Posted By: Gary Bender
February 8, 2008 1:48 PM

When the trade first went down, an ESPN Poll indicated that 71% of the country thought it was a bad trade for Phoenix. At first blush, I must admit I did as well. After watching Shaq during his time in the Valley of the Sun, I have started to change my thinking.

I am convinced that Steve Kerr had to "go for it". The move gives the Suns a chance to win the title and offsets what the Lakers were able to pull off getting Pau Gasol from Memphis. Having said all that, I can't quite get my arms around what it is going to look like with the "Diesel" in a Suns Uniform. Shaq brings a magnetic personality, a bigger than life presence to the Suns. Does he have anything left in the tank? The Suns Medical Staff was pleasantly suprised how good his hip looked and feel they can get him rolling.

I'm like the guy who just bought a brand new sports car and can't wait to drive it. I can't wait for Shaq to make his debut!!! If you think its surreal now, wait until that night he comes onto the floor with his new teammates. I get chills just thinking about it!

Comments

patrick - manila, phils
great post...I am all so excited as well...cant wait for the DIESEL to prove all his critics wrong including BARKLEY and bring home a championship in the VALLEY OF SUN, something which SIR CHARLES failed to do....

Dave Hammond - San Diego
I think the piece that everyone is missing in all this is that they are focused on what Shaq is personally bringing to the Suns. While that is potentially great, perhaps the biggest benefit of this is that it will allow Amare to play facing the basket without being double teamed. That should cause everyone else in the league a lot of sleepless nights.

Suns#1Fan - Columbia Illinois
Most people thing that the trade for Shaq was a bad idea at first. Even I did. Considering that we could've waited and gotten a lot more better offers. It was because we lost to the Spurs and we freaked. We thought that we would never survive in the Wild West. But now that you think about it, maybe we did get the best of this trade. The bottom line was, and always will be... YOU CAN'T WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP WITH THE RUN 'N GUN OFFENCE!!!!! With this trade we slowed down just enough that we will be able to last deeper and deeper into the play-offs. And now we can defend guys like Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, Yao Ming, and ect.. But the point is, is that this trade will work. Do you know why? Because Wednesday, when Shaq went in for his physical, afterwards Steve Kerr's medical staff looked him in the eye and said that this guy can still play.

But I will leave it up to this, beecause it is like Steve Kerr said, "If this works, I'm a genius. If it doesn't, I'm a moron."

logical_person - fcbej@cox.net
Having Shaq is great, but I feel absolutely cheated that the loyal fans of Shawn Marion didn't even get a chance to say goodbye - no tribute or anything. Shawn is the man and we gave him no respect.

Litzy - Phoenix
i think it was the dummest trade ever,

Shaq cant keep up with da suns style.

Why would we want an injured, not to mention old player? Why did we give up SHAWN, our best defender, he does so many things on the court.

Oh, and as a bonus we gave up banks as well, personally i think shawn is better dan shaq. I dnt care if shaq has four championships. Amare isnt gonna fill shawns spot effectively. His defense needs work, and i dnt think shaq can get us a championship. I cant believe Kerr gave up shawn, of all people. He is wat defines the suns. I dont see how shaq can bring a championship to phoenix.

larry - palmerston North NZ
like u...I cant wait to see the results as well...on paper, it certainly make us that much better...but...again...thats on PAPER...remember the Blazers from 1999-2002??? This trade has better work! SUNS 08!!!

-
I am a big Suns fan, but I think that trading one excellent player like Marion, much less two players for a hurt, has-been like Shaq is ridiculous. I don't know who the person from Miami was who sold this idea, but he's a heck of a salesman...or we're just gullible. I am sick of having Shaq crammed down my throat already!

