Agree that Suns is done. But not beacuse of Matrix gone. Nash was showing ages since last playoff. That's why they are so desperate to try Shaq ro a last dance. Shaq's trade is another gamble just like what Heats did a couple of years ago.
If Shaq was playing then he would've stopped penetration in the paint and that means better perimeter defense from Bell, Hill, Diaw etc. You can't expect a team to lose a focal point of the defense (Marion) and pretend like the Suns got nothing (like Shaq doesn't exist) and say they are "done".
As said, it's still up in the air, and obviously the x-factor is Shaq. They certainly are going to take a hit in their wins exchanging such important cogs in their machine. It's possible that their second half looks much like our first half. I can see GM of the year awards or GM firings over this. We shall see how it plays out. Marion is good, but we will see how good he is without Nash. For the record, Artest is the most versitle player in the NBA...see last night's game if you have any questions.
Is it me....am I crazy? I think they gained defensively, while suffering offensively in this trade. The offense does not suit an aging, morbidly slow Shaq. Phx is going to continue to run, and push the ball, and Shaq will be good for an outlet pass or two. But he's not going to be able to keep up well. He'll be moderately useful in the half court set when that occurs. On defense, he anchors the other side of the paint opposite Amare. So there are two shot blocking threats in the lane. One of them can leap out of the gym, the other (if he doesn't block the shot) can alter the shot or knock you on your butt. In any case, that's a lot of room in the paint that is now occupied by one of the largest bodies in the game.
There are exceptions, though: Chicago Bulls- 6 championships. Detroit Pistons- all 3 championships. I agree, though, in most instances, it helps to have a big.
I don't know how much they will drop exactly but Marion is one of the best all around players in the past 20 years. Also, he brings it EVERY night on both ends of the floor. Everyone always says Steve Nash makes that team who they are but I believe that Marion and Nash are both just as important as one another. I think Shawn should have been talked about for MVP along with Nash a couple of years ago. The problem is since Marion hardly ever missed a game in the past couple of seasons people never really noticed his importance to the team. The year Amare got hurt is when Shawn was right behind Nash in terms of importance and they both kept the team afloat during Amare's absence. I think Shaq will have an impact of course but it remains to be seen if Marion's impact >>> than Shaq's impact. Only time will tell.
We've already seen how good he is w/o Nash most of his career and who has looked very solid for the Heat since he has been there. I would give the nod to Marion over Artest for most versatile player in the league. Marion can guard 1-4 effectively and be in the top 15 in almost every statistical category out there. Artest is very versatile too but he definitely doesn't do that every night whereas Marion has done that every night since coming into this league. Also, he has only missed 12 games in the past 8 years so he is versatile, reliable, and consistent.
When it comes to talent and skillset, Artest is clearly better than Marion. Check out last night. The main thing Marion has never learned to do is take people off the dribble. He is average at best for creating for himself. But like anyone else, I would take Marion over Artest for obvious reasons.
I wouldn't be surprised if they don't make the playoffs. It's going to take a few games for them to adjust with Shaq (not sure if this will even work, but if it does it will take time to gel). With the western conference as close as it is every game is important and the suns might not have enough time to make things work.
Motivated Shaq is a dangerous Shaq. Who remembers when we met the Heat earlier this season and Shaq was bulldozing Yao like it was Yao's rookie season all over again. Plus, he's playing for his 2-year, $200 million dollar extension.
Marion's talent and skillset at the PF position are uncanny and they are way above average for the PF position. Marion can create his own shot with ease when he plays PF because he can dribble very well and get his shot off in the lane at will and he always has the quickness on anyone who guards him. He only needs a couple of dribbles before he shoots because he plays so close to the basket usually. In terms, of creating a jump shot of course the nod goes to Artest since Marion has the ugliest shot in the NBA but I believe Marion's skillset is more useful and versatile because of his ability to rack up points in the paint at will with his fast breaking ability, passing, Bball IQ, and finishing strong around the rim. I guess it depends on if you prefer an efficient perimeter player or an efficient inside player's talents and versatility.
If you saw Artest play much with the Pacers, you'd realize he is at least as versatile as Marion. This mentally ill clown that plays for the Kings now is another story. Marion beats Artest by a mile right now. The Heat made out like bandits.
I agree with this completely. Marion is a stud, that guy is all over the court on both ends. Very underrated IMO.
Sorta like Michael Jordan and the chicago bulls? If you say bill wennington or luc longley in your reply I'll spit sprit on my computer monitor, so please don't.
