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 The Shaq Attack: 15 Years Later
Posted By: Jeramie McPeek |
 15 years ago today, Shaq Daddy brought down the basket. (NBAE Photos) |
Like most fans, I was fired up for the Sunday afternoon game, caught up in the marquee magic of the big kid with the bigger smile from LSU. Just a 20-year-old rookie myself at the time (I had just started working at the Suns Team Shop at Metrocenter), I couldn’t wait to see the Blue Chipper go head to head with Sir Charles and Co.
I actually taped the NBC broadcast, and after some extensive digging through my closets around 1 AM last night, I located that old Kodak VHS “High Quality” tape, which also has the 1993 All-Star Game on it, I might add.
[Video: Shaq Attack]
If you saw the game, you know the one I’m referring to. Less than three minutes into the game, Shaq went up for a rebound and dunk and… well, I should probably let the guys who were actually involved tell you the story:
“I was on the court at the time,” says then-Suns center/current Suns VP of Player Programs Mark West. “Anthony Bowie was going to the basket, and I went over to help on defense. Shaq just came from behind me, and he dunks the ball, and all of a sudden the basket just collapsed.”
Suns broadcaster Tom Chambers, an All-Star forward at the time, just laughs when remembering the surprising result of Shaq’s slam.
“It was like this big dinosaur-looking thing going down, just in slow motion,” says TC. “It wasn’t like it happened real quick. We all just stood back and watched this thing go down. It was incredible.”
Suns VP of Facility Management Alvan Adams had been retired for five years at the time, but probably felt as though he was the one who had been dunked on.
“I was at the center of it, because the referees knew that I was involved with the facility,” he says. “I was the sporting event coordinator at the time. I wasn’t in charge of the facility yet, although I was the one who bought the goals. I had inspected them and bought them.
“We were the first team in the league and the only ones at the time to have these new goals, which sat further back from the baseline… Matt Winick from the league was at the game. I had talked to him about buying these goals before the season started, and he had said, ‘I don’t know; it’s a new goal.’ I said, ‘Well, I’ve tested them. I’ve had Mark West dunk on them, Jeff Hornacek shoot a three, I talked to the Trail Blazers, who had training camp on it.’ I liked them because of the safety factor of the fact that it sat further back from the court. If a guy runs out and gets creamed, he doesn’t hit the vertical padding as quickly. Well, I saw him at halftime, and he jus said, ‘Alvan!’ and shook his head.”
So what exactly did happen? I’ve wondered myself for 15 years now.
“There was an angled, telescoping, height-adjusting rod on the unit and one of the two weld points broke on that,” Adams explains. “So that rod just flopped, and the whole thing just quietly sat back in its stored position, kind of like a big ol’ elephant.”
Fortunately for Adams and the NBA, the Suns just happened to have a spare backboard unit in storage. Getting it through the tunnel and out onto the court, however, wasn’t exactly an easy or quick task.
“I’ve heard people say, ‘That took like two hours to replace,’” laughs Adams. “I think the actual time was around 30 minutes, but every 30-second delay in a game is like an eternity. It took a long time, although I’m sure it helped the food and beverage sales.”
Conspiracy theorists had a field day with the event, as you can imagine, and West admits he had his doubts in the heat of the TV spotlights.
“I was thinking was, ‘This must be staged, because Oliver (Miller) has dunked on that thing a thousand freaking times.’ It had never come down from his weight and force, and now all of a sudden, we just happen to be playing them on national TV and it just happens to come down. That may be a little shady?’”
Big Daddy – or Little Daddy compared to O’Neal – acknowledges now, of course, that it was just a freak accident, but Adams says he has heard them all over the years.
“Someone said that one of Shaq’s big sponsors must have come and undid the anchor holding it to the floor,” he says. “I just think it was not the greatest weld and it was a big strong guy who dunked on it. It just happened to be the most famous new guy in the league. Luckily nobody got hurt.
“Was it a disaster? Was it catastrophic? I say no. It was fantastic, fun publicity for the league. I mean, the first guy to kill a unit!”
