Shaquille O’Neal to the Suns? I had heard the rumors but I did not think it would happen. But today the trade was announced, Shaq to the Suns for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. Which immediately prompted another question, Why?
The Suns are known as a running team. They like to get up and down the court quickly and their 109.4 points per game average is a testament to that. Marion was often the leader of the fast break. And while Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire receive all the credit, both were selected as All-Stars this year, Marion was their Mr. Everything. With his versatility he would be able to play multiple positions and would be the guy to grab that crucial rebound or nail the open three. Marion was the perfect fit for this offense but he had one drawback, he was unhappy. During the off-season he voiced his displeasure with a request to be traded. No trade was made by the beginning of the season and the Suns have compiled the best record in the West. So why trade now?
There are a couple of theories as to why GM Steve Kerr pulled the trigger on this trade. Some say it is a reflex response to the Lakers acquiring Pau Gasol, but it could be due to the fact that as was shown in the recent game against the Spurs, they can’t defend against a big man. This has been their downfall in past years, they would try and run every team out of the gym but they couldn’t stop a low post presence. Which is why even though my initial reaction was that there was no way that Shaq would fit with them, with a few changes in the offense he could become very effective. He will not be the dominate game changer that he was in past years, but with this supporting cast he wont have to be. Even though he may not be in his prime he still has a lot to offer. He will finally give Phoenix a post presence that can guard the centers in the west. And while the Suns will have to slow the pace of their offense running it through the post will give them more options in the half-court. And Shaq’s experience can’t be overlooked either. He is a guy that has been there, done that. He has been where the rest of the team wants to be, a ring ceremony.
Will this trade benefit the Suns? Only time will tell. For it to work Shaq will have to remain healthy. And if Mike D’Antoni can adjust his offense accordingly, it just might work. Besides don’t you think Shaq would love the chance to stick it to Kobe in the playoffs?
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