All aboard! The Shaq bandwagon departs this station in roughly 8-10 hours....

[AsUdUdE]

How many of those teams won with a 35 year old retread who plays 24 minutes a game?

He has averaged just about 30 MPG right now, "unmotivated".. Why would he average less MPG now?

and I would agree with slinslin.. he was 34 the last time...

 

[jbeecham]

Suns fans don't have much of a choice here.......it's either look for the potential positives or grumble about the negatives or stop watching the team. Steve Kerr wants us to be the SA Spurs and this trade is probably the 1st step to Mike D'Antoni going out the door. Kerr has never believed in up-tempo basketball, he used to constantly say that it'll never work when he was a TNT broadcaster. Now Sarver has given him the reigns to blow up the team as he sees fit, whether D'Antoni approves or not.

This is an all-or-nothing trade and there's probably a 50-75% chance that it won't work. Especially when your GM decides he doesn't like the style of basketball his coach is playing and starts bringing in guys that don't fit the system because he wants to force the system to change. Even if Shaq is in decent enough shape to play 25-30 minutes a game, there's big trouble brewing in the Suns front office. D'Antoni will be gone this offseason and we'll probably get some kind of slow-down defensive minded coach in here like Jeff Van Gundy or some other has-been or never-was. The writing is on the wall.

I hope the trade works out and Shaq fits in and Mike D figures out how to utilize him. The trade has potential if Shaq is motivated and in decent shape and can stay healthy, but there are so many damn IFs. It's a panic move and the sign of a rookie GM, who also seems to get worked over in trades every time. We should at least have the option of swapping picks with the Heat if their pick is lower than the Hawks. Really we should have their pick outright for taking his albatross contract, but Steve Kerr probably thinks that he's ripping the Heat off and didn't even think to ask about swapping or receiving picks (while the Heat laugh at him behind his back).

 

[btimsah]

We have no choice but to be on at this point. Mainly because they got rid of Marion. I loved his rebounding, and abilities. But his insecurity made him such a huge head-case.

Shaq is a great leader. Guys do seem to bloom in Phoenix. Mainly because the system forces them to get in shape, work on shooting and then the coup they get to play with the best assist man in the NBA.

All we can do is hope he stays healthy, and if he does that then were fine. They will have work on what kind of offense they'll run with Shaq. With Stat and Shaq out inside you have to go to those two everytime down. Inside and Out balanced offense, with some running.

 

[abomb]

He has averaged just about 30 MPG right now, "unmotivated".. Why would he average less MPG now?

and I would agree with slinslin.. he was 34 the last time...

You are right. I thought he was closer to 25 MPG than 30.

 

[carrrnuttt]

From another Suns bard:

Here is the highlights from Shaq's last game.

http://broadband.nba.com/cc/playa.php?content=video&url=http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/nbacom/recaps/recap08_606_clemia.asx

There is a nice block then outlet pass for a fast break.

http://broadband.nba.com/cc/playa.php?content=video&url=http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/nbacom/recaps/recap08_587_nykmia.asx

This is another January game. Just watch the first play.

http://broadband.nba.com/cc/playa.php?content=video&url=http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/nbacom/recaps/recap08_575_pormia.asx

Shaq scored 20 and had 11 boards in this January game.

http://broadband.nba.com/cc/playa.php?content=video&url=http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/nbacom/recaps/recap08_564_chimia.asx

Shaq's first game back after sitting due to the hip. Scores 24 and grabs 10 boards on 8-14 shooting and 8-12 from the free throw line. Shaq definitely has plenty left in the tank. Watch the dunk in this highlight.

 

[D-Dogg]

I'll finally watch some games this season now.. Ive said all season Ive had absolutly no interest in the NBA after what happened last season.. But now Im very interested.. We just were not gonna do anything with the way it was.. Amare playing out of position and the clubhouse atmosphere which was said to be in shambles.. Now Amare moves to the 4 and, what I think alot of you may be overlooking, the clubhouse atmosphere should be a great place to be once again.. Shaq is a great locker room guy, the locker room has alot to do with winning.. Amare idolized Shaq and Shaq fawned over him rookie year.. Add that with Nash and I see the potential for something special to happen.. The window on Nash is closing quick and the current style wasnt getting it done.. I'll take a less than prime Shaq for this 2-3 year run.. Lets see what happens.. Now I need to find a Suns schedule..

GO SUNS!!

Shaq is NOT a great lockerroom guy. He is only a great guy if everything is going well according to his requirements. If not, he's a superdouche.

 

[D-Dogg]

Suns fans don't have much of a choice here.......it's either look for the potential positives or grumble about the negatives or stop watching the team. Steve Kerr wants us to be the SA Spurs and this trade is probably the 1st step to Mike D'Antoni going out the door. Kerr has never believed in up-tempo basketball, he used to constantly say that it'll never work when he was a TNT broadcaster. Now Sarver has given him the reigns to blow up the team as he sees fit, whether D'Antoni approves or not.

