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

how does this trade mesh with Leslie's goal to make the Rockets "more phoenix like"

 

I know it's early but PHX just doesn't look good after the Shaq-Marion trade. The ball doesn't move like it used to. Their style was so distinct and fun to watch. Now they look like any other NBA team. They were so dangerous with Marion flying down the court on the break. I think just as important, Marion could shut down your best wing man. I'm predicting a major failure for this Shaq experiment.

 

Marion was a excellent defender, but no shut down defender. It is a credit that at times he has played all of them, but I don't remember him being able to slow either Parker, Manu, or Duncan. And Raja usually takes the best swingman (Kobe).

The Suns are much tougher in the interior now and won't be pushed around on the boards. They went from small at the PF and C to huge and physical, with Shaq, Amare and Hill/Diaw. They will be a better half court offense, and a better match defensively versus power teams (SA, Hou, Utah). They are in better position to win the title--though they could really use another shooter/vet (Brent Barry?).

 

Adding Shaq for a player like Marion completely disrupts what the Suns were used to doing. They have 25 more games to adapt him. The fact is the Suns had a terrible record against Western Conference contenders this season and knew they wouldn't make the Finals.

It's too early to tell. Of course the Suns don't look as fluid as before and they never will. That pretty looking team is dead and gone.