JOHN S. - SURPRISE AZ
If you watched the Hornet game, and then our win over the Sonics, and still wonder why management pulled the trigger on the Shaq deal, you don't know basketball. Don't tell me Shaq can't run if he has the desire and motivation to do it. Suns could not contend with at least five teams who will be in this years title hunt before this trade. The will and heart of a pro athlete can overcome alot of negatives. Shaq is a player who craves the spotlight, he will dig down to prove the critics wrong, and that ego just might bring a title with it.

bayani09 - philippines
This is going to be different for Shaq and for the franchise as well. Going to this franchise which is always known for lack of "D" will surely beef them up hopefully if Shaq will truly stand as the "diesel" despite of his age and ailing condition. With the assurance of the medical team that they would do everything to rebuild Shaq's health and at the same time, Shaq also told them that he would cooperate with them, I believe Shaq will lead this team to championship. Hill has made himself again through the help of medical/training team, and Shaq is looking forward to this. Getting to the "Run and Gun" team is completely different for Shaq and he needs to adjust to this tempo. Marion & Banks will be missed, but this is just part of the business. I wish them good luck for their new team. Shaq is done with Heat, and this is the time for him to shine again! With Shaq as the new member of the franchise, truly, sun will shine in Phoenix! Go Suns Go!

the black falcon - Adelaide
For 2 year ive gone for the heat mainly because they had Shaq. In that time The suns have been my seconf faveroute but now that Shaq is on the suns I can either follow my team or my player. If im lucky i can do both. Also with me living in the land down under (AWESOME place) its hard to folow the NBA so which team do you think i should folow.

BlinBlin - Vilnius
Great move Suns! How many different teams has Shaq played on? How many different teams has Shaq taken to the Finals? The answers are 3 and 3. He is the probably the most dominant big man to ever play the game. Even half a Shaq is a great deal for the Suns. I expect him to take the Suns over the hump in the coming months. Can you imagine Nash's eyes in a half court game? Does he pass to Shaq or Amare...I guess we'll soon find out. But I can't wait to see the results!

Something everybody seems to be forgetting is that Nash makes EVERY player around him better. I can't wait to see the results regarding Shaq!

Argenis Fradique - South Florida
You guys are gonna have so much fun down the stretch. Shaq will deliver!! He proved that to all us Heat fans....

Jargal - Russia
Well. I doubt that he is going to be a factor in

Suns playoff run. He is old guy first of all,

and he is out of gas at the moment. At his age with his size and with all bruises and bumps that he has got during his carier, I highly doubt that he will get another ring. It is like Jordan's 3rd comeback became a flop.

But I still wish him good luck.

mb132492141 - deafvalley,cali.
shaq will with out a dought bring a impact to the Phenix Suns,but will it be a possitive one for the team.Doesn't the big man have an hip injury.And the Suns are a fast tempo type of team,do you really feel that Deisel can keep up.And Marion was perfectly healthy.Has the heat down there in Phenix fried your brains.

michelle merk - Glendale AZ
Shawn was one of our favorite players,it's sad to think if we do win the championship that Shawn does'nt get any of the glory for all the pleasure of his talent he has given sun's fans over the years,he has truly earned it.

Dennis Price - Newbridge, NB; Canada
The Suns just "inherited" a new fan! I have been a huge Shaq fan since I first saw him play during his second year at LSU. I had never seen a man so big with such agility. I watched in awe as he tore down the backboard in New Jersey during his rookie season and I still remember watching the support crumple in Phoenix shortly after that.

Shaq's game has changed a lot over the years and obviously he is on the downside of his spectacular career...BUT this guy has pride and I think he still has enough left in the tank to give the Suns what they need. Shaq is one of the most unselfish superstars you'll ever see. If he can get fully healthy again soon, Suns fans will enjoy doing what I've been doing for the past 16 seasons...watching Shaq distort the game of basketball. He totally changes the game with his presence. He gives the other players on the court better looks and he's also a great passer for a big man.

I can't wait to see Shaq suit up and prove that he still is a dominant force in the game today!!

He's a winner and I think the negative spin the press has put on this trade is just going to give him extra motivation...Backboards everywhere are starting to get nervous again!!!