This is an all-or-nothing trade and there's probably a 50-75% chance that it won't work. Especially when your GM decides he doesn't like the style of basketball his coach is playing and starts bringing in guys that don't fit the system because he wants to force the system to change. Even if Shaq is in decent enough shape to play 25-30 minutes a game, there's big trouble brewing in the Suns front office. D'Antoni will be gone this offseason and we'll probably get some kind of slow-down defensive minded coach in here like Jeff Van Gundy or some other has-been or never-was. The writing is on the wall.

I hope the trade works out and Shaq fits in and Mike D figures out how to utilize him. The trade has potential if Shaq is motivated and in decent shape and can stay healthy, but there are so many damn IFs. It's a panic move and the sign of a rookie GM, who also seems to get worked over in trades every time. We should at least have the option of swapping picks with the Heat if their pick is lower than the Hawks. Really we should have their pick outright for taking his albatross contract, but Steve Kerr probably thinks that he's ripping the Heat off and didn't even think to ask about swapping or receiving picks (while the Heat laugh at him behind his back).

Very good post and on the money, especially in regards to Mike D.

 

[Gee!]

Jumping on the bandwagon and grabbing a schedule now that Snaq is in town.

How is that bandwagon? Suns have always been my team.. And as I said in the post you quoted me on.. I still wasnt over with what happened last year.. The Horry incident and the ref gambling.. How any of that ties into me finding a reason to be be interested once again is beyond me.. Its not like I went and started watching the Celtics or something.. I just quit watching the NBA in generall.. But this peaks my interest so I will see how it plays out..

 

[btimsah]

From another Suns bard:

Thanks for those clips. You would a thought the big guy was playing on crutches the way people were talking about him.

 

[oneofthesedays]

A motivated Shaq does scare me, but this is not the Shaq of old. He's 36 and in the worst shape of his life. How anyone here can think losing Marion and picking up this instead is a good thing is beyond me.

 

[Chaplin]

A motivated Shaq does scare me, but this is not the Shaq of old. He's 36 and in the worst shape of his life. How anyone here can think losing Marion and picking up this instead is a good thing is beyond me.

Could be spin, but that's not what everyone is reporting.

 

[D-Dogg]

How is that bandwagon? Suns have always been my team.. And as I said in the post you quoted me on.. I still wasnt over with what happened last year.. The Horry incident and the ref gambling.. How any of that ties into me finding a reason to be be interested once again is beyond me.. Its not like I went and started watching the Celtics or something.. I just quit watching the NBA in generall.. But this peaks my interest so I will see how it plays out..

So you love shaq now?

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Yes, we do. And I find it odd that you are arguing with us in regards to Shaq.


But man, I know more than anyone how easy it is to look for the good in a trade. I was fully behind the Kwame for Caron trade we made...and look how that turned out (well, it turned into Pau, but still, not a good trade).

Actually D-Dogg my fav team as pre teen was Orlando, Was born and raised in LA so all of my friends are Laker fans, and I have lived in Miami the past 3 years.

Not to mentioned I am the self proclaimed "NBA Super Fan" so I'm willing to bet my Shaq knowledge is equally on-par

 

[Arizona's Finest]

A motivated Shaq does scare me, but this is not the Shaq of old. He's 36 and in the worst shape of his life. How anyone here can think losing Marion and picking up this instead is a good thing is beyond me.

Thats because you overvalue Marion's worth on the Suns and are thinking of - broken down I don't give a damn - Shaq of the past season of a half with that D-League team .

I'm not saying its a sure thing we are winning the title or anything but Marion is severly overrated on this team. His rebounding numbers especially. 7.7 by shaq >>>> 9.9 for Marion.

And if you think a stat is stat is stat then Antoine Walker wants to talk to you about his MVP snub the year he played with the Hawks.

 

[AsUdUdE]

Actually D-Dogg my fav team as pre teen was Orlando, Was born and raised in LA so all of my friends are Laker fans, and I have lived in Miami the past 3 years.

Not to mentioned I am the self proclaimed "NBA Super Fan" so I'm willing to bet my Shaq knowledge is equally on-par

HAve you watched a lot of Miami games??

Honestly, how has shaq looked? When he has played, has he legitmantly looked done?

 

[D-Dogg]

Actually D-Dogg my fav team as pre teen was Orlando, Was born and raised in LA so all of my friends are Laker fans, and I have lived in Miami the past 3 years.

Not to mentioned I am the self proclaimed "NBA Super Fan" so I'm willing to bet my Shaq knowledge is equally on-par

I see your bet, and raise it with: have you read Roland Lazenby's books on the lakers, or read the newspapers/sites about Shaq when he was with the lakers religiously?

