Just Another Take On The Shaquille O’Neal Trade
Shaq on the Suns, huh? It still seems so odd. I’m not sure how we’ll look back at this season and all its big trades, but is this a Hall of Famer being traded for what he’s done in the past, or will he be that missing link Phoenix needs?
The Suns have been very, very close the last few seasons. A basket here, some common sense by David Stern there, and we’d be talking about this run and gun Suns team as the one that finally won it all with no D. Trading for Shaq does not change the way we should look at this team. Just because one guy runs slower than the rest, it doesn’t make their style any slower. There is no 5 man fast break.
We all know the game slows down in the post season; defenses tighten up, fast break points decrease. Phoenix had a plodder starting for them in the playoffs last season. Similar to Shaq, Kurt Thomas was in the lineup to take up space, keep Amare Stoudemire out of foul trouble, defend and rebound. Shaq is there for all those reasons, and to add a little more offence. This team was still flying up the floor with Thomas and will continue to do so with Shaq. That’s if he can stay on that floor.
Shaq was brought in to do what he did against the Suns on November 9, 2007. He was a beast that night. He beat up Stoudemire so much that Amare got irritated and was tossed for arguing a call. I’m not sure how much Phoenix was swayed by Shaq’s 25 point, 10 rebound, 3 block performance, but it had to have left a mark on GM Steve Kerr. He’s not the only one (bottom) thinking Shaq has plenty left. I, myself, came away from that game totally convinced that The Big Diesel was back. As he makes this new pit stop, can we really doubt him if he is injury free?
As for right now, Shaq looks good in practice. He may be allowing the cameras to only turn on for the play or two he looks like the old Shaq, but either way, he seems pretty healthy. And this Suns medical staff knows injuries. From Amare’s knee, to Steve Nash’s back, to Grant Hill’s body, these guys have seen some ugly things. You have to assume if they give Shaq a good bill of health, they know something we don’t.
And, so does team management. Only one team gets to the top of the pile. It’s never been a question of talent in Phoenix but there has been something missing from their formula. When several talented teams are pulling for the same thing, there has to be an extra jolt of desire and swagger to get to that peak. Enter The Big Aristotle. Shaq might not make the difference on the court with his shooting or passing, but his teammates will play knowing they have a 4-time title winner riding with them. Shaq’s arrival may simply coincide with the ball finally bouncing Phoenix’s way in the playoffs, but sometimes you have to be good, or at least think you’re good, to be lucky.
Comments (5)NBA Tats Inspired By Amare
New NBA Player’s Tattoos Inspired by Amare Stoudemire’s “Knowledge Is Knowledge” Tat.
Grant Hill: “Health Is Unlikely”
Darrell Armstrong: “Power Is Coffee”
Jason Kidd: “I Is Handsy”
Jerome James: “Money Is Isiah”
Tim Thomas: “Effort Is Overrated”
Kobe Bryant: “Woe Is Me”
Antoine Walker: “Gravy Is Dinner”
Knowledge Is Knowledge [Free Darko]
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WeTube: Amare Stoudemire ‘Making It Rain’
If you have no idea what’s going on here — Grandma — this is video of Suns superstar Amare Stoudemire “making it rain” by throwing money into a crowd at a nightclub. Ridiculous? Of course. But at least Amare manages to make it look somewhat classy.
And oh, yeah, he gets his Pac.
Comments (1)Beware The Beast
Seen last night in Phoenix: large wooly mammoth with the ability to jump, fly and score over anyone on the basketball court. He was accompanied by a white, shaggier friend who possesses the uncanny ability of finding the right guy, at the right time.
Seen last night in Salt Lake City: a ‘Mailman’ who loved to pick and roll just as much as he loves having a piece of straw between his teeth. Along side him was a teammate who could pass and wear short-shorts with the best of them.
The tandem of Nash and Stoudemire are a more modern version of Stockton and Malone. Sure the Sun duo relies more on raw athleticism than structured offensive sets but they are just as beautiful to watch. It’s impossible to change the channel when watching these two manipulate the floor. Still in their infancy as an All-Star pair, Amare and Steve still have several years to perfect their trade.
With Nash at the helm, Stoudemire is arguably the best, and definitely the most athletic big man in the L. No disrespect to the pick and roll combo in Utah, but these two may actually win a title. The top 4 powers all have weaknesses: the Spurs are hurting, the Heat are still adapting to several personnel changes, the Pistons have no depth and the Mavs have holes on D. The Suns now own an extremely intimidating starting 5 of: Nash, Raja Bell, Boris Diaw, Shawn Marion and Stoudemire with Kurt and Tim Thomas coming off the bench.
As the Suns mesh, teams will start shakin’ in their booties cause STAT is back and he’s already speaking in the 3rd person.
And why the hell do people call him STAT (Standing Tall and Talented)?
Comments (9)About
The Basketball Jones is a NBA blog and podcast, written and recorded five times a week by J.E. Skeets, Tas Melas and Jason Doyle. Comments, questions and cold hard cash are always welcome and much appreciated. Contact us.
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