Go Shaq!!

Go Suns!!!

-
i think this trade will help the suns alot but will decrease their free throw percentage

Jordan Ellis - Sanger, California
IT"S GREAT!!! He may be a little aged and might not have many years left in the tank... BUT, this gives the suns the best opportunity to win the championship NOW!!!! Think about it. Nash,Barbosa,Bell,Stodumire,and O'Neil or Nash,Bell,Diaw,Stodumire, and O'Neil as the starting rotation. Good God the 3 point balls are gonna drop!!! Now who are they gonna double team? SHAQ or Amare? either way they are toast.

Renee - Phoenix
Hope Shaq does indeed show us many wins to come, we need him to debut soon. The Suns need all the wins they can get,now that Marion & Banks are not on the roster. Shaq, welcome to the Valley of the Suns,now lets see you on the floor. We are season ticket holders.Can't wait to see if our tickets can be sold for more than we bought them for with Shaq in the Planet Orange arena.

Dorothy R. Russell - Sun City, Arizona
The first day it was reported that Shaq was coming to the Suns I was sooooooooo excited. When I went to bed I listened to ESPN radio and then I kept getting up and turning on the TV. Then back to the radio and then to the TV. I couldn't sleep. The Suns need Shaq. Just his presence on the court will change everything. We need a big man in the center position. This will let Amare be himself and develop in the right direction as a player. There are so many pluses with this trade I could go on for pages.

Erick - 757
I think that it was good that Shaq moved to the Suns beacuse he was kind of being used on the Heat and will have more back up on the SUNS beacuase on the HEAT their was not alot of big people.

bobby - litchfield park
at first i was hesitant as well becuase we got rid of shawn and everything he does, but the more i thought of it, the more excited i was for it to happen. he has a personality that is infectious and you want to be around peole like tha cause it creates positive results in all they do. but what seled the deal for me was watching the guy point to his ring finder during wednesdays game. that brought chills to my body and a crazy excitement. so anxious to see what happens...

phxmiamifan - phoenix
Shawn Marion will most definetly be missed, he is a huge contribution to the suns success and I do not believe for one minute this should be forgotten. Yes we are excited to have shaq but it still remains to be seen for now. Shaq hasn't been the same Shaq of old for a while. So if the suns should win the title this year, will be thinking of Shawn too because he a key factor in the suns having the best record currently this year. I'm glad to have Shaq and hope he will come through, it will be very interesting to see but also we just gave up one of the best players this team has had with his dedication and skills. So GO HEAT and GO SUNS!!!

Resa Doodoh - Jakarta, Indonesia
Ooo...yeaa...you said it, Gary. It's going to be an exciting night indeed. Can't wait to see Shaq's contribution for the SUNS. Hiks...if i could only see it LIVE. :(( So, 71% thinks bad, huh? ;)) Psssttt... try the internet...;) Say...isn't there still one seat open? I wonder whose going to sit there. YUP!!! This is going to be exciting indeed. GO SUNS!!! KEEP THOSE EYES ON THE PRIZE!!!

Aaron - Phoenix
I'm right on board with you Gary. That game is going to be awesome and the crowd is going to go wild!!!

sharlene s - keams canyon az
WE ARE GOING TO MISS MARION....HE WAS A GREAT PLAYER HERE IN PHOENIX...WELL BE MISSED...AS FOR SHAQ HOPE HE CAN BRING THE SUNS TO A TITLE....

Raw Dog - Phoenix, Arizona
In the trade, I can see Shaq helping out the Suns in getting a title. In Miami, Shawns numbers will go down, and since the Heat are in a rebuilding process as Riley has stated. But as we all have known in Phoenix, we have never had a true center in the line up. As for myself and thousands of Phoenix fans small ball has been doing well for us but, I never could understand why the Suns have drafted a true center. For all the past coaches and players who have been a part of the organization, a sense of relief in in the future, for a banner will be hanging on thr rafters for all to see. As for the Western Conference, this trade sent ripples in the teams that would play against us. In most of the cities, the news media have written negative comments of the trade and why not. Sports reporters, the first rule is not to take sides and to examine the over all trade. I have read comments from a lot of papers, and the one that stayed with me was Tim Duncans, where he said the Western Conference just got tougher. This is coming from one of the elite players from San Antonio. Phoenix can take on any team, but to get to the top you still need help in the middle to win a title and now Shaq is in town.

