In his most recent poll, our gracious host poses the question: "After Steve Nash, who is the most important player to the Suns?" To cast my vote, I didn't even have to read past the first name. Without a doubt, Shawn Marion is the most important Sun not named Steve Nash. I would have said this even before last night's game helped drive the point home. In the past three years, I can't recall the Suns winning even one game when Shawn sat out. In fact, I can barely remember him missing a game at all, but when he did miss, I'm pretty sure it was a loss nearly every time.

The Suns proved for 54 games and two rounds of playoffs last season that they can win without Amare. They've also proven multiple times they can win without Raja, LB, and KT. They may not be a championship team without these players, but they are a solid playoff team all the same. They would probably be a playoff team without Marion too, but not without first filling the gaping hole that would be left without his presence. How many guys in the league rank near the top in both steals and rebounds? Not to mention dunks, blocks, and all the "little" things he does to facilitate the Suns fast break. And when Shawn has a bad game, the Suns often do too (see 2005 playoffs against the Spurs).

So is it annoying to hear Shawn complain from time to time that he doesn't get enough attention? Yes. Is it frustrating that he seems to "disappear" offensively sometimes when he's needed most (e.g., the games that Nash missed recently)? Of course. But those who call for Marion to be traded every time the Suns lose a game should take note of where we'd be without him. If last night's game is any indication, the word "struggling" would come to mind.