You can't reward a guy for winning only 45 games and being the 7th seed. The MVP has always been the best player on a team that has a legitimate chance to win the the title. Kobe was not going to win the title in 06, that team had no chance. And other than one year where voters got enamored by some nonsense triple double, every other MVP has been the best player on a team that has a legitimate chance to win the title.

And in 06, Ama're missed practically the whole season. Nash still won 54 games and finished with the 3rd best record in the West. That has to account for something. You lose a guy who gave you 26 ppg and only go from 61 to 54 wins? That's damn good. Nash had a case for MVP, and if anything Dirk has the best case for winning '06. He had the stats and team record. I'd argue Dirk and Nash over Kobe for '06.