The monster dunk was not Shaq’s last, you might remember. During a road trip to New Jersey just a few weeks later, the rookie phenom tore down another backboard, although not the entire unit this time. O’Neal’s new teammate, Amaré Stoudemire, never saw the collapse in Phoenix, but still remembers how the backboard almost fell on top of Shaq in Jersey.
“I was almost 10, so I was just really starting to love basketball and when I saw that,” he says of his childhood hero. “I thought it was amazing, man, because I’d never seen anybody tear a backboard down and then I saw Shaq do it. He was already being marketed as this huge guy, this huge beast, but a teddy bear. So to see this huge guy just rip down a backboard, I was pretty amazed.”
Me too, STAT. Me too.
Comments
Lori Ann - Sedona Superfan
I absolutely remember that night when Shaq collapsed the basket in Phoenix. I remember laughing hysterically! They showed a replay of that earlier this evening. It was still funny seeing it again. I think what shocked me the most over this trade deal, was the element of surprise. Shawn didn't even "kiss us goodbye". Next thing I knew...there was news all over TV about this trade. As soon as it was signed and sealed, I began receiving emails for Shaquille O'Neal Suns Jerseys! We never got to say goodbye and thank you, to Shawn Marion. It was like he just vanished into thin air, and Shaq appeared. Coach Mike, led on that he knew nothing about this, and it was all just rumor. It was NOT. I felt a bit "slighted" the way this whole thing transpired. I have nothing against having Shaq-Daddy on board with the Suns. I think we're going to be surprised with a 2nd wind from Shaq, and having him on our side. Again, I'm not thrilled at all how we (the fans) learned about this. Time to get over the shock, and just move forward now. We have a championship to win! In GREAT hope --- SUNS IN 2008! Welcome to the "Valley of The Suns" Shaq! Can we change your name from "Diesel" to something else? Diesels are not environmentally friendly, and we KNOW you are a big teddy bear!
Holly - Apache Junction
I, for one, am already sick of hearing Shaq's name! The man is not God! I had to turn the volumn down on my TV during the game tonight because it got to be annoying as hell! "Now Phoenix will win a championship!" ??? Because of him??? Give us a break! He WAS a good player at one time, but no longer. What he lacks in talent now manifests as playing dirty, such as elbows to the face or literally "throwing his weight around", making basketball more of a contact sport than football! I think he is much better suited for the Spurs. If the Suns are going to win a championship, and they will, it will come from their hard work as a TEAM, not from an oversized dufus and media clown who has seen much better days. This is my opinion, hate me if you want to, but I had to say it. The Suns as a whole always seemed to have "class", always showing good sportsmanship on and off the court. I'm afraid after O'Neal comes on board...well, guess we can kiss those days goodbye. We should have taken better care of Marion.
al - phx
I,think shaq will play with fire and the suns will win that championship.
Ninji - Surprise
The above comment was perfect. you said it all guy. Shaq will be a big name to scare out teams size wise but gone are those old good days for him
wish the suns luck. Miami got a heck of a deal. Unbelieveable
Rith Heang - Minnesota
I will always remember this---Shaq is my guy---I go where he goes...been a Magic fan, a Lakers, Heat, and now im a Suns fan...
Andre Westbrook - Dallas, Texas
I remeber when Shaq was playing against the Mavs in the Finals. Everyone gave me so much crap about it saying, "Dallas is sooo much better!" or the classic "Shaq is to old and hurt." but i never lost faith. Ive been a Shaq fan ever since i saw him play in San Antonio in high school. Ive never been a fan of any team, Ever!!! Just a Shaq fan. Wherever Shaq goes thats the team im watching. So I say to Shaq, Win another one big guy and no matter what happens ill always be your biggest fan. And i would also like to say to the Suns, today you have just made another Suns fan in me.
jorge - phx az
aww man... sorry mr.marion
Lightbringer - Philippines
Amen to that Holly!
They gave up on an innovative principle, and now, after wowing the crowd with unconventional, rule defying basketball, they jumped into the band wagon and decided "yeah, all our jealous critics are right..."
We've seen better days...
