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 Shaq Trade Generating Lots of Exposure Already
Posted By: Tom Leander |
 Shaquille O'Neal will bring buzz, exposure and basketball frenzy back to the Valley. (NBAE Photos) |
I also felt it was a curse because when Barkley left for Houston it was my belief that the Suns would never be able to generate that kind of passion, that kind of exposure, that kind of basketball frenzy ever again.
Well here we are witnessing the Second Coming with Shaq. His press conference and arrival in Phoenix has been met with a Barkley-like Buzz along with the skepticism which will only fuel the drama as this titanic trade plays out. Media outlets locally and nationally carried his press party live. Radio stations phones are lighting-up. The internet blogs are overflowing with "expert" opinions and predictions of whether this gamble by the Suns will pay off.
In my mind, it has already paid off in terms of interest and intrigue world-wide! Shaq flashed his flamboyant personality--displaying his wit, his playfulness, and his overall magnetic appeal. And like one of his vicious power james, he hammered home the message of leading this team to its first NBA title, all the while making the critics "eat their words." Shaq is resolute about taking Amare to the next level and making Raja Bell an even better shooter. He stopped just short of guaranteeing a championship, but added that guarantee could come after a few practices with his new team.
This is one dynamic player and personality who has taken all 3 of his previous teams to the NBA Finals. Is he the same player he was even two years ago? Maybe not, but he doesn't have to be when surrounded by Nash, Amare, Grant Hill, Raja, Barbosa and Diaw. Think about opposing coaches game-planning for this double-barreled attack. The Suns can now dismantle opponents with their speed game and new-found power play.
Believe me, I know what Shawn Marion provided. As I've said in the past, he covered more real estate than Century 21 and was the quintessential Sun in Mike D'Antoni's system. But in the end, he wanted out. He asked to be traded. He could have opted-out and walked away after this season leaving the Suns with nothing in return. So the Suns made the bold move, and it's no disgrace to be dealt for quite possibly the most dominating big man this league has ever seen. Now we will see if this roll of the dice works on the court. It's NBA theatre at its best featuring the Biggest (and hopefully Baddest) star this league has to offer. Tune in to the Shaq and Awe of Suns basketball. I'm sure you will!!
Comments
baggelis - greece
marion was the player i liked most but you knowbetterthe power we will take with oneil can give nash a tittle
Wang Ruan - 3940 E. Redfield CT
I really like shawn,shark was too heavy to play for Suns,he can not run that fast
ARMANDO PEREZ - PHOENIX, AZ
WHY SHAQ?? HE'S NOT BETTER THEN MARION. HE'S ALWAYS HURT HE'S GONNA SLOW DOWN THE SUNS FAST BAKES. HE CAN'T EVEN MAKE A FREE THROW. HOW'S HE GONNA HELP THE SUNS??
oxidaz - philipines
i think d suns are going to be a lot better coz their going to be powered by the diesel.hey hes the most dominating player ever the suns is supposed to be a fastbreak team but now they're going to be a fast break low post team and theres nothing better than that go shaq attack
Sean Siqueira - Rio de Janeiro
If Shaq provide the will and confidence this team needs, then it is worthy. In my opinion, Shawn was the best player in Phoenix. However, the team lacks confidence and will. It does not believe in its own strength and does not fight enough to be a champion. With the Diesel (even if he does not play) it can change only because he can provide such feeling. In addition, some advertising and media excitement can help paying his salary. Finally, it is going to be good for Marion, who can explode and prove he is one of the greatest players in the game. Go Suns! It's time to fight and get the ring. (Hope Shaq also helps LB get to the next level.)
JB - Phoenix AZ
I was shocked initially. Fans will certainly miss Shawn. But, like Shaq said, things happen for a reason. This is the hand the team was dealt. Let's see what they do with it. It could be interesting. On thing for sure, it shouldn't be boring...
vernon - philippines
phoenix suns is the best fast break team in the nba,i'm just wondering if how will shaq adjust in that kind of game in the suns?
