I'll tell you what, every team needs a hustle guy, and I think we have one of the top 2 or 3 in Ariza. But hustle guys are role players and he plays his role very well. But as far as being 2nd best, no way. I think everyone would agree it's either Bynum or Gasol who's second best, I personally think it's Bynum. After Bynum I think it's Fisher then Gasol. After that, Odom and Ariza, Farmar, Vujacic and Radmonavic.
BUT in terms of importance Ariza is huge. Everyone talks about "if we had Bynum we'd've beat Boston in the Finals" well don't forget, Ariza wasn't at 100%. If we had his energy and defense and rebounding, we might've pulled it off without Bynum. You can't take away his importance to this team.
To answer your question, You're probably not the only person, but I hope not too many people think that, yet at the same time, I hope everyone realizes how important he is to this team.