Jayvee Cotia - Philippines
Im really don't know what I feel right now. Its just, Im really shocked about what happen. Even if I can't watch the Phoenix Suns live, I know its really hard for the fans of the suns to know that Shawn Marion left Phoenix. Its just. Its a shocking trade. I dont know if Shaq still has the guts to take the Suns to the championship. But I hope, he sure will. And to Shawn Marion, your such a fantastic player. I hope you play well on your new team. Thats all.
Taylor - Central Phoenix
I can't wait to see how Shaq plays for the Suns. At first I was really sad that Marion AND Banks would be traded. I really liked seeing Banks play, for my team he was like the upcoming Steve Nash. I wasn't alive when Shaq brought the basket down but I can imagine the shock of the crowd. If he can, I hope he does it again, like that might happen. Hope that the Suns kill on Friday. Is Shaq playing? Let's hope for the best!
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nba title thanks
Abdul -
ha that trade is the most gangsta thing eva done!!! YEAH SAHQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Little Jon - globe AZ
that is pimpin i would have loved to see that thank goodness hes a sun now were goiog to win the championship ya dogg
Agron - Kosova/Peja
This year is a championship Suns Lets go Shaq .
David - PHX
Holly,
Please save this comment: The Suns will win the Championship this year.
It's not because Shaq is going to dominate- it's because he will make the TEAM better,night in, night out. Marion is great, but we took care of him financially, so I don't feel sorry for him and you shouldn't either- he'll make it through the winter, no problem. Banks was a bust, so thank God he's gone. This is a good trade for both teams, and PHX will finally get at least one ring! It's about time,isn't it?
Steve Kerr knows what he's doing, and so does Coach. Do not doubt Suns management- first class.
louis santiago - new britain,ct
i like shaq to play for the suns hopefully the suns make it to the championship
Kyle - Chandler
I was at that game!!! I was 9 or 10 at the time, that was probably the first Suns game I ever went to. I'm not even sure how we got tickets, I think a company my dad worked with, cuz we got to eat for free in a box and meet Paul Westpaul before the game. That was a cool experience with the basket breaking and what not. The was a special season! Personally i like Shaq, I never before Tuesday evening even thought of the possibility of him playing in Phx, and initially scoffed at the thought of him fitting into this teams style of play but i'm excited to see how it works!
guy - st. petersburg
i think, shaq is a great addition to the team. don't get me wrong, but this suns team needed some size inside to be able to compete at the playoffs level against the spurs.
mike hunt - new jersey
shaq needs to bring down the house agian lol chea lol
Sherwood Armstrong - MAryland
in response to Holly, when marion was here no championships were won. Noq Shaq (who has won 4 titles) gives the suns the much needed presence inside so that Amare can move back to power forward. If you do your homework everytime Shaq is traded he brings a championship to the franchise. So just sit back and watch the diesel as he helps the Suns get over the hump.
euphoricnurse - las vegas
what dirty?what you talkin bout man??/not because he throws his weight around all the time makes him a dirty player??thats basketball!!!!you use your body to gain advantage!!! and just a GOOD player for you??/you absolutely dont know what you talkin bout......his got 4 rings!!!!one of the 50 greatest and just a good player to you???
Jason Lungren - South Dakota SF
I think Shaq as some gas left in the tank to be the best of the west.
christian c - phoenix
now we are ready for a championship go suns!!!
Shaq Baby Girl - PHX
I'm a New Sun Fan ........ SHAQ IS THE BEST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joel Hyman - LA CA
I live in a Laker town, but I am a new Suns Fan! You will finally win a championship because of biggest badest big man is here!
raffo - Naples,Italy
I am happy for the Sun go shaq go Suns
Ed - LA
Unless the Suns are going to change their "run and gun" offense, Shaq is a poor choice for Phoenix. He's too slow and out of shape to have anything less than his teammates wait for him as he lumbers down the court on the offensive end. Bad move for the Suns...great move for the Heat.
Pablo - Barcelona, Spain
Hello everyone from Barcelona! WOW, what a deal. I´ve always been a mad Phoenix Suns fan and even though he played for other teams, I always admired Shaq´s powerful game and presence. I never thought in the past that this would ever happenened but now that is true.. Im´so excited and can´t wait to see Diesel in action.
