Roy for MVP?

If there was any doubt as to Brandon Roy's value in Portland, it was put to rest tonight as the Blazsers were pounded into submission by the Pistons with Roy out of the lineup. The "Absence Factor" played a big role in Steve Nash winning his first MVP (when the Suns went 1-4 on a road trip with him out of the lineup), so maybe this will spark some chatter for Roy. Doubtful, but you never know. I mean, Portland was horrendous without him and it wasn't just on the scoreboard. Nobody could get open shots and the guys that depend on Roy for their jumpers (namely Blake, Webster, and Outlaw) were a combined 7-for-26 when I finally gave up and turned off the game.

Portland will be better able to withstand Roy's absence next year with Oden and Rudy Fernandez on the roster and a trade for Devin Harris would help on that front as well, but for now, they live and die with their All-Star.