Ponderosa - Phoenix
How is Shaq going to slow down the break? Fast break is the direct result of good defense and rebounding, something that obviously the Suns lack, even with Shawn. Leave the fast break to Steve, Raja, Grant, Leandro, Boris, Amare, and the rest of the team and let Shaq stop the opposing centers, clog the middle lanes, rebound, and spark the break. If the gamble pays off, then we should see more fast breaks, not less.
Thank you Shawn for all the years you were here, it was a great time watching you. But as soon as you demanded a trade, I even wanted to see you out of here. Shawn is the highest paid player on the team, plays next to Steve Nash, and is on one of the best teams in the league. Honestly, I do not see what the problem was, so obviously there was something else going on inside his head that none of us are aware of. I am looking forward to the rest of the season to see how this unfolds....
Lori Ann - Sedona Superfan
To ARMANDO PEREZ - Go to Suns.com and watch the press conference with Shaq. I promise you, he WILL answer the question you just asked !!! Guaranteed. I feel MUCH better now. Do any of you smell what I smell ??? Yep, a championship for OUR Phoenix Suns !!! BELIEVE ;-) ...SUNS IN '08 !!!
Lori Ann - Sedona Superfan
Tom - I love your little puns that you come up with during Suns games. While I'm glad that Shaq is here, I hope to God that we're NOT going to hear you saying: "Shaq and awe" all the time. It's too George Bush'ish !!! PLEASE don't put us through that! I love your "3 ball corner pocket", because I'm a pool player. "Tissue soft", is tolerable at best. I just beg of you to please NOT "Shaq and awe" us. You can come up with something a lot more original than that.....or can you ??! I pray that you take this comment seriously, Tom. Thanks - Suns in '08 !!!!
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!!!!
JOHN S. - SURPRISE AZ
For years we Suns fans have been dreaming of a big man to secure the middle. If anyone thought we were getting to even the semi finals previous to this trade, you don't live in the world of reality. We die hards knew it, and so did Suns management. Okay, so Shaq isn't 20 years old, and maybe his best years are behind him, but many times in sports, players who were thought to be washed up have dug down and renewed their spirit. Ever heard of a guy named Ali, Foreman, or James Braddock? How about Abdul Jabar, he was to old and slow to play with the fast break Lakers, yeah, right. These are athletes were talking about, not normal individuals. They have a fire that burns deep. See you in the finals.
susan - seattle
shaq is going to slow the suns down. marion is so much better than him.
Gerald German - Pateros, Metro Manila, Philippines
I'm a one of the biggest fans of the SUNS since Nash returned to the team. I love their run & gun offense and I appreciate what the Matrix had contributed to the team over the years. His versitality and "D" is unquestionable. But the team has reached its peak couple of years ago but ended empty handed without even making the NBA Finals. It's about time to make the gamble. in the past 3 years, we witnessed how the Suns were eliminated in the Playoffs because of lacking an Inside threat both in offense and defense. And I believe that the longwaiting is over. Addition of a big man is the answer... and the Big Diesel is the key for the Suns to grab its first ever NBA Title. I'm with GM Kerr and Coach Mike with this move. Thanks alot Shawn for the memories. Good Luck to the Suns Organization! The Time has come. More Power to Nash, Amare, Diaw, Raja, Leandro and of course to Shaq!!! Mabuhay Kayo! (Long-Live in Filipino Language)
ewin -
but you see with marion the suns were too small and easily domminated
Andrea M - Phoenix AZ
I've been a Shaq fan since before he was all of the things he is now, that is to say, Superman, Shaq Diesel, just to name a few. I first saw him in the McDonald's All-American game and the sheer size and potential power that he would one day possess was enough to win my heart. From LSU, to Orlando, to LA, to Miami and now Phoenix, I've followed his career. He is the power house that every team needs whether they realize it or not. He always wins the fans over and he'll do the same here in Phoenix. If not, then he can rest assured that I'm that same fan that has followed his every move and cheered and supported him every step of the way. I am Shaquille's "Number One Fan" and I'm glad he's here because now I'll get a chance to see him play. Dreams can come true! Thanks Phoenix Suns for making a wise decision. Shaq can and will deliver!!!!! 020708
Steven J. Koek - Suns.com
"I'm mad. When I get mad, I win championships."
