The Shaq Trade

A lot of people are criticizing the Suns for trading Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks to the Heat for Shaquille O’Neal but I think the move will win them the NBA title. The unexpected swap will alter the attack of the run-and-gun Suns and thus end one of the most entertaining basketball shows in the history of the game. Consider how the trade alters the chemistry of the team.

Swapping Shaq for Marion makes Phoenix slower and less fearsome on the fast break and it breaks up a classic alley-oop combination. (Has there been a better duo since Payton and the Reign Man?) Marion can push the ball up the floor with his own dribble whereas Shaq in the open floor is more of an adventure. The Suns lose Marion’s ability as an excellent on-ball defender and his two steals per game along with 35% from behind the arc.

But what do they get in return? And does it really make them less equipped to handle the Western Conference playoff gauntlet? Doesn’t Shaq’s playoff experience alone (14 years, four rings, and three Finals MVPs) count for a lot? Kazaam and Amare pose a formidable threat against opposing teams driving to the hoop and they now have 12 fouls to throw at Tim Duncan. No longer will things look as bleak for the Suns when Amare inevitably bites on a Duncan head fake and heads to the bench during key minutes of a big game. They also match-up nicely against L.A.’s Bynum/Gasol front court duo. Although we don’t know exactly how D’Antoni with deploy Shaq within the offense, O’Neal will provide a huge boost when Nash is not in the game. Barbosa is an explosive scorer but he often does not look comfortable at the point and the Suns struggle to get open shots. Shaq on the block is always a decent option and he’s even more dangerous when surrounded by shooters. Finally, Shaq has publicly stated that he wants to be a glue-guy - - willing to accept any role for the good of the team - - while Marion has made it clear that he would prefer a more increased role in the half-court offense.

This experiment will ultimately be successful only if Nash and O’Neal can both adapt to the modified offensive scheme as well as to each other. Nash clearly thrives on the break but he’s just as effective in the half court offense. It shouldn’t take long for him to connect with Neon on a few lobs around the goal. Nash (along with D’Antoni) also has to figure out how often to go into O’Neal in the half court set. There may be some nights when the Big Aristotle on the block is a popular option for Phoenix. Nash may prefer to fast break but I trust that the two-time MVP can figure out how to best involve the Shaq Attack in the offense.

The much bigger issue is how Shaq will adopt to his new surroundings. He will no longer be the primary option and he will be forced to defer to Nash and Amare running their pick-and-roll. But Norman isn’t blind and he knows what it takes to win in the NBA. I can’t see him letting his ego demand touches to the detriment of the team. If anything, O’Neal’s belief in his own awesomeness actually should motivate him. A fifth championship with Phoenix strengthens the argument that he is the greatest big man to ever play the game. No doubt Shaq sees parallels between his current situation and Wilt Chamberlain’s last championship with the 1971-72 Lakers. Wilt was fourth on the team in scoring but first in rebounds and fourth in assists with four a game. Shaq’s passing ability combined with the Suns 3-point threats should allow him to rack up assists in the desert.

Provided Shaq is healthy, the Sun should rise in Phoenix as the big man predicts. Winning is rejuvenating and the Suns provide the perfect atmosphere for O’Neal to once again play for a champion. While this writer thinks that Phoenix is the front runner in the West, only time will tell if - - as he has put it himself - - Steve Kerr is a moron or a genius.