Perry P. Roble jr. - philippines
tnx for the trade between the suns and heat. my thoughts of the suns team now are this; they will dominate this season and i think they will be unstopable right now.two unstopable player had come together with the one best point guard in the nba steve nash..so soppurt the suns this season and playoff..so that they will be the 07-08 NBA CHAMPIONS...and they will beat LAKERS and CELTICS...

lilet - manila
a genius move by kerr and d antoni. it is not shaq's productivity, but what he will impart to the players and the fans. i have been neutral since MJs retirement, now i am for the Suns! go suns go!!!!!!

JV -
I think it's a good addition for the suns

Antoinette - Phoenix, AZ
Well, I have never paid any attention to him since he started playing in NBA. I only seen him when he played the Bulls in Jordan days and Suns games. I have never be a Shaq fan at all. But I am sure he will prove many of the people wrong and if Magic says to never underestimate Shaq, i can only think that the Suns made a good decision. But I will only wait and see what happens. The teammates are happy to get him and I was there at the game against Hornets when they introduced him. It was amazing to see the Suns reaction. Of course, I was not standing and cheering for him since like I said I have never paid any attention to him at all. He is definately a giant though. Its a big change, I will just wait and see what happens with him on the team. But I am a Suns fan no matter what!!

niel - alabama
it was a good trade ... now suns can have the twin tower like san antonio used to have.

Aretha - Mesa, AZ
I get chills just thinking about seeing Shaq in a Suns uniform too. Chills .... and nausea, and all those other flu-like symptoms.

GREG STRONG - PHX ARIZONA
THIS IS AGREAT TRADE SE YOU IN THE FINALS .SHAQ HAS ALOT IN THE TANK AND ALOT TO PROVE R YOU READY THE SUN WILL RISE IN PHOENIX.IM OUT.

JOHN S. - SURPRISE AZ
Good game against the Wizards. You can see the renewed effort, energy and motivation the Shaq trade has made. We can also see how important it is to have a defensive inside presence. Suns are still sloppy at times, and Nash is getting into the diturbing habit of turning the ball over to much. Amare played a strong game, and Bell seems to be coming on. Without the big difference in offensive rebounds, and second chance points, we take down the Wizards by double digits. If Shaq can make us competitive in that area, Suns will be tough to beat in a seven game series.

marc antia - hereford az


bad deal, shawn marion was the phoenix suns!!

the suns will not be the suns without marion!!

where is the loyalty to the players,and fans in this game nowadays?finally in the last few years my suns had their identidy again...gone now...and for what??can this washed up primadonna give us the exitement the matrix brought us???oh thats right hes going to help us get the title right?? thats why L.A and MIAMI would not let him go!!!

John Doney - Greenville, SC
Shaq brings defense and rebounding to the Suns which is the key to winning it all. The Suns have finally done what is necessary in order to win it all.

Sherdil Rana - Philippines
ya man,,, i totally agree with you. You're a genius. Shaq is Shaq. I'm so excited too... Man, let's do this!!!

ceciLLe - +philippines+
i think phoenix suns will be a great team, now that shaq is one of them, . .

he will definitely be an excellent help to amare, steve & the others with the defense, & specially, offense, . . = )