--Suns center Shaquille O'Neal
alec - live in AZ no more
This trade is bizzare to me.
If the Suns are really willing to pay the luxuary tax for winning a title, why did they let Kurt Thomas go in the first place? Ok, Even Marion so has to leave, they could have kept Kurt this summer(for low post defense) and trade Marion for someone far less risky. Marion is irreplacable on the Suns' squad, no doubt about it. Shaq, with huge contract, is still good in certain ways I agree but he can never offset what Marion has taken away from this team. It's like degrade your gears and wheels in your car in exchange for a better and expensive stero and windshield that may not always be there (to function).
Also how the Suns are going to run Shaq is very questionable. Suns can never fastbreak again with Shaq on the court, because as soon as he gets the rebound other teams are gonna "pass rush" him (like the Giants)to cause either a steal or a turnover before the ball can even get out of his hands. During the playoffs, whenever he gets the ball, FOUL on him! the Suns offense will become Shaq's free throw show on the line. Having said all that, I don't see how big he can help the Suns in post-Marion era, in the locker room maybe. Marion is the guy who I always believe is/was still the most under-appreciated player for the Suns. No less important than Steve Nash.
But still, Good luck Suns!
-
I like shark's back.
Then suns get closer to Final Chiampion.
Justin Kraft - Catskill, NY
My favorite team is the suns because the matrix made me fall in love with them. EVERYONE will miss Marion, but maybe shaq can run with the suns. Amare will be a better power forward than a center. Remember this is what Marion wanted before the season started and Shaq is the big man that everyone says the suns need inside. I won't talk smack until i see him on court and now i have to watch alot of Heat games since Marion is still my favorite player.
Resa Doodoh - Jakarta, Indonesia
Tom, I'm one of the non basketball fan that you talked about. Even though Suns lost from the Bulls back then...but it made me love this game and become a Suns fan ever since. About Marion...well if you got to go, you got to go...but Marion will always be remembered as one of Suns great players. I can't comment anything about Shaq...because I'm not a fortune teller. I think i'll comment about him later after this season is over. But as one of Suns fan...i'll always behind this team and hope for the best this season. And for Shaq...Welcome aboard & I know you'll do your very best for my beloved team...;)) GO SUNS!!!
Ronel - Philippines, Manila
I think having shaq in Suns can provide a higher probably of getting in the finals but having shaq will change the phase of the game for the Suns..
JULIO A - PHOENIX AZ
I'M SAD TO SEE SHAWN GO HE WAS MY FAVORITE SUNS PLAYER, I WISH HIM WELL. BUT I'M VERY EXCITED TO HAVE SHAQ PLAYING FOR OUR TEAM, HE IS DEFINATELY GOING TO MAKE OUR TEAM BETTER. GO SUNS!!
big al - old c
when i first heard about the possibility of this trade i thought it is the dumbest move ever .... however - now i think this is going to work just fine - actually very well indeed!
Victor - Australia
Ok this was an alrite trade, however why not TRY to get someone else like Dirk or Camby ! ! ! Do not get me wrong Shaq was an awesome player in his prime, but now he is only a shadow of that once SUPERHUMAN player that lead the Lakers and Miami to the finals.
This NEW season with Shaq is going to be interesting for the following reasons; firstly to see how adapts this premuim team in the league, secondly how he compares to the No. 1 Amare in the big man's role.