Go Suns! A por todas Shaq!!
Sean Maheux - Portland ME,
I think this years NBA Finals will be between the Boston Celtics and the Phoenix Suns. I also think the NBA Finals will go all seven games. This would one of the best if not the best finals in NBA history I mean you have KG! Ray Allen & Paul Pierce vs Shaquille O’Neal
Brad - New York, NY
I don't really understand this move in that Shaq can't really guard Duncan or Nowitzki or any of the big men that give the Suns problems. Shaq also makes $20 million per year until 2010. I am a Shaq fan and I believe his numbers have decreased largely due to the fact that the league made rules to make his life harder, allowing semi-zone defenses.
In the end, I don't think it puts the Suns in a position to win the championship. I don't believe they were in that position with Marion either. Their style of play is beautiful to watch but the Spurs are what basketball is about. That being said, why mess with a system that was one game and a cheating ref away from the Finals last year.
Jaime R - Tucson
We are going to rock their world!
aaron - maryland
Holly, the very reason the suns haven't won a championship is cause of what you said...they were always soft. Shaq brings that toughness to a soft team. He'll find out his roll on the team is to rebound, clog the middle on defense and keep Amare out of foul trouble, and now they have a post up game that has been lacking since Barkley left...aren't you sick of not getting to the finals after extraordinary regular seasons time after time?
Dorothy - Dallas
I'm from Louisiana and was a Shaq fan while he was
at LSU. Currently, I'm more of a Suns fan because
I like their style of play -- Loved Steve Nash at
Dallas. I'm convinced that Dirk would have much
better stats if he were playing with Nash. I really can't like the Mavs with their present
system. Anyway, good luck, Suns!!!
cram - banana republic
that was 15 years ago....shaq cant do that no more...heheheh...well it might work...Stoudemire and shaq...it might work...
david o - las vegas nv.
i have been a suns fan all my life,so i think with the addition of shaq that's a championship,so what are you have to say now barkley? GO SUNS.
jeffred - philippines
although I miss marion but just hope for the best in shaq! go suns
DS - Phoenix
It's all in the Diesel Shaq, Stat, and nash unstopable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
rvson - gilbert
I grew up in the chicago area with the bulls-
jorda,,scottie,kerr the team was great but alot like suns all perimeter shooters until they got RODMAN. the man with attitude ,rebounds and scariness, that what sahq will bring to the suns! great move..
ralph - central phx
now lets bring rodman out of retirement and see if we can get horry to phx, just kidding i think will workout hopefully just sad to see a player like marion part but thats basketball (nba) let hope for the best.
milos lu - serbia
i hope suns will get title finnaly .i followed my beloved club for 17 years ,and remebered clearly that moment when shaq pull-down basket.kevin johnson is greatest suns player ever..thanks kj for memory,for amazing moment.lot of greetings from novi sad ,serbia and biggest suns fan in whole europe milos!with suns till end!go suns!!!!!
Summer - West Va.
I think Shaq will bring leadership to this team, and bring their spirit back. This year's team seems to be missing the inspiration that they had last year. When I first heard about this deal, I really didn't know how to feel. Now, I think it maybe what we need. Nothing is permanent but change. I'll never forget Shaq bringing down that rim. I was in the 8th grade and watching NBA on NBC as I did every Sunday. Back when the Chuckster, KJ, and Tom Chambers were my favorite players!
Agent[Z] - Phils
Im pretty sure we're gonna miss Shawn Marion but this is also good day specially for playoffs... as fro the match up spurs vs suns amare can now concentrate to duncan alone because there is another big man to help him and thats the diesel.... Elson/Orberto vs Shaq & Duncan vs Stoudemire... and we will be having a good finals... Celtics vs Suns huh? it will be KG,Allen,Pierce vs Shaq,Amare, and my favorite Steve Nash... Go for the title we can do it!!!!
