TSN: How surprised are you that the Suns lead the Pacific Division even though Amare Stoudemire has yet to play?
MARION: Not at all. I came in, saw the additions, and I knew we still were going to be a good team.
TSN: How has your game had to change without Stoudemire on the floor?
MARION: I'm going to be me. Everybody else had to step up. I'm always up.
TSN: One could say that your jumper looks a little odd. What's different about it?
MARION: My shot's like everyone else's. I just stick my ass out a little more. Everything's there, though.
TSN: Even though you're a two-time All-Star, Jerry Colangelo has said you're the most underrated player in the league. Agree?
MARION: Look at it this way: I do everything---defense, rebound, score -- and I'm doing it undersized, and still a lot of guys get more love. The media and fans may not see all I bring, but the other teams know what I can do.
TSN: You do have a unique game. Anyone out there who's similar to you?
MARION: Nobody can rebound and guard one through five like me. If there's anyone, maybe Kevin Garnett because he's so athletic.
TSN: What makes you so good defensively?
MARION: I'm determined. There's a lot of guys out there who probably can play defense, but they won't do it. I take pride in it. I think that separates me from everyone else.
TSN: Who's tougher for you to defend, a power forward such as Tim Duncan or a small forward such as Carmelo Anthony?
MARION: Anyone's hard who gets a lot of plays called for them, when they're always going right at you, trying to pound it in on you.
TSN: Probably see you in Houston for the All-Star Game, right?
MARION: No probably about that. You know, they should take the voting away from the fans. They're voting in some guys who aren't even playing.
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They SHOULD take the voting away from the fans. And I agree with Colangelo, I can't think of anyone more underrated than Shawn Marion in the league.