I truly hope that Shaq does take us to a finals and gets us the championship because i'm sick and tired of seeing us losing out so close to the grand finals! However if it doesn't work out, then the lose of Shawn Marion is going to be a huge blow to the team....even though he wanted to leave, u cannot deny the effective chemistry of the walking double-double Matrix had at the Suns for so many years.
Peace out sun fans
patrick - manila, phils
Well, I left the LAKERS and the HEAT blog because of this behemoth...I hope that SHAQ will finally deliver the SUNS' 1st championship...Nothing against SIR CHARLES, but how will you feel if THE BIG DIESEL goes home with the trophy in AZ which you failed to do when you were here...THE BIG DIESEL whom you keep on criticizing...com'on SHAQ, show all these nutsayers how to win a championship...this will be a "renewed" SHAQ we have right now...I hope that having NASH and STOUDEMIRE will be enough of a motivation for you...not to mention how great a legacy you'll leave that every team you played for won a championship(except ORLANDO when you took it to the FINALS only to lose to the more superior ROCKETS)...GO SHAQ...GO SUNS....DIESEL POWERED...
Leonie - Gilbert, AZ
As an avid fan of PHOENIX SUNS, I'd like to welcome "The Diesel". Hope he could help the Suns to win a title. To Marion, Good Luck!!!
Seth - Tennessee
Shaq will slow down the Suns. The fast break is one our the teams strongest weapons and with shaq on the team how will that go now? I wish we could have Marion back he was great! Don't be surprised if the suns record goes down instead of up.
jenny - ny
there's a lot of ignorant people stating their case about this trade. we all love shawn and like you said, he wanted out. he could've opted out after this year, but he had to let everyone know he wanted out. the fans and some media, only know the players on the court. off the court, we don't know what goes on in the locker room, what conversations are made, what emotions are expressed...so i hope these "so-called" fans stop acting like they know better than the suns office. these guys know basketball, they breathe basketball, and most importantly...they know everything that goes on "business-wise" among teams. salary caps, future round picks, rebuilding, unhappy players..etc. they know what they're doing. do you think steve kerr would want to leave a bad impression on his first yr as GM? i don't think so. maybe he believes this trade will give him recognition as a great GM. and yes, he had a "go" from the medical staff and co-captains amare and nash. right now, we are all waiting anxiously for results. but yes, this will take time. they need shaq to match up with big guys come playoff time. and yes, i believe too that the players we have now based on talent alone, can still make it to the playoffs even with limited time from shaq. so for now, let's wish shawn marion the best in his new team, let us remember what he brought to the great city of phoenix, and then let's support our team. if you are truly a SUNS fan, then you will be there to support them whatever happens. if you're only a marion fan...then support him in miami. he'll need it.
BrandonDalre - Chicago
Shawn Marion is the man when it comes down to speed and agility, but shaq is a better man when it comes down to power and finesse... GO SUNS!!!!
