Suns Now Running On Diesel
I cringed when Jason Kidd was dealt for Stephon Marbury in 2001. I did the dance of joy when Steve Nash was signed as a free agent in 2004, the vital piece in what has been the most entertaining show in the NBA for the past 3 years.
And now this long-time Phoenix Suns fan is at a complete loss on what to make of this show-stopping trade. Why in the name of James Naismith would the Suns, who currently lead the Western Conference, ship Shawn Marion (who could probably outrun a gazelle) for the 35-year-old Shaquille O’Neal (who is as mobile as the chair I’m sitting on)? I’ve never been a fan of The Big Aristotle but I mean no disrespect to his past achievements. But Matrix defined the Phoenix Suns even before Nash came along with his versatility and athleticism. He defends point guards to centers and has time to finish the fastbreak. Shaq might have once been the Most Dominant Ever but age and injuries have gotten the better of him already. Even in his prime, he would be voted #1 on the Most Unlikely to Fit in the Phoenix Suns Offense list.
Some say GM Steve Kerr pushed the panic button when Pau Gasol was acquired by Pacific rival Lakers for practically nothing. Yes, we are all sour graping about that fact. Still, as a fan I am giving Kerr the benefit of the doubt. Maybe Shaq will be motivated enough to stay healthy and win one more championship (or two). Maybe Grant Hill will share with him the fountain of youth that he seems to have discovered this year. Maybe the 7′1″ Man of Steel will be the vital cog for the Suns in the playoffs.
Maybe this is all just a dream…
SPILL THEM BRAINS...