Linda - Sarasota
My 84-year old Mom called to tell me about Shaq. She was surprised, but if he takes "her" Suns to the top, I will be thrilled for my Glendale family. First the Super Bowl - now the Super Shaq!
shaqwave - Manila, Phils
To all detractors of Shaq he will show you that you are all wrong... Bring it on!
I still Believe!
sunsgirl - phoenix
Not too happy about this trade. I understand this is buisness, trades happen. This organinzation is known to give up some good players. My heart bleeds that Marion is gone. Loved to watch him play and no matter what in the nine years he was here we were going to see him on the court good or bad game, rarely did he miss. So with that being said, THANK YOU SHAWN for what you have done for this team too. Now, hopefully Shaq is the missing element that will bring us closer to the title.
trev - glendale
i think Shaq will be a great addition to the suns. im looking forward to seeing him play
Darrell - Kentucky
Well Ive Read Most Of These Comments And I Seriously Laughed At Some Of u. Like Holly. The Suns Would Have No Chance This Year To Win a Nba Title. Just Deal With It Theyve Been number 1 in offense 3 straight years and where did it get them? They Get to The Finals?!? Dont Think So. So What Makes u Think They Can This year Before The Shaq Trade? Now That They Have Shaq (there Only Defense Down Low) Gives Them More Of A Run And Gun Game Cause Now Other Teams Wont Be Getting Layups and Dunks On The Suns Like They Have Been This Year and All Others. Im Puttin Lakers/Suns IN Western Conference Finals. Should Be A Interesting Matchup If U Ask Me. But When Its All Said And Done Shaqs Gonna Dominate Just Cause Hes Shaq And He Knows This Could Be His Last Chance To Win A Title So He Will Give It His All.!
RISHI - AZ
Will shaq be good for us or not?
Amare - PHX
Give me my number back Shaq!! lol
Ching - Philippines
This trade sux bigtime.. Shaq is no longer "THE Strongest player" in the NBA.. Suns did make a big mistake in this trade.. Marion is just a perfect fit to the Run and Gun game system.. Shaq will just slow down the team.. >__<
John R - Phx
This move will bring a championship trophy to town. Everyone is saying that the Suns will have to slow down to accomodate Shaq. The reality is, by being a strong presence in the middle and rebounding, Shaq will accomodate the Suns fast-break, run-and-gun style offense. Get ready for some 140+ point games again!
娄 - 中国
Come on Shaq
nic - Germany
This move is irritating. Well, I don't know, what happened in the locker room and never will understand the lack of self-confidence, Marion apparently had. But I wonder how D'Antoni will rebuilt the PHX-system with DIESEL, cause everyone knows Diesel-powered cars are not the fastest and even the attribute reliable used for diesels doesn't fit to the Shaq of 2007/2008. This deal is a win for Miami and a loss for PHX, unfortunaltely.
CKL - PHILIPPINES
I'M not so sure about shaq being in the suns.Because I think that marion was very good and shaq is getting old I don't think he can play as good as he was before NO DISRESPECT to shaq fans or shaq himself!
GAURAV - INDIA
SHAQ IS KING!!!!!!!!!
SHAQ IS THE BEAT!!!
Cain "MEL" Marco - Philippines
I think Shaq and I is of the same age, or maybe not, i was born 1971, but I liked him ever since he entered the NBA. My world somehow crashed for some time when his Magic team lost the championship to the Rockets in 1995. Even though he transferred to the Suns, I will continue to root for him.
sleiman - como,italy
Shaq is a very good player and his contribute for the suns are very important to win the nba this season.SUNS,Nash,Stoudemire and Shaq 4EVER
Me-an - Philippines
I'm so sad that Shawn must be the one to say good bye to this team, i really hate to see him play minus the suns uniform.We love you shawn...thanks for being a great player and an unselfish teammate...
Rated B - ?????
Yeah the trade was a decent deal for Phoenix but maybe better for MIA. They get two younger studs in Marion and Banks while Phoenix gets an aged behemoth. If Phoenix wins a ring then it was a good deal if they don't then it was a busted deal. Don't get me wrong I have been a Shaq fan since his ballin days in LSU. He's led my team the Lakers to multiple titles. I love the big dude, but does he have enough left in the tank, and can he handle the wear and tear of the high flying jump shootin style that Phoenix plays. He's only there for defense, rebounding(big plus for undersized Phoenix) and post up offense. One positive is he might make Amare better. Closing thought is if my Lakers don't make it to the Finals and the Suns move on, then I'll be rootin for Big 32 to get one more ring!!!!!