shazamm -
MISS SHAWN MARION BRING HIM BACK
Rob - Phoenix, Az
I have always loved Shawn and his hustle, his ability to lock down players, and his willingness to guard every position on the floor. That being said, he wasn't really all that effective against big men or small, quick guards, but he gave it his all and had limited success at it. His freaky athletic ability is what earned him points on offense, from Nash feeding him pinpoint passes and lobs, and when he would cut or slash to the basket and get up quicker than anyone to lay it in or dunk it. He's never had a dependable outcourt shot, and in the playoffs teams tighen up inside and would take away most of those opportunities in close that Marion lived on. He was a one dimensional player offensively in the playoffs with that funky, unreliable shot that was easy to contest with that low release. He couldn't handle or shoot the ball well enough to create his own offense, and that is what makes him one dimensional and easy to negate in the half court set. Comparing him and O'neal is like comparing apples to oranges. They are both good at doing different things. A healthy Shaq, even at 70% of what he was ability wise, is at least as good as most of the other centers out there. He will clog up the middle on D, cutting down on all the easy pts in the paint and 2nd chance pts that are the Suns' achilles heel. As a result, the Suns will get even more scoring opportunities ans their opponenents less. Amare will now be able to sprint out on the break along with Hill or Diaw. Amare will be able to stay in games longer not having to guard the bigs in the low post, they won't have to double all the time either and stay home on everybody else. They can compensate for the loss of Shawn. Nash is the engine that makes this team go. The Suns have proven that they can get at least as far as the Conf finals without guys like Amare. Without Nash they don't win more than 30% of their games, never mind even sniff the playoffs. With a healthy Shaq the Suns can still run at will and can compete when the other team is able to
Nick Coil - Mesa Az
I think that the shaq deal was roll of the dice. but you have to look at what the medical staff did with grant, antonio, and steve. Shaq doesn't have to be the fastest guy down the court like shawn was. really all he has to do is get the rebound send it to steve and the rest is history. if they don't get the fast break they pull it out, they have the new twin towers of the west and it is going to be fun to watch shaq and stat down low.. all i have to say is watch out western conference
Robert S - Heber,Az...Trinidad Co.
Well of all people, Im the least surprised, as I was a Suns fan when the Sir Charles trade happened, and that was a surprise.. The Shaquille trade cost us a lot in a premier swing man in Shawn Marion, Marcus was not a bust, he just tried to change his game to fit in here. Not all NBA guys can re-make themselves to fit coach D's type of game. I do think Shaq will be able to defend the paint and rebound where we were the weakest, and his best feature is the offensive rebound. If he gets 5 or 6 offensive rebounds a game thats up to 18 more available pts for our team. This is a win now or never trade, I will miss Shawn as HE was the sparkplug of the team, He set the mood on a finish. When he really crushed a dunk, the crowd and team went nuts for at least 5 or six minutes. He is a lot less replaceable than many think. I will reserve judgementt until I see our first playoff series with Shaq. Thanks all..
Bryce - Casa Grande
Believe it. This is a genius trade.
Bryce
http://www.sunsdynasty.com/
Avner Sawyer - Kingman Az
Shaq was a good player, but he is getting up in age and he gets hurt easy. Making too much money for his out put. We need a big man, and Shaq is the only one out there at this time, and the suns want a champenship now, not later. I would wait for a young big man.
bob aka boy phoenix - macau
Shaq, please put to stop all those doomsayers. Let that diesel machine work now so that SUNS energy will have that extra boost.Let's GO SUNS!!!
randy - oc
We were ranked last in rebounds. Soft interior defense. Shaq fills both voids.
I think with a combination of Hill and Diaw, they are going to have to find a way to make up for Marion's production.
I still feel more comfortable with SHAQ and Amare on both ends of the court.
Ping - Vancouver, B.C.
Marion will be missed, no doubt. But why don't we let him start fresh at Miami if this is what he wanted. Case closed. Welcome Shaq.....
eddy, canada -
shawn was the best player on this team .... the suns record is going to be ruined ... the last games was a good reason!! i'm not sure if the suns will get over the 2nd round even
Jonaz - Station 7-Antartica
I think they should've traded Marion for other players instead of Shaq. Shaq is injury-prone and is old. He's good when he plays but with his age I think he won't last 30-40 mins a game. He's not the same Shaq that can take the pounding inside. Sorry Phoenix, bad call on this one.
Aaron - Phoenix
I don't understand why people keep saying Shaq will slow down the fastbreak. During a typical fastbreak only one or two Suns are on the far end. They receive a long pass and lay it up. Even the passer (not neccisarily the rebounder) is only at half court when the ball goes in the basket.
We will be just fine with the fastbreak. Welcome to the valley Shaq!
MONCAL18 - PHX602
ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS WOW...
I CANT BELIEVE SHAWN IS GONE!!=(..
HE IS SUCH A GREAT PLAYER.WHEN I FIRST SAW
SHAWN'S PRESS CONFERENCE...I WANTED TO CRY!
