I don't think Steve Kerr would have pulled the trigger on this deal without really feeling it is going to work. I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and believe he has a picture of what he wants for this team come playoff time. How this works in the regular season is not the point at all so I caution everyone to reserve judgement until the postseason.

 

As for the Heat, great deal, gives them major flexibility should Marion opt out, and if he doesn't they get a look at the Wade/Marion combo for nearly a half-season to see if they want to build upon it.

The Suns are very close to a title, but they weren't going to get it with their current roster.

Marion wanted to be traded earlier.

They'll be good without him.

With a presence like Shaq in the middle, the Suns will be a much more serious contender when it really matters.

 

I like this trade personally. Phoenix could have either stayed pat and got beat out of the playoffs again, or they could take a chance on getting something out of Shaq and possibly winning it all. Nash is getting older as well, so the Suns window is closing...IMO, it was now or never if they were going to take a chance and try to win a ring.

 

To me, it's a no brainer when deciding between these two options...1) keep Marion and have a pretty good team that can't win it all or 2) trade him for Shaq and have a real shot at a title if it works out.

The Suns are very close to a title, but they weren't going to get it with their current roster.

Marion wanted to be traded earlier.

They'll be good without him.

With a presence like Shaq in the middle, the Suns will be a much more serious contender when it really matters.

 

I like this trade personally. Phoenix could have either stayed pat and got beat out of the playoffs again, or they could take a chance on getting something out of Shaq and possibly winning it all. Nash is getting older as well, so the Suns window is closing...IMO, it was now or never if they were going to take a chance and try to win a ring.

 

To me, it's a no brainer when deciding between these two options...1) keep Marion and have a pretty good team that can't win it all or 2) trade him for Shaq and have a real shot at a title if it works out.

 

I've said for awhile now that they are a fun team to watch and a very good regular season team but they didn't have the parts to win it all. I'm not sure if Shaq can be his old self again though.

I've said for awhile now that they are a fun team to watch and a very good regular season team but they didn't have the parts to win it all. I'm not sure if Shaq can be his old self again though.

 

That's the question. But, I think it was worth the risk. I honestly think Marion's production can be replaced whether Shaq pans out or not. My view is they got rid of a disgruntled guy, they'll still be good and in the process they got a guy who might give them a real shot at a title.

 

I may be in the minority, but I think it was a good trade.

Grant Hill was hurt most of the last couple of years and he is older but he came to Phoenix and is doing just fine. I think the trade will work out for both teams.

That's the question. But, I think it was worth the risk. I honestly think Marion's production can be replaced whether Shaq pans out or not. My view is they got rid of a disgruntled guy, they'll still be good and in the process they got a guy who might give them a real shot at a title.

 

I may be in the minority, but I think it was a good trade.

 

Marion was probably the best defensive player on that team and that's where I think they'll miss him the most. Shaq and Nash have clashing styles... I can see the argument for it being a good trade or a bad one.

Marion was probably the best defensive player on that team and that's where I think they'll miss him the most. Shaq and Nash have clashing styles... I can see the argument for it being a good trade or a bad one.

 

Exactly, Marion could guard every position except C. The question is can Shaq still guard Yao, Duncan, Bynum..etc..?

I must admit, I am pulling for a Shaq-Kobe playoff series.

Marion was probably the best defensive player on that team and that's where I think they'll miss him the most. Shaq and Nash have clashing styles... I can see the argument for it being a good trade or a bad one.

 

Well, if Shaq can't play or can't give them anything, then it will be bad. And, that's definitely possible, I'd say.

 

I still think it's worth a shot because they weren't going to be anything more than a really good regular season team that loses in the conference finals or semi-finals with the roster they had.

If Shaq can give them 25 productive minutes a night, then I think it works out for the Suns.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3235331

 

Apparently Shaq says he can run with the Suns...

I have a feeling that Shaq is going to surprise alot of people. Yes the Suns run alot and are a fast break team, but think about it this way. A fast break starts with a rebound. I can't think of anybody better to be throwing an outlet pass off a defensive rebound to Steve Nash than Shaq. Also, this frees up Amare to be able to get out and run with Nash instead of being that guy getting the rebounds. And when they don't have the break, they can pull the ball out and set up a half court offense now with Shaq, who will still demand a double team. They have just added another weapon that may get them over the top!

I like this deal now. This gives them an inside, back to the basket presence. This gives them also an inside defense against Yao, Duncan, Gasol, and the rest of the bigs in the West. This boosts them up. They have Barbosa, Diaw, and others to take the spot Marion occupied. And Nash makes Shaq automatically that much better. This makes the Suns one of the favorites in the West. The West playoffs will be really fun to watch this year.

I also have to say that it cant be said enough how much veteran "been there" leadership and charisma this brings to the Suns. He was great in the press conference today and will put butts in the seats.

I don't think Steve Kerr would have pulled the trigger on this deal without really feeling it is going to work. I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and believe he has a picture of what he wants for this team come playoff time. How this works in the regular season is not the point at all so I caution everyone to reserve judgement until the postseason.

 

As for the Heat, great deal, gives them major flexibility should Marion opt out, and if he doesn't they get a look at the Wade/Marion combo for nearly a half-season to see if they want to build upon it.

 

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