Richard - Phoenix
The Suns have traded probably the most talented and promising player in their roster for a tired, old mobile meat building. Shaq will do for us what he does for other teams, run between baskets and demand to be thrown the ball. Whoopie.
Michael - Kentucky
Hey Holly from Apache Junction, the reason why they talk about Shaq too much, is because he is the greatest center of all time. Look at the guy, he has won 4 nba titles, 3 time nba mvp, 2 time nba all-star mvp, he has won a nba mvp, rookie of the year and a scoring champion. He is also a 14 time nba all-star, he has played in dozen of commercials, he was a rap musician, he played in shows, movies. I remember when he was in WCW when Hulk Hogan fought he wrestled his first man Rick Flair. He does alot for charity for kids. He's a great guy and a great father. He's just like Hulk Hogan, the most popular wrestler and look what he did for the wrestling companies. He;s a another Michael Jordan, Hulk Hogan, Barry Bonds. He's those guys, we had to hear about Michael Jordan alot on tv. And is more popular than Michael Jordan is. Everyone knows Shaq Diesel. The Shaq Attack will go on strong and will help this Suns team make a championship run. He did it for the Magic, Lakers and Heat. Dont u even dare Holly talk bad about the Diesel. Ive been a fan since 1994 im still a fan, im a Heat fan but i still am gonna be a Heat fan until i die. It was Shaq's decision on where he wanted to go. I could not blame him, him and pat riley didnt get along, he wasnt compfortable at miami. Good trade.
Shaq fan - jersey
i think its better for the miami and phoenix that the trade happen, i think phoenix made that trade because they know they will be having a hard time beating the lakers to playoffs, especially when they added pau gasol in there line up and when bynum comes back from injury.
now they can guard any strong bigman in the west like duncan without a double team. GO Shaq!!!
Garry Pickett - Alabama
Shaq,
He's my man. I have known him since he was a boy back in Wildflecken when he first learned the game with us old soldiers and I have been following him every since. I will always be a Shaq fan anywhere he goes. He'll be great in Phoenix.
JC - Oxnard, CA
Even now with his decresed production, Shaq is at worst the fourth best center in the league. I am very curious to see how everything will turn out. Just the fact that he is that good still, makes me believe the Suns will compete for a championship this year. Can you imagine Suns vs Lakers for the western conference finals?
Sri - India
I follow team that has Shaq. For me basketball is the game that Shaq plays. I did not watch 2007-2008 season so far as Shaq was not playing. Now i am back to my favourite game to watch the greatest center to ever guard the paint on basketball court.
David - Puerto Rico
This is an incredible surprise for me. Shawn is an amazing player, but I think that Shaq is going to bring the muscle this team needs in order to reach the next level. Definitely, I am a new Sun’s fan..!!
Jason - Atlanta
wow!suprisingly,i'm gonna miss marion playing for the suns,well, shawn and nash made a perfect combination.i don't know whether o'neal can handle steve alley opp pass. well,all the best for him and shawn! will miss you shawn! suns! go for the champs! win for all your fans out here :D
Todd - PHX
The big Man will make it happen for the SUNS, We will win the 2008 NBA Championship!
kevin - Phoenix
Im a SUNS fan and a Marion fan and ima follow Marion where he goes and be still a Suns fan.
Marion had the STUFF for the style of Phx SUNS offense,there Run'N'Gun. but Shaq has the STUFF for defense and gonna dominate Duncan,Pau Gasol,Yao Ming and any other Center
AWN - OH
i think this was a good trade because shaq has the leadership skills and the playoff experience that shawn doesn't quite have. i also think he will do great in phx and will be able to play the suns run and gun style of basketball. he will improve his teamates especially amare and i really hope this trade will make a championship happen.