I WISH HIM LUCK!I LIKE SHAQ...BUT NOT FOR THE
SUNS!
SHAWN...WE WILL MISS YOU!!WISH YOU THE BEST!!
GREG STRONG - PHX ARIZONA
THIS IS A GREAT FOR AMARE AN STEVE,NOW HE CAN REST WHEN HE THROWS THE BALL IN THE POST PLUS THIS GIVES THE SUNS MORE OFFENCIVE REBOUNDS AND AMARE CAN PLAY HIS POWER FOWARD POSITION.
eddy - canada
i watch the phoenix suns to see shawn marion.....and now after 8 years u traded him....for shaq?? i'm really shocked and surprised and people wake up... shaq is no defensive player, he can't run, he's averging 7 reb!!! just imagine shaq gets ijnured in the playoffs AGAIN r u gonna say where is matrix!!!!!!
the suns record is gonna go down fast.... i just know that d'antoni wasn't happy at all watch the press conference and see his face!!
Enrico - Italy
I've been surprised at the very beginning, and thinking it was a bad move, but considering Marion was complaining, creating trouble inside the team, better to get rid of him and get some energethic and enthousiastic player like Shaq.
Maybe this will give us some more credibility with the referee and the league, to avoid crazy situations like last years with the Spurs...
Peter R. Lopez - Paranaque City, Philippines
Full blooded true blue Suns fan from Philippines apolgizes to rain in your parade,Shaq will lead Suns to its first NBA title. But first Suns should work on it. Finally, its about to rain confetti in the desert.
todd - canada
the suns made a good trade. shaq gives the suns a fast break and a halfcourt offence. the suns will stop getting dominated down low by mediocre centers like bynum and dampier. all in all its a risky trade but one that should turn out for the better
Hornacek, For Three!! - Phoenix, AZ (33 years)
Firstly, I hold nothing against Shawn...people talk about him being the highest paid player on the Suns etc. and then forget he donated $1,000,000 to the United Way back when he signed that contract, so give it a rest already.
The only thing about Shawn was his annual disappearing act in the playoffs. He's a pretty laid back guy so maybe the pressure just got to him too much in the post-season, I don't know. Regardless, thanks for the 8 years of hustle on both sides of the court, it will be missed by those of us who know better.
As far as Shaq goes...only time will tell. A whole boatload of people wrote off Chuck as well, before he'd even played a game, and it just so happens he helped get us one game away from a title. Shaq never "dominated" because of his pace, creativity or athleticism. His whole career has been based on taking up space, easy dunks, lay-up's, getting other teams into foul trouble and kicking to perimeter shooters off the double team.
These are all things he can and could do until he's into into his early 40's, provided the trainers can get his body to start cooperating once again. Maybe Proski should be called back in with the magic sponge...
andrew -
kind of interesting to hear all the comments and different ideas. One thing i noticed is that saying he was to old and injury prone is exactly what they said about nash before phoenix got him sure every one said he was ontop of his game Now but they also said he wasn't going to last more than on season if that said he'd get hurt and be out for ever said he was too old to do what he did any longer. true he is younger then shaq but he has a filmsier body and people expected him to be injuried any day because his still of play sacrifices the body. so why so much lack of faith nash had an injury when coming to the suns too and the doctors have a good track record for not say we can fix that if they cann;t do it mainly because they have been able to fix most things but also because they are careful not to promise more then they can do. i beleive shaq will be healthy motivated and better. better motivation better health nash making every one better and just being on a better team will make all the difference i don't know yet if they can make a championship or even if better will be very good at all but i know one thing this is a good idea even if it doesn't work out because suns needed a true center now and this is the first time they have ytried to get one for that example of intelligence alone i support this trade
mike bello - tempe
I have the best nicname for shaq ya know how he always comes up with long names how about THE BIG PHOENICIAN !! has a ring to it
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