Nash for MVP

If the MVP of the 2004-05 NBA season were chosen today, who would win?

ESPN's Marc Stein argues on behalf of Steve Nash. The Phoenix Suns floor general has undeniably changed his team for the better since signing with them during the past offseason. The ultimate statistic of the win-loss column compared to last year's record clearly indicates that Nash must be a catalyst like no other since he's the only real change for Phoenix between this season and last. The Suns have gone from a 29-53 team to a group currently at 35-10, projected for a 64-18 season. Who else can boast such a dramatic improvement to his team?

Did Phoenix's other All-Stars Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion ever look this good last year without Nash (or, if you really want to go there, with Marbury at the 1 spot)? Putting aside his impressive numbers, Nash's biggest contribution to the team is one that can't be measured: he makes his teammates better. If anyone is still wondering what brought about this sudden and remarkable change to the Suns, the clear answer is their new point guard.

It might be more natural for me to pick Tim Duncan -- who's always an easy choice -- because he can dominate in any area of the game, also makes his teammates better, and consistently keeps his team in the NBA's elite. But it's hard for me to argue with anyone who'd choose Nash instead this season. He sure looks like an improbable MVP (c'mon, a short, white point guard?) but his team's improvement and overall record are nearly impossible to overlook.