Shaq in Phoenix
The trade sending Shaquille O'Neal to the Phoenix Suns has been a done for a few hours; but, I haven't given my take on the trade -- in print, that is, yet. (I gave a quick take on Sports Rap (www.kcohradio.com); but, it's time for a few more details.
The Suns are taking a huge risk simply because Shaq hasn't been healthy for the last few seasons. If The Diesel is healthy enough to play 20 to 25 minutes the rest of this season and the two remaining years on his contract, the risk the Suns are taking would be worth it.
I'm not one of the critics who complain the Suns cannot run their fastbreak with Shaq.
Tell me this: how many teams run a five-player fast break? Very, very few -- if any teams at all.
You need one guy to rebound and make the outlet pass; one guy to push the ball up the floor; and, at least, one guy to finish. That's three players! Of course, a four-player fast break is possible, too; however, I don't recall seeing any "5 on 1 fastbreaks".
As Suns forward Boris Diaw said of the deal: "I think it will be OK. Usually, when we play fastbreak, it's not five guys down the court. It's always two or three. We're still going to play some fastbreak and now we've got more leverage for the halfcourt."
Shaq can rebound the ball; pass to Steve Nash; and watch his new teammates finish at the other end of the court.
Next, for all of their firepower, how many NBA titles have the Suns won since 2000? None.
That tells me the Suns needed to make change because Phoenix losing to the San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs year after year had gotten old.
Plus, Shaq's presence will allow Amare Stoudemire to play power forward -- his natural position.
Next, team chemistry was a problem. Shawn Marion wasn't thrilled with all of the trade talks involving him the past two seasons. Marion wanted a contract extension; but, the Suns weren't willing to discuss it. Stoudemire wasn't happy as well.
Diaw summed up the problems this way: "Even though we got a good record on the season, we still got some problems on the team so that's what we tried to rectify. I never thought I'd play with Shaq ever. I always heard he's a good teammate and a great guy."
As far as the Heat in this deal, the Heat has gained flexibility with this trade. Marcus Banks should be a solid replacement for Jason Williams who is not expected to re-sign with Miami this offseason.
Shawn Marion can opt of his contract this summer. However, Shawn needs to realize teams aren't going to pay him the $17 M he'd leave on the table if he decides to opt out. If Marion does indeed opt out of his contract, Miami will have a huge amount of salary cap space to make a push for some top notch free agents such as forward Elton Brand.
Miami should end up with a top 5 lottery pick in the 2008 Draft. Therefore, a top 5 pick; plus Elton Brand and Dwyane Wade is a very good way to return to the winning ways.
Overall, clearly, Phoenix is taking a big risk with this trade. Suns' GM Steve Kerr knows he's taking a huge risk. Shaq must be healthy; in shape; and motivated. However, if you're standing pat in the NBA, you're falling behind.
The 2008 Western Conference playoffs should be spectacular!
The Suns are taking a huge risk simply because Shaq hasn't been healthy for the last few seasons. If The Diesel is healthy enough to play 20 to 25 minutes the rest of this season and the two remaining years on his contract, the risk the Suns are taking would be worth it.
I'm not one of the critics who complain the Suns cannot run their fastbreak with Shaq.
Tell me this: how many teams run a five-player fast break? Very, very few -- if any teams at all.
You need one guy to rebound and make the outlet pass; one guy to push the ball up the floor; and, at least, one guy to finish. That's three players! Of course, a four-player fast break is possible, too; however, I don't recall seeing any "5 on 1 fastbreaks".
As Suns forward Boris Diaw said of the deal: "I think it will be OK. Usually, when we play fastbreak, it's not five guys down the court. It's always two or three. We're still going to play some fastbreak and now we've got more leverage for the halfcourt."
Shaq can rebound the ball; pass to Steve Nash; and watch his new teammates finish at the other end of the court.
Next, for all of their firepower, how many NBA titles have the Suns won since 2000? None.
That tells me the Suns needed to make change because Phoenix losing to the San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs year after year had gotten old.
Plus, Shaq's presence will allow Amare Stoudemire to play power forward -- his natural position.
Next, team chemistry was a problem. Shawn Marion wasn't thrilled with all of the trade talks involving him the past two seasons. Marion wanted a contract extension; but, the Suns weren't willing to discuss it. Stoudemire wasn't happy as well.
Diaw summed up the problems this way: "Even though we got a good record on the season, we still got some problems on the team so that's what we tried to rectify. I never thought I'd play with Shaq ever. I always heard he's a good teammate and a great guy."
As far as the Heat in this deal, the Heat has gained flexibility with this trade. Marcus Banks should be a solid replacement for Jason Williams who is not expected to re-sign with Miami this offseason.
Shawn Marion can opt of his contract this summer. However, Shawn needs to realize teams aren't going to pay him the $17 M he'd leave on the table if he decides to opt out. If Marion does indeed opt out of his contract, Miami will have a huge amount of salary cap space to make a push for some top notch free agents such as forward Elton Brand.
Miami should end up with a top 5 lottery pick in the 2008 Draft. Therefore, a top 5 pick; plus Elton Brand and Dwyane Wade is a very good way to return to the winning ways.
Overall, clearly, Phoenix is taking a big risk with this trade. Suns' GM Steve Kerr knows he's taking a huge risk. Shaq must be healthy; in shape; and motivated. However, if you're standing pat in the NBA, you're falling behind.
The 2008 Western Conference playoffs should be spectacular!
posted by Kris G @ 10:18 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home