You know why Shaq is so happy about this trade...

[LakeShowMan]

I personally think this makes the Suns a much more dangerous playoff team, IF Shaq is healthy enough to play the way they need him. Honestly, he needs to try and adopt the role that Wilt did when he came to the Lakers in the early 70s. He transformed his game from a scorer, to a much more dedicated defender/rebounder/complimentary offensive player. If Shaq can swallow his pride and do that (and his body allows him to do it), this Suns team becomes much more dangerous in the playoffs.

With that said, I still take the Lakers with a healthy Bynum or a healthy Spurs team. I can't frigging wait to see how this all turns out. The NBA is becoming GREAT again. Woohoo!!

As for the PG debate. It is hard saying that anyone is better than Nash. Personally, if I was givien my choice of PGs in the league, I would take Chris Paul. However, I still can't say for certain that Paul is better than Nash.

 

[D-Dogg]

Honestly, he needs to try and adopt the role that Wilt did when he came to the Lakers in the early 70s. He transformed his game from a scorer, to a much more dedicated defender/rebounder/complimentary offensive player. If Shaq can swallow his pride and do that (and his body allows him to do it), this Suns team becomes much more dangerous in the playoffs.

Hey, you and I are often on the same page, so I ask you this.


I agree with you on the quote above, and I even referenced Wilt in another post.

Do you really think Shaq could even do this, knowing what you know about him? He is not Wilt...he isn't a guy who has ever shown me that he could swallow his pride. If he could, he and Kobe would have still been playing in LA, IMO.

 

[abomb]

As for the PG debate. It is hard saying that anyone is better than Nash. Personally, if I was givien my choice of PGs in the league, I would take Chris Paul. However, I still can't say for certain that Paul is better than Nash.

I felt the same way, but it is easier to do this;

Is Nash the best PG in the league?
No.

If I leave it at that, I am fine. I just cant say, who is better.

 

[LakeShowMan]

Hey, you and I are often on the same page, so I ask you this.


I agree with you on the quote above, and I even referenced Wilt in another post.

Do you really think Shaq could even do this, knowing what you know about him? He is not Wilt...he isn't a guy who has ever shown me that he could swallow his pride. If he could, he and Kobe would have still been playing in LA, IMO.

I really have no idea. I do think that Shaq has been somewhat humbled, of course being on a 9-36 team will do that to you.

I will say this, the motivation he will gain by going from the worst team in the league to one of the best, and being able to potentially beat the Lakers in the playoffs will be more than enough for him to give it all he has. We'll see if 'all he has' left, is enough.

With a healthy Bynum, I still LOVE the Lakers chances. Also, the Lakers have given themselves a 3-4 year window with their move. The Suns, at best, have given themselves a 1.5 year window.

 

[ArizonaSportsFan]

I felt the same way, but it is easier to do this;

Is Nash the best PG in the league?
No.

If I leave it at that, I am fine. I just cant say, who is better.

What is the criteria? Subjective or objective?

 

[abomb]

What is the criteria? Subjective or objective?

I dont know. I think I am talking out my ass.

I guess Nash's age really scares me.

 

[ArizonaSportsFan]

I dont know. I think I am talking out my ass.

I guess Nash's age really scares me.

I can't disagree with the potential/age issue.

 

[Covert Rain]

As for the PG debate. It is hard saying that anyone is better than Nash. Personally, if I was givien my choice of PGs in the league, I would take Chris Paul. However, I still can't say for certain that Paul is better than Nash.

If I was building a team for the future that's a no brainer. I would choose Paul probably as well. However, if your going for a ring right now and I could choose my point guard..it's Nash. It's a no brainer. He is the best PG in the league right now.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Dude, you too? You think this is a good move?

D'antoni doesn't know how to coach a half court team, and now you have a dinosaur who can't run and you think it is a GOOD thing?

As a Laker fan, I think this trade is hilarious. Spin it all you want, but this trade makes you worse.

Famous last words bucko.

This is the way I look at it. Shaq hates Kobe and the Lakers. We are their biggest rivals. Shaq will be SUPREMELY motivated and motivated Shaq is one that will turn it on when he has to.

I understand why you think the way you think. You remember Shaq circa 2004. He quit on you guys and you thought he was a bum when he was traded to Miami. He was motivated and POOF there comes a title to Biscayne Blvd. And he had NOWHERE near the talent he has now then.

Granted he has lost a step. But hes still 7'1 and 340 and that will come in big handy when Tony and Fish try to come down the lane. I would also think that his skills translate well to the Suns in that he is a great post passer and no matter what you think of him - he still demands a double team opening things up for the most shooters he has ever had.

Oh and one more thing: Psychologically Bynum and Gasol are wetting their pants at the prospect of meeting the greatest Laker center for 7 games. Not Kobe and Phil as they have to much ego to admit as much, but the Suns just got a lot better for a playoff run.

So yes - on the periphery it seems like "WTF?"

But dig deeper. The best rivalry in the NBA just got ALOT better and if anything this is going to make for better TV.

So scoff if you like and if you think (which i know you don't) the Suns were going to beat the Lakers with Marion at the 4 (keep in minded we were POUNDED by LO before Bynum progressed and Gasol came over) opposed to one of the biggest front lines in the NBA now - well your kidding yourself.

You might laugh now but this a smart risk and one that could be VERY upsetting for Laker fans this year.

and for all the questions about how Shaq will slow down the Lakers....did Kareem at 38 slow down Showtime's fast break....or did he make it that much better?

 

[Covert Rain]

Dude, you too? You think this is a good move?

D'antoni doesn't know how to coach a half court team, and now you have a dinosaur who can't run and you think it is a GOOD thing?

One of the biggest fallacies. Look at how many fast break opportunities the suns get on average per game. That accounts for about 15% of the overall offensive plays during a given game. When the Suns are killing teams that might go up to 25%. That means the majority of the rest of the game the Suns are in half court sets. Stop listening to Greg Anthony.

 

[Southpaw]

He now can put some distance between himself and Queen Shaunie O'Neal.

Is Arizona a community property state?

 

[LakersFreak24]

I still am very happy as a Laker fan for this trade. No way suns got better by trading away marion for an old shaq. We wont meet in the playoffs cause suns will lose in second round to San Antonio. I predict a Lakers San Antonio Western Finals, the #1 and # 2 teams in the WEST!!!