Jason - Toronto
I don't know what will happen in the future...good luck suns!go suns
shane - L.A.
joke of a trade. worst desperation move EVER
Jake - California
Too bad shawn was an incredible player. i loved watching the chemistry he had with the other guys
garry - ATLANTA
i think the phoenix suns should of kept marion what were they thinking bringing in old shaq back he cant even dunk like he ust to thats a really bad trade
Spencer Masterson - Salt Lake City
I remember that night Shaq, slam dunk and the basket came tummbling down!... It was something else. I was thinking if the Suns can have him on the team someday with the right players they would WIN big time.
I like shaq's ATTITUDE AND EXPERIENCE to the team. He will bring New ENERGY TO THE TEAM. Nash the Quarter Back and Shaq as the Fill Goal. Go SUNS THIS IS YOUR YEAR 20008!...
FERNANDO JUAREZ - PHOENIX AZ
I M SAD BECAUSE MARRION IS GONNE BUT HAPPY FOR SHAQ'S COMMING THE TEAM IS GONNA BE WELL
chris bell - planet orange
I will take Marion over shaq any day even if it means the championship. I will miss the good times.
VQ - Las Vegas
Shaq is the last of the Original Players. he will go in the History books. Any team that gets the privalege to play with him and take advantage of what he brings to the game hurt or not will be with him in the hall of fame
karl - Riga
Shaq - the beast!!!
Winston - Philippines
Shaq and Amare...it's much like the days of Tim Duncan and David Robinson...David Robinson was the mentor then...and that I believe, will be the role of Shaq...to make Amare much much better!!!
Codrin - Brasov, Romania
I can't imagine The Suns without Shawn. When I think of The Suns, immediately I think of Nash, Amare and Shawn. I, and all the fans will sure miss him. I never was a fan of Saq, so I am very dissapointed with this move, but at the end of the year I hope I'll be a Saq fan as The Suns win the championships. Suns are the best no matter what.Gooo Suns
Erik Montiel (Guero sin Fe) - Mexico
Para mi tambien fue una sorpresa, espero que le vaya muy bien, nunka pense ke algun dia jugara en los Suns, pero yo creo que en cualquier lugar y con cualquier jugador puede acoplarse, siempre ha sido mi jugador favorito desde el orlando Magic, y siempre te seguire apoyando, a cualkiera equipo que vayas, Good Luck Shaq!!!
Josh - Arizona
I can't beleve how he did it.so if i go to anymore suns games I want that to happen!
Ron - Indianapolis,Indiana
How in the world is this guy going to run the floor on both ends??Maybe they should have traded for a younger O'neal that might have a few years left in him.Seems like an awful lot of salary for a guy that is past his prime time!Best of Luck to the Suns!I will be amazed if he helps the team!
Jay - Bahamas
i think the suns should not have traded Marion for Shaq. the suns are used 2 a fast paste game and Shaq will only slow them down. shaq cannot handle the kind of games the suns play and i think da heat got da better side of the trade because shaq isn't playin as good as he used 2 when he was on da lakers. shaq going to the suns will help them to become a better contender in the west but i stil like marion n nash more then shaw n nash
D-PATES - Mesa,Az
Shaq is a beast in the middle, and that was the missing element that the suns were lacking yes Amare' is quick and can score down low but the defense and him not having a lot of mass makes it easy for the suns to be dominated down low in the post so this was a perfect trade and plus marion didnt wanna be here anyway so im glad he's gone cuz we dont need him if he's got that attitude. but the suns will have that championship this year !!!
BIG UPS TO THA DIESEL
Karen - Arizona
SHAQ DIESEL IN THE PURPLE PALACE?
Can't wait!!!