Trent Peterson - SnowFlake Arizona
I think that trading for shaq was something the suns had to do in order to win in the playoffs. He may not be as Dominant as he use to be but he will be a big body down low to push people around

crillz - albany new york
SUNS IS GONNA BE A PROBLEM FOR EVERY B-BAL TEAM

Jaime Soto - Glendale, Az
The Suns are a great team, but we could never get over the hump the last 3 years in the playoffs.We lack rebounding and defense and Shaq will help in the paint by altering shots and causing double teames on the offensive end.And I think alot of people are forgetting how much this is going to free up Amarie and take pressure off him to do all the rebounding and shot blocking, not to mention our 3 point shooters are going to have a field day with Shaq's double teams . Marion is a great player, but the Suns would have just been spinning there wheels again in the playoffs if they had not made the trade. Plus the Lakers have 3 7ft scorers now with Gasol, Bynum, and Odom,the Suns could never match up with them now without the trade. Marion over the last 3 years in the playoffs has not produced on the offensive end either.Marcus Banks was a throw in, and DJ Strawbarry is already showing he can play off the bench. I have lived in the valley all my life and followed the Suns, and to say this is the worst trade ever by the Suns is STUPID! remember Rick Robie for Dennis Johnson? I just hope all the people who hate this trade admit that if it works, they were wrong. People hated Hornesec going to Phili for Barkley. Jeff was a great player but he was no Charles Barkley and the Suns would have never went to the finals without him. Go Suns,Go Shaq,We welcome change!

chris - Baltimore
I think this is going to come down to Shaq's health. If the training team can get Shaq shored up and get his legs working, the Suns become VERY difficult to guard. Also, it shound be interesting to see how Steve Nash works the floor with both Shaq and Amare. Keep in mind that Shaq is tied for 2nd on the all time list for field goal percentage with .580 and Amare is 24th at .535. No other team in the NBA has two guys down low who shoot such high percentages. Go suns!

Ray Allen - Houston, Texas
As a fan of the Suns please read this carefully. I hope that this move proves me wrong but any organization that makes a move of this magnitude is in panic mode. The Suns have been in need of a "big man" for some time now and this is no surprise but to make a move in which you lose a great rookie, Marion and a draft pick shrinks your chances for a pennant to basically this year. We would have been assured at least a couple more years to rebuild. It seems that they are trying to change the team dynamics from a crafty team that passes to a physical/down low team? I just don't know how this is going to work but I am willing to watch and see. I love the Suns and hope for the best with Marion and Banks

Jeff Gong - San Jose, California
I consider myself one of Phoenix's biggest fans, but I did boo when Marion was traded, but not so much now. Marion was a good player, averaging high in almost every stat, but Phoenix has a lot of good shooters, Nash, Leandro, Bell, and even Stoudemire. If diesel draws some double teams, this year really might be the year Nash to lead the Suns to a championship.

Fresh - Baton Rouge
The loss of Shawn Marion is buggin me out more than the arrival of shaq...I knew he wanted to be traded but DAMN. Well At first glance i didnt think shaq could fit into our 7 second offense, and i still feel that way but watching Amare last night made me realize that shaq brings alot more than the little talent he has to the team, he brought the exiting play of Amare...Its like he saying, "Don't forget about me now..." And Im feelin that. I am very anxious to see how we change up for our CHAMPIONSHIP WIN. ( I kno this is the year) Get past Lakers, San Antonio, New Orleans....AND Boston...STEP UP DIAW!!!!

Tom - Vegas
Im real excited about Shaq. But, I will miss Marion very very much. Hes been there since the jason kidd days for Gods sake. I have been watching him since he played here for unlv. I must admit when I saw the Miami game with Shawn playing I got A little lump in my throat. He will be missed....

Peter R. Lopez - Paranaque City, Philippines
Never in my feeble existence nor in my wildest dreams, I would be on the same side rooting for the Big Fella. Now that he is the with my Suns, I'm on the look out for his new jersey which by playoff's end would have the O'Brien embroidered patch sewed on perfectly.

