Well, the verdict is out - Steve Nash wont be enjoying his third straight MVP title this year. Dirk Nowitzky accepted the award from NBA Commissioner Howard Stern today, in a building which has been empty since the Mavs' early first-round exit.
While we're reminded that the MVP award is based on regular season play and not the playoffs, one cannot help but wonder why Nash fell short this year.
Steve took his Suns to a record similar to that in 2004-2005, and to a record better than that in 2005-2006. His numbers slightly decreased in terms of PPG and RPG, yet he improved his average number of assists per game. His team seemed to complement him rather than play in his shaddow. He became a major presence off the court as well, committed to helping those less fortunate.
Dirk, on the other hand, bettered his individual game-play since last year. His PPG rose, and his team captured an NBA-leading 67-15 record. He was deemed to have the greatest impact on his team, and aside from losing to eighth-seed Golden State, many would agree helped create one of the strongest franchises in NBA history.
An important factor in deciding this season's most valuable was the fear of putting Nash into a class above his own. Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson both failed to win three straight MVP titles during their own illustrious careers, yet each had at least one championship ring on their finger when denied the third. Nash has never hoisted the trophy.
For the time being, three individuals will remain the only players to win a 3-peat in the most valuable department: Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell.
No one can doubt that Nowitzky was deserving in 2006-2007, this being the first MVP award of his career. With both players competing at such a high level, we can only imagine what might've been had Nash remained in Dallas.
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