[Miami Herald] Shaq-Marion Deal In Works (UPDATE: Done Deal)

Suns Acquire Shaquille O’Neal

http://www.nba.com/suns/news/release_080206.html

i have no idea why, but a 35 yr old center have just been traded to one of the fastest team in the nba.

 

Lakers traded for Gasol too!

 

Nah, they gonna trade him anyway, but trading him for shaq is just .

 

Opinions on this move are all over the place. I'm at a complete loss what to think about it so I'm just going to sit back and wait and see what Shaq can bring to the court because that's the key to making this deal work. If he sucks as much as everyone here says that he does - if he's really DONE, then this will go down as one of the most boneheaded moves in NBA history. But it does give the talking heads in the media something to talk about now (and talk...and talk...and talk...).

 

Great move by Heat, I really have no idea why Suns put this thread but OK, they're probably hiding something in sleve.

I mean Shaq and Amare in paint is something... with Nash around it's terrific.

But it's really like Yao plays uptempo with Suns, it's the same with Shaq.

It is interesting.

 

I thought it was "wait to see" kind of move.

If Shaq doesn't get injured, he can help them out tremendously, it's not like they stop running with him, because you don't need five men running and shooting. Besides, hasn't this style been there achilles heel in playoff running and shooting with no inside presence.

Even 45 - 75% Shaq gives them the best front court in the league, remember they've got this guy called Amare Stoudemire..

He's not a great defender, but I don't remember Gasol being one either and everyone thinks the Lakers have a great shot.

They are going to get alot of open shots.

 

Obviously, because they weren't getting a lot of open shots before...

 

I guess it's a good thing Amare changed his number a while ago from 32 to 1

 

wow I really didn't think that this trade had a chance since maybe yesterday, but I don't understand why Phoenix would want someone like Shaq. Well I guess that Gasol trade really did make some other teams more open to start doing some trades. Anyone know of a press conference or anything that they might do? since Shaq is already in Phoenix because of his physical...I'm not sure if they do press conferences for midseason trades?

 

It's too late in my eyes.

 

I'm sticking to it latter you mentioned, if anything it just narrowed the suns window to win it all to 1 or 2 years at best

 

This trade sucks for Phoenix, nuff said.

 

That's about what they have with Nash aging like he is anyhow.

 

Good move for both Suns and Miami. Now suns solved their size issue and can play half-court game in playoffs. I think Suns has a better chance this year than any other team in the west.

 

you guys are crazy.. steve kerr knows what he is doing.

phoenix knows it has to win this year or next, and they made a move.

Nash finally gets a ring, how sweet it is!

 

They might have a press conference on nbatv but I havent seen anything yet.

 

For the Suns, this trade comes down to Shaq's health. If he remains healthy for the duration of the playoffs, this is a good move for them. If he does not, it will hurt them.

He is how a healthy Shaq in playoffs helps the Suns.

a) Suns will run Nash and Amare pick and roll to death. this is their bread and butter in playoffs and in half court game. Marion was a garbage man. This role will now be Shaq's. Who would you rather have on the weak side? Shaq or Marion?

b) The Amare and Nash pick and role will be even more dangerous because not the weakside will be very hesitant to give extra help and leave Shaq wide open.

c) Nash was the lone creator on this team. When Nash sits out, this team looks lost. Shaq does not have to carry the offensive load for the entire game but he can relieve Nash for 10-15 minutes in this aspect. A healthy and motivated Shaq still requires double teams and for limited time in playoffs, it shouldn't be a big deal.

d) One of the ways teams used to attack Suns was to attack the middle. They have had horrendous defenders in the paint. Amare is more content with a few spectacular blocks rather than guarding the middle. With Shaq in the middle, teams have to rethink this strategy. Shaq's presence itself takes away couple of easy baskets down there.

e) Shaq can cover Amare's weak points and let's him roam around freely. Amare does not have to worry about rebounding and guarding the paint.

f) Shaq does not have to run with the Suns for them to be a running team. In fact he might help them. he will collect rebounds and send out outlet passes whole the rest of the team runs. When its not available, the jogging Shaq can join them on half court offense. After all, this is what he is there for.

g) Marion has been known to disappear at key times for the Suns. Shaq comes to play in the big games. Even a 15/8 Shaq is more presence for the Suns in playoffs than Marion has been.

h) Shaq's contract is huge. That's a massive expiring contract (asset) which could net them a star in future with Nash aging.


Here is how Shaq hurts them

a) Shaq is still a liability on free throw line. Expect the Suns free throw % to come down. He will also have to taken out at times during playoffs.

b) Shaq has never learned how to play pick and roll defense. Suns are not known for their defense. Bad combination. Opposing teams will run pick and roll plays on the suns with whoever Shaq is guarding. Nightmare match up against teams such as Utah and Lakers.

c) Over all speed of the team goes down. They will still run but cannot sustain it the out the game if they intend to use Shaq for substantial minutes.



Sure, there are cons to this trade for the Suns but I think a healthy Shaq brings in more pros than cons to the table. It also addresses their need for playoffs. After all, isn't this why the Suns are blasted every year? That their style wont win in playoffs? Well, now that they addressed that need by giving a player who wasn't going to be with the Suns next year anyways, how is that all that horrible as everyone is making it out to be.

Of course, everything depends on Shaq's health in playoffs. I like the gamble.

 

God, in Phoenix someone has lost is mind. Really, they are totally crazy!
Miami did a big st-deal: with few minor pieces they are ready for another championship run while till yeasterday they were a team with no future.

Comparing the Shaq-Matrix trade, hope Houston can trade Mutombo for Kidd...

 

I can't wait to see the next Phoenix game that Shaq suits up in. I don't know if it will be a car crash or car show. And can you imagine the buildup for the next Lakers/Suns game?