The Heat has told center Shaquille O'Neal's representation that it is talking about trading him and he should be prepared for the possibility of a deal, according to two officials close to the situation. Phoenix has discussed sending forward Shawn Marion and point guard Marcus Banks to the Heat in return for O'Neal.


Heat in serious talks to trade Shaq - 02/05/2008 - MiamiHerald.com (http://www.miamiherald.com/592/story/407442.html)

I guess if he's healthy, he can help PHX to a title. But is he healthy enough to get through another playoff grind? Seems like a big risk to me.

I can see it now, Shaq will fall on Grant Hill`s ankle and all hell will break out!!!!!!!!!:pound::pound::pound::pound:


And if that doesn`t happen, I guess with Shaq, the Suns will walk it up court.........verrrrrrrrrrrry sloooooooooooowly!!!

I can see it now, Shaq will fall on Grant Hill`s ankle and all hell will break out!!!!!!!!!:pound::pound::pound::pound:


And if that doesn`t happen, I guess with Shaq, the Suns will walk it up court.........verrrrrrrrrrrry sloooooooooooowly!!!

Good point, dlev. O'Neal can't run with the Suns. He'd be dying out there.

Shaq with the Suns. I love it. Next to the Celtics they are my least favorite team and I would love to see them go down hill fast.

I dislike D'Antoni even more than most posters on this forum dislike Flipper.

:hoops:

The Suns? I can't see that working at all.

I'm all for other teams making bad trades as long as it doesn't hurt the Pistons. IMO, the Heat would benefit too much from a trade like that for my liking.

Weird trade for the Suns; I don't know why they would do it, unless they think Marion is really poisoning their chemistry or something.

Jammer, why would you be worried about the Heat? They're 28 games under .500!

Weird trade for the Suns; I don't know why they would do it, unless they think Marion is really poisoning their chemistry or something.

Jammer, why would you be worried about the Heat? They're 28 games under .500!

I think he meant a lopsided trade in their favor could help them next season.

Stupid trade if it goes down. Just seems like a reaction/desperation move to the LAL trade.

Great for MIA, Wade/Marion, and a future top 10 pick. And if Marion opts out thats 17 mil coming off the books.

Jammer, why would you be worried about the Heat? They're 28 games under .500!

I think he meant a lopsided trade in their favor could help them next season.
Exactly. I couldn't care less for this season, but long term, this deal would make the Heat younger, healthier, better and cheaper (they'd have more money for FAs).

I wouldn't say that I'm worried, but as a rule of thumb, I don't like it when Conference opponents improve - especially ones with D-Wade.

So the 2 fastest tempo teams in the NBA are getting middle aged centers who can't run?

There must be something to this 4-man fast break concept.

I'm curious to see it in action.

I love Joe D. I love his refusal to make trades, just to make trades. This makes Phx a do or die team. Amare will be available soon. Seems as if mgmt only cares about winning for Nash, who aint getting any younger. You're now starting Hill, Nash and Shaq???? All Phx had to do was hold onto Kurt Thomas- for cheap, now you go get the "Big Always Injured"

Steve Kerr has to be the dumbest man alive.:pound:

How did Riley pull this off?:sssh:

Looked at the recent trades by other teams and I must say I'm so proud of the Pistons, so happy to have Joe D. here. Go Pistons.

The more i think about this deal, the more i see the upside for the Suns.

Marion is making 17 mil, and can opt out and they basically get nothing, or he could force a trade.

He's become from what i'm hearing a locker room drama queen, and not making the all-star team instensified that. Also, if you watch the Suns play this year, it's obvious the chemistry is shot.

The previous team will not beat the Spurs or the Lakers so really they were stagnant. Shaq is kinda make or break at this point, but i could see how they think if he's motivated and healthy he might be a difference maker for them, and he will be surrounded by shooters.

And the fans were incensed about the KT move and failure to pay the lux tax, this kills the doubt that winning isn't a priority.

And Shaq is an expiring next year (?). That's a huge contract. And if they can exchange picks w/ MIA, the deal becomes a really good idea.

edited to add;

Also in terms of the Pistons, they're not in the West. Otherwise i think they would be forced to make some kind of move. It's not hard to stay competitive in the East.

Shaq is not expiring next year, he's owed something like 20 or 25 million dollars per year through 2010.

If Shaq was expiring this year, Miami would have been able to trade him easily.

Given the current market for players I don't think Marion would want to opt out, it doesn't seem likely another team would sign him (for more than that) especially since his stats are inflated due to playing in Phoenix's system with Nash.

Anyway I guess what I'm trying to say is this trade is HILARIOUS. I'm soooo happy I'm not a Suns fan, what a terrible front office.

Anyway I guess what I'm trying to say is this trade is HILARIOUS. I'm soooo happy I'm not a Suns fan, what a terrible front office.

It is unique, that's for sure. Maybe Marion is more of a problem than we know or has told them that he will opt out, and is forcing a move now. Hard to explain otherwise.

Though it still seems like Shaq would be pretty far down the list of ideal players to join the suns. Marion would get you Ben Wallace and Luol Deng from Chicago. Ben's contract is longer than Shaq's, but he could bring a toughness the Suns sorely need, and Deng would fit right in.

However, if Joe D could sucker Riley into taking shaq for some useless contracts and draft picks (CBA?) we'd be a lock for this year's title, Dolphin or not.

Shaq is not expiring next year, he's owed something like 20 or 25 million dollars per year through 2010.

If Shaq was expiring this year, Miami would have been able to trade him easily.

Right. Shaq's contract is for 20 mil per through the end of the 2009-2010 season. If getting him will really improve the Suns and get them at least to the finals, then it could arguably be worth it for Phoenix, but I don't see that happening. If they were determined to move Marion, OK, but why Shaq, for crying out loud? Like dba said, how about finding a better deal?

