

It's time for Arizonans to organize and shut off the nation's lettuce supply.

That'll get our attention.