Finals here we come ;)
Nat Sinclair - Oxford, United Kingdom
I see this working out... I also see a reason for me to get the league pass now.... :-D
Shorty - Cartersville VA
WOW! When My brother told me about this trade, I didn't believe it. Marion was probably the best allaround player the suns had asode from Nash. It might turn out to be the best decision both teams ever made though.
randy - phx
he tore up that basket baby. hahah
roupen -
mvp shaq ...with shaq any team must be the champion ..i love you shaq from syria study in yerevan ..you are the best go suns go beat all teams ROUPS
Deryl - San diego
I'm soooo glad Shaq is with the Suns! Yeah sure the man has slowed down some, you'd slow down too if you've been beatin up over the years like he has. The Suns managment is not looking for him to be a scoring saviour, they are simply putting together a squad that can win a championship. The missing piece was a big man in the middle. No team since the Bulls have won a ring without a big man in the middle. The bulls had a guy named Micheal Jordan, the greatest player to ever play the game!( not Kobe) The situation with the Suns right now makes them very favorable to come out the west and win it all! I'm a Shaq fan and before he came to the Suns I was already a Suns fan, Shaq bro I wish you all the best!
Deryl
AKA " THE BISHOP"
Marc anthony Swann - Charlotte,NC
Well i saw it when i understood basketball,and once i heard we got him i knew this was going to be good forthe whole franchise..hey if steve nash read this you are my favorite player i practice to like you an strave to be better keep up the great work suns.....
Roland Patrick - Philippines
I think Its a good trade.Hill can play the roles that marion onces held.Shaq and Amare are going to be a treat.At the post.To all you haters.You better watched out for Suns.Just look at the Line up:
C=O'neal
PF=Stoudamire
SF=Hill
SG=Bell
PG=Nash
What a Line Up!!!
idriz ramus - struga macedonia
i mean that shaq wiil bee the new hero of suns
amare congratulations you have big brother close
to you, you are not lone more
shaq its the best
Dan Cabanlet - Phillipines
Yeah,shaq WAS a good player and old but think of it that no one in the league can guard him one on one right now.Shaq needs a rest and rejuvinate his physical and mental toughness.When his a 100% percent he can bring a championship title to phoenix..his not the only option now so he can get lots of rest.wait and see til he returns! Godbless!
Tay - C-burg Pennsylvania
hey...all this talk about the Nash, Stat, and Shaq trio...u can't leave out Barbosa...with out him the suns would have a very short bench...and G-Hill too...he can get it done
einno - Philippines
uhmmmm..... for me.. it was a beautiful trade... the suns have the better outside shooters...their main play is to pass the ball to Shaq and let shaq do his thing once he had been double teamed it opens up the shooters like:bell, nash, barbosa, even diaw and he can pass the ball to an open ring to Amare.. and that's the reason why the Suns are ready to be the CHAMPION...!!!!!!!!!go go go go...
#!1sunzfan-lauren1!# - PiTtSbUrGh,PA!!!!!!!!!!
hey, i love the sunz and i waz suprized, bc when i first heard about shaq on the sunz team, i was watching a recent sunz game, and i was lookin 4 the answer 2 why shaq was sittn on the sidelinez. then, the next mystery was when they had all of the sunz gear out. but then...i saw "O'NEIL" on the back of the jerseys and shirts. next... they showed all of these people in the crowd wearing o' neil jerseyz. and after i yelled "SHAQ GOT TRADED 2 THE SUNZ", all i could ask myself was,...???HUH??? is this really happening???-DON DON DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
oh, and P.S.,-NONE OF YA'LL SHULD B HATIN ON SHAQ, and oh, when they win the championships, all of u guyz that said that u hated shaq this and shaq that,...when ur at that championships party,...ask urself,...who's jersey am i wearing again???
Kevin - Washington State
I can not belive it! Shaq got traded to the suns. That's great! For Marcus Banks, and Shawn Marion. But why did Coach Mike trade them? That's one of the best players on the Suns. Was it to help out the Heat? Because it is getting them to win some games. But why them it already looks like there not getting in the playoffs.No disrespect to the heat shaq but I just don't no why the trade involved Shawn Marion.
sunfan - waddell
we need another big guy under the basket and rebound to be able to win another championship!!!!!!!!!
Wally - Phil
Shaq is not as dominant as before but he will make his presence felt inside the basketball court.
NorthSideTOPHAT - 1200BLOCKKCMO
Northside tell i die and Shaq a beast and Amare is to in my opinion they are goin to win it all
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