 

[Gee!]

So you love shaq now?

I would only love Shaq if he brought a championship here.. I hated Shaq because he was on the lakers.. I liked him on the Magic and on the Heat.. My Shaq hate was only fueled out of jealousy when he was on the lakers.. Its nothing like the Kobe hate I have.. I would never want Kobe on my team at all.. I always wanted Shaq on the Suns and it is prolly one more reason why Im intriqued... But love, at this point, is too strong a word.. Now if it was Shaq 10 years ago being traded here it would be a love fest.. But I reserve that for now to see what the big guy has left..

 

[Arizona's Finest]

HAve you watched a lot of Miami games??

Honestly, how has shaq looked? When he has played, has he legitmantly looked done?

In fact I have.

Shaq still demands double teams and still has good post moves. But with Kapono gone and their best 3 point shooter being Rick Davis, and DWade still not fully recovered from his injury there was no need to worry about double teaming Shaq and having others open.

Riley's message has gone on deaf ear and EVERYONE of those malcontents tuned him out. And that includes Shaq.

But he was still being double teamed, great post players were not eating him up and he actually blocks out.

So in the right situation with a team with title chances and shooters and STEVE FREAKING NASH....I think its safe bet that old as he is, we get a better version of the impossible situation he has been in this year.

Anyone for 17, 9 and 1 out of the center spot?

More importantly: Anyone for 25, 11, and 2 from our PF spot now?

 

[mojorizen7]

I'm on board.
We were a paper contender before Shaq so i'm all for taking a risk that may pay off big time.
Had we not made a move, everyone here(Hoover) would've been subject to my daily small ball is a gimmick posts so at least now i'm approaching this with a glass half full mentality.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

I see your bet, and raise it with: have you read Roland Lazenby's books on the lakers, or read the newspapers/sites about Shaq when he was with the lakers religiously?

Read Phil Jackson's book, and I actuallyhave the infamous LA TIMES "Star wars" front page at home.

And while I didn't read the LA Times every day I am a big Adande, TJ and PLaschke fan and read them on the regular.

I understood the situation enough from 2004 where I thought the Lakers made the right move and personally I am closet Kobe fan. So I know the Lakers very well and sided with Buss at the time.

I just think these are different circumstances. Oh and I think this is the best team AROUND Shaq that he has ever played on. Disagree?

 

[Chaplin]

If a 315-pound guy is 2 feet from the basket, he'll make the shot. Period. Isn't that all we need to know?

 

[abomb]

I just think these are different circumstances. Oh and I think this is the best team AROUND Shaq that he has ever played on. Disagree?

Good question.

I've always been partial to this one.

 

[D-Dogg]

Read Phil Jackson's book, and I actuallyhave the infamous LA TIMES "Star wars" front page at home.

And while I didn't read the LA Times every day I am a big Adande, TJ and PLaschke fan and read them on the regular.

I understood the situation enough from 2004 where I thought the Lakers made the right move and personally I am closet Kobe fan. So I know the Lakers very well and sided with Buss at the time.

I just think these are different circumstances. Oh and I think this is the best team AROUND Shaq that he has ever played on. Disagree?

You are a hoop geek. Read Lazenby's book the show, if for nothing else for the pure awesomeness of the basketball history. Read Mad Game (kobe book) for an insight into how great of a teammate shaq was.

Re: the bold....agree and disagree...it is all about chemistry. On pure talent, it is close to the Kobe/Karl/Gary/Shaq team though I give the nod there and they would have won the title ir Malone had been healthy. Second most talented, yes. However, Mike D is not Phil Jackson...no matter how much he things he is. And Shaq is not who he was then either. It will be interesting, but I would not be optimistic.

 

[TBaslim]

One thing I can't wait to see though, is the first time all the Suns fans complain about Shaq getting fouled all the time. Also, when you all defend his post move and say that he isn't committing an offensive foul.

I remember all of you howling that he should foul out every game. Something tells me that a lot of you may have a different perspective this time around.

With that said, I still think this is a positive move for the Suns.

Very fair point. I've been mulling over how to justify this come playoff time.

Of course, at this point, what the heck. The NBA clearly is NEVER, EVER going to ref the playoff game REMOTELY close to the regular season game. Period.

As much as that pisses me off (as a big fan of the aesthetics of pure regular season run-n-gun pro ball), if the Suns ever want a title, guess they have to sell out to Stern's wishes for at least a bit of bruiser playoff bball.

At least Shaq will be entertaining about it vs some random big man/foul machine.

 

[abomb]

However, Mike D is not Phil Jackson...no matter how much he things he is.

Speaking of, I cant wait for the verbal barbs coming in a few weeks. Now with PJ's Shaqy Goodness!