Peter R. Lopez - Paranaque City, Philippines
Shaq is washed up according to 71% of the US populace. He may not be the powerful franchise player he used to be, but one thing is for sure, Rudy T. may sound like a prophet once more, as soon as all the smoke clears, "you can underestimate the heart of a champion". Enough said, play on Big Fella, time to show you are worth more than the Suns are gonna pay you in the next years, three O'Briens please, priceless.

tony bustamante - australia
The truth is, it's all up for the suns as a team to make or break with this big fellow on their unit. Making so much fuss and pre-mature analysis right now is a waste of time. Let's wait and see come nba the play-offs and onwards. Relax folks, enjoy the game.

w louis - los angeles
I think the sun made a good trade in the short term.Phoenix has an inside game and outside game the threes will come easier.He is also a good passer and a winner.I think the window for championship is open for two more years for the suns.Give Andrew Bynum two more years we have a young front line of 7footers so enjoy Phoenix. Looks like the Lakers and Celtics era is coming back 2009-2015.Shaq can prun the next great Laker center on the court while Kareem does it off the court.Smart B-ball people see San Antonio,Phoenix,Los Angeles,Dallas,Utah in that order in 2008.

Megan Rice - Deacatur AL
I'm glad you is on the sun because we need you

Megan Rice - Deacatur AL
That a nice trade good luck

Davide - Milano - Italy
now phoenix needs a 8th man.

the only 2 good players from the bench are barbosa and diaw.

g.hill and shaq can't play more than 30 minutes per game, so the roster needs 1 more man.

in my opinion the dream is zach randolph that is no more in good feelings with i.thomas.

other names that could be good for the phoenix's bench are:

c.villanueva (bucks)

g.green, m.madsen, t.ratliff, a.walker (timberwolves)

a.williams, g.giricek (clippers)

i.diogu (pacers)

o.harrington (bobcats)

j.magloire (nets)

m.rose (new york)

s.dalembert (sixers)

w.szczerbiak, chris wilcox (sonics)

m.sweetney, d.fortson, e.griffin (free agents)

anotherfan - peoria
im still a little sick to my stomache to see the most veritle player in the league go to another team after bein with the suns for almost ten years. after all he contributed i would have loved to see him get a ring with the rest of the team. i watched on sunday when he scooped up 14 rebounds and 15 points and bit my nails i mean it was his first game playin on a different style offence and still gathering resectable numbers even without nash and playin with a has been point gaurd. the energy he and banks have brought to the team is definitaly going to help them out. but i must admit i will watch as many heat games as i can and will always be a marion fan and always respect the matrix. as far as the shaq part i had my doubts and still kinda ponder them but with the more than happy responce of our players im kinda anxious to see him on the court and wat kind of presence he can bring to our offence with his rebounds and offensive beast style. i definitaly see a change in our game oh and for the guy who said we cant win a title with the run and gun.... sorry but thats bs.. the only thing we were missing is the rebounds and second chance scoring.. but besides that WE ARE THE BEST IN NOT ONLY THE WEST BUT THE WHOLE LEAGUE!!!!and i hope to meet shawn marion there

G Money - Ahwatukee
Time will tell. Shaq is over the hill. Our run offense took a hit in replacing Marion with Shaq. Lakers had the right idea with Pau. Can't stand the Lakers Kerr should have gotten him. Less money better shape and at this point a much better player. Saw a picture of Shaq in his new uniform. A suit on the bench is not going to help us. We needed a big man... we got one...just the wrong one... Again, time will tell. I love the Suns. Shaq please prove 71% of the country Wrong.

pac4life - Phoenix
I'm sorry to all of you Marion fans that he's gone, but lets be honest Marion is one of the best during reg season however he seems to have choked every playoff season. He's too inconsistant come playoff time. Shaq is way more consistant in playoffs, even an injured shaq.

dean smith - phoenix
If Shaq can stay healthy and play defense the Suns have a outside chance of going all the way.

