The Phoenix Suns and their high octane offense have struck fear in the hearts of their opponents for several years. They run, push the ball and score points like no other. On the back of Steve Nash they changed the game.This Year Phoenix holds the best record in the mighty Western Conference and are looking to make another run deep into the playoffs. The Suns, though, were only 14-13 against the West and knew their current lineup couldn't get the job done. With no legitmate big man in the middle to clog the lane, block shots and play Tim Duncan, the Phoenix brass felt they had to make a move. Rumors swirled about trades that would send random role players packing for the valley of the sun. Then, out of nowhere, the Suns land Shaquille O'neal. Arguably the greatest center to ever play the game. In his prime "The Diesel" would terrorize backboards and embarass any who dare get in his way. But, Shaq is no longer in his prime. At best, he's a shell of the super freak he used to be. Some may say, "a shell is still better than most centers in the NBA." What raised eyebrows in the trade was what the Suns gave up. They traded four time All-Star Shawn Marion and seldom used and undervalued guard Marcus Banks to the Miami Heat for O'neal. The trade is a thing of beauty for Miami who gets rid of Shaq's ridiculous $20 million a year and gets a young stud in return to go along with Dwyane Wade. With a high lotttery pick next year and perhaps a veteran signing or two, the Heat can be very scary, very quick!
Some would argue that the Suns were a bad rule away from winning the NBA Championship last year when Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw were suspended for stepping onto the floor during a skirmish with the Spurs. Then why not come back stronger and get it the next year? It reminds me of the 2001 Portland Trailblazers when they took the Lakers to game 7 and had the lead going into the 4th. They lost and thus blew up their team. A team that boasted the likes of Scottie Pippen, Rasheed Wallace, Jermaine O'neal, Steve Smith, Damon Stoudamire, Brian Grant and Detlef Scrempf. Just to name a few.
Shaq's numbers have been on the decline for past several years. He's averaging an all-time low 14.2 points/game, 7.8 rebounds/game and more turnovers than he has in the past five years, 2.91/game. Throw that in with his disgusting free throw percentage, 48% and his injury prone 330lb aged body, this could spell some serious disaster for Phoenix. Then why trade the young stud Marion for O'neal? This truly is the question that has all sports fans scratching their heads. One Super Sun fan had this to say: "Easy. He's Shaq. Despite his sagging numbers and sagging body parts he still dominates the block. Shaq has proven time and time again that when he's motivated...he wins championships." I thought that was a legitimate claim. How can you double team Shaq when you have Amare Stoudemire, Steve Nash, Grant Hill and Raja Bell on the floor? Opposing defenses will have their hands so full of other Suns, Shaq should have his way. He and Amare together in the paint, we know they'll be causing havoc on offense and defense.
It's clear this trade was done for a championship run this season. This whole trade depends on if's. IF Shaq can stay healthy. IF Shaq can be and stay motivated. IF Shaq can co-exist with his new teammates and their run and gun attitude. IF, IF, IF.
If all these things happen and the Suns win the championship then Steve Kerr will look like a genius. If not, Suns fans will soon be rooting for the Miami Heat.
My opinion? At the start of the season I said the Suns would beat the Boston Celtics for the Championship. I stand by my words.
