Shaq Traded?

[Antithesis]

According to ESPN in an article today, this deal actually began with discussion at the ownership level, then Mike D'Antoni bought in, followed by Kerr, who was the last person to OK it ... which makes sense because if it ends up blowing up on him, it's him that looks stupid. Apparently the mood around the Suns has already improved with Marion gone.

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by mothersruin

Brutal trade for the Suns. They panicked after Gasol went to the Lakers. Shaq is not the answer. He's going to be 36 has 40 mil left on his contract and his hip, knees and shoulder are blown. I understand they partly did it for chemistry reasons but Shaq (in the words of Dave Feschuk) is human mollases.

I didnt realize his hip, shoulder, and knees are blown. Someone needs to fire the Suns doctors and trainers who signed off on Shaq's physical.

Marion was a cap-max player who could opt out next year. That means he would have been lost for nothing.

Shaq is older and slower than what the Suns typically play. BUT, in the post season, the fast break isnt as potent and the 1/2 court game becomes vital to success... something the Suns need. Look at the success of the Spurs.

And, let's not forget that Shaq, when motivated, is still a 7'1, 300+lbs, nimble big man. He's going to draw attention from defenders and with the 3 point capability of the Suns, Amare's move to 4 and Nash being able to slash through lanes and dump to Shaq, the Suns are more of a playoff team then they were prior to the trade.

"Brutal" is an overstatement when it's exactly zero games after the trade. Wait for Shaq to heal and then it's going to be interesting... the only thing I worry about is perimeter defense - which is why I dont think the Suns are done.

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy

I didnt realize his hip, shoulder, and knees are blown. Someone needs to fire the Suns doctors and trainers who signed off on Shaq's physical.

Marion was a cap-max player who could opt out next year. That means he would have been lost for nothing.

Shaq is older and slower than what the Suns typically play. BUT, in the post season, the fast break isnt as potent and the 1/2 court game becomes vital to success... something the Suns need. Look at the success of the Spurs.

And, let's not forget that Shaq, when motivated, is still a 7'1, 300+lbs, nimble big man. He's going to draw attention from defenders and with the 3 point capability of the Suns, Amare's move to 4 and Nash being able to slash through lanes and dump to Shaq, the Suns are more of a playoff team then they were prior to the trade.

"Brutal" is an overstatement when it's exactly zero games after the trade. Wait for Shaq to heal and then it's going to be interesting... the only thing I worry about is perimeter defense - which is why I dont think the Suns are done.

We still have Bell guarding the perimeter, and look at what the Suns' docs have done with Nash's back, Amare's knees and Hill's ankle.

But, yeah... save those two points, I pretty much agree with everything else you said. Great post!

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

We still have Bell guarding the perimeter, and look at what the Suns' docs have done with Nash's back, Amare's knees and Hill's ankle.

But, yeah... save those two points, I pretty much agree with everything else you said. Great post!

I was being sarcastic with the blown knee, hip, etc... He'll be back healthy because he's motivated to do so. In Miami he wasnt anymore because the team around him was so poor and Wade is hurt.

Bell is a good defender, however, Marion was the Suns answer for Kobe, Dirk and Tony Parker. Those are some tough matchups. They need someone who can really match up defensively with those types of players - I just dont know if Bell can.

Thanks. I think this trade has potential.

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy

I was being sarcastic with the blown knee, hip, etc... He'll be back healthy because he's motivated to do so. In Miami he wasnt anymore because the team around him was so poor and Wade is hurt.

Bell is a good defender, however, Marion was the Suns answer for Kobe, Dirk and Tony Parker. Those are some tough matchups. They need someone who can really match up defensively with those types of players - I just dont know if Bell can.

Thanks. I think this trade has potential.

Oh hey, I can't believe I missed that. My sarcasm detector is usually pretty decent. Must be this crazy flu/cold thing.