Well the good news is we don't have to put up with shaq or marion tonight so I hope we can get the zoo crew some good pt.

This is the weirdest trade ever. I can't believe Miami is getting bailed out like this.

this trade doesn't make sense to me, especially after phoenix continually sells draft picks because they are worried about $$$$.

maybe this will be the year that bad teams unload ALL of their good players to good teams, and half the league will be really strong and the other half in rebuild mode, rather than just a couple elite teams...could certainly make for an interesting playoffs.

This could be potentially fatal for the Suns. Snaq's contract as mentioned has a few years to go, if this doesn't work out for them, by the time Snaq's contract comes off the books Steve Nash will likely be in the twilight of his career and the Suns will probably be rebuilding after that.

The Suns would probably be better off getting Cheik Samb. At least he can run and shoot.

Shaq is not expiring next year, he's owed something like 20 or 25 million dollars per year through 2010.

If Shaq was expiring this year, Miami would have been able to trade him easily.

Given the current market for players I don't think Marion would want to opt out, it doesn't seem likely another team would sign him (for more than that) especially since his stats are inflated due to playing in Phoenix's system with Nash.

Anyway I guess what I'm trying to say is this trade is HILARIOUS. I'm soooo happy I'm not a Suns fan, what a terrible front office.

Ouch. Nevermind.

I don't know if any of you guys have noticed, maybe your all to busy laughing, but the deal is done, Snaq somehow magically passed his physical and is actually a Sun. What a sad sad day for Suns fans.

What I wanna know is how Riley pulled this out of his ass?

And where did the Suns find there medical staff?

I don't know if any of you guys have noticed, maybe your all to busy laughing, but the deal is done, Snaq somehow magically passed his physical and is actually a Sun. What a sad sad day for Suns fans.

What I wanna know is how Riley pulled this out of his ass?

And where did the Suns find there medical staff?


Perhaps Shaq will magically become healthy in a new situation, ala Chris Webber last season when he was traded to the Pistons.

Exactly. I couldn't care less for this season, but long term, this deal would make the Heat younger, healthier, better and cheaper (they'd have more money for FAs).

I wouldn't say that I'm worried, but as a rule of thumb, I don't like it when Conference opponents improve - especially ones with D-Wade.

I believe that Marion is a free agent after this season, no guarantee he will stay with the Heat however if the Heat get the #1 pick and take Beasley or get the #2 pick and take Rose and resign Marion they will have 3 pretty darn good young players.

:hoops:

I believe that Marion is a free agent after this season, no guarantee he will stay with the Heat however if the Heat get the #1 pick and take Beasley or get the #2 pick and take Rose and resign Marion they will have 3 pretty darn good young players.

:hoops:

Marion will be 30 by the start of next season. Who is the 3rd young player you speak of?

I believe that Marion is a free agent after this season, no guarantee he will stay with the Heat however if the Heat get the #1 pick and take Beasley or get the #2 pick and take Rose and resign Marion they will have 3 pretty darn good young players.

:hoops:
Yeah, but if Marion couldn't take a backseat to Nash and Stat, especially when he was getting paid a lot more to just keep his mouth shut and play, how is going to take to Wade, and possibly another stern made star next year.

This is the weirdest trade ever. I can't believe Miami is getting bailed out like this.

I was shocked when I first heard this. I honestly thought it was a joke. I figured maybe I missed something, but it appears everyone in here is pretty much on the same page. It was really nice to know I could come in here and get some good honest opinions and insight rather than listen to the media crap on this topic. Kind of validated my reality for me.

Anyhow, if this were in a fantasy league It would be vetoed in a hot second. LOL. Yeah, I know in real life we are talking chemistry and defense and stuff, but it just makes no sense to me.

I will say this...I don't think Kerr is a fool and I think he has a great understanding of the game. We'll have to see if he looks like the genius or buffoon of the year at the end of the season. My money is on the buffoon right now...

Maybe it will work, if Shaq has been holding back and gets all the calls and loses 20 pounds and gets a hip replacement and hits all his free throws... I mean I'm open to the possibility. But wasn't there a better C they could have got in exchange for Marion?

And why would one of the worst defensive teams in the league get rid of their best defensive player?

No wonder we were able to get rid of Nazr. Understanding the greater fool theory is critical to being a good GM.

Maybe it will work, if Shaq has been holding back and gets all the calls and loses 20 pounds and gets a hip replacement and hits all his free throws... I mean I'm open to the possibility. But wasn't there a better C they could have got in exchange for Marion?

And why would one of the worst defensive teams in the league get rid of their best defensive player?

No wonder we were able to get rid of Nazr. Understanding the greater fool theory is critical to being a good GM.
:pound::pound: Phx is sooooo stupid, they'd have been better off trying to get Ben Wallace, who actually fits for them, he would easily avg a "Maintainence Free" double-double, by cutting, running the floor and hitting the offensive glass, and staying out of the way. Phx is going to be sooooo much easier to defend, w/out Marion they cant stretch the floor on offense anymore. Shaq will now severely clog up the lane, where Amare and Nash do their thing.

That would be heaven for Ben right now. Think of all those offensive rebounding opportunities with those long 3-pointer miss rebounds. Also, he wouldn't get the ball in isolation and have to make post moves. His contract looks like a great deal compared to Shaq.

The Bulls seamingly had the most attractive pieces to trade this year and they are being left out of the party.

Teams didn't want Ben Wallace because I think that he is now considered a malcontent. Having Shaq as an option is much better for PHX than teplacing one whiner with another.............:stirthepot:

Here's a good read on how the