Shaq doesnt have to be the top scorer. Just shut down the middle and get rebounds so the rest of the team can do their run and gun. I hope Shaq can keep up with the style the suns play. The main thing you need to win a championship is defense. If Shaq has the heart to prove all the people wrong who say it was a bad trade for him I will be glad for the suns. I think giving up Shawn was a big mistake. But if Shawn was unhappy playing for the suns then it could have been a good deal. Only time will tell. The first ten games Shaq plays should tell the tale. The season is half over so thats a plus for the suns. GOOD LUCK SUNS AND CREAM UM ALL SHAQ.

barkley-era-starting-suns-fan - cologne
Im sure there was a lot of trouble in the locker room around shawns "missing respect feelings". His teammates couldnt hear it anymore and so something had to be done... Hill and Diaw have to play, anything else is a waste of their/our potential. But a real new big guy could be the missing puzzlepiece for our first championship. Of course Kerr knew that this would gave us a boston-like chamionship window of 2 - 3 years, but we have the chance now. Offense wins games, Defense wins championships. Marion was a real good defender, but other players in our roster can do it, too. But our hole on the big man-position is closed now. What? Shaqs too old... Man, just by standing under the basket he defends with his physical presence. And so much new tactical opinions. And in 3 years we have so much space under the salary cap by leaving shaq, steve, raja, grant. So Amare, Leandro and Boris plus Free Agents. 2-3 year chamionship-window and than any opinions for the management. Suns Fans... The Future looks bright for us...

Blaine Johnson - Hackberry Arizona
I don't understand all of this hype about an ageing, over weight injured player. For the Suns sake I hope it works out but I have my doubts.

I hated to see Sean go but if he was unhappy with the Suns I guess it was time to send him packing.

even tho he was making a lot of money. It will be fun to watch the team do thier thing while the big man is still trying to get back to the other end.

Blaine

harlequeen - philippines
I know Shaq could lead the Suns to the finals. Kerr did the right move and for sure i will wait for the debut of Shaq, I'm very excited to watch him play again. Go Suns,,,, Go for the finals. You can do it guys.

Casey - Sedona
I have been watching the suns my whole life and not once do I remember them having a big powerful center. I have always felt that they needed that, but I am reluctant to get excited yet. Were ever shaq has gone they have been great but he is getting old and is injured. I still think he will be a great contribution to the team. I am just curious to see what they have planned when nash, grant and shaq decide to retire. What can we expect then?

Bob - U.S
Shaq is a player who has lost the heat he had years ago. older thant Steve Nash, eh is having a horrible season. Shawn Marion was a fantastic player who now is lost. Shaq is prone to injuries and has a had a recrod low season. The trade wa sworthless

Nathan - salt lake...formerly of Avondale
LISTEN!!! All we need this guy to do is stand under the hoop, block shots and grab rebounds. We don't need him on fast breaks so it he won't be sprinting back and forth like barbosa. With his presence we will get rid of our worse stat...second chance points by our opponents. We won't be giving up huge numbers on offensive rebounds. All he has to do is grab the ball, throw it up the court to Nash and then run up the court trailing the rest of the team. Even at 36 with a bum hip Shaq can handle that. He is, after all, the most dominant center of all time. But what his presence will do for Amare is what every other team we face should be paniced about. Amare will be the most explosive power forward the NBA has ever seen...GAURUNTEED!!

I predict Suns vs. Celtics NBA Finals '08. Suns win in 6.

Baby R - Missouri
I'm soo excited that Shaq is ganna get to play for the Suns. the only thing that might hurt the team is defence,cause Marion was their best defensive player!But i think Shaq will go far with his new team!!!!! ~GO SUNS~

D. Slack - Miami, Florida
Since this has now happened, I have the latest in the series of appropriate nicknames for ShaQ. Since he is now with the Phoenix Suns...how about "The Big Eclipse"?

Armani C - Scottsdale, Arizona
i think it's a bad trade but then again you cant underestimate other. altough shaq really wasn't great with the heat maybe it'll all change in the end with the suns......only time will tell to see what will happen.GO SUNS

Michele - Phoenix
I MiSS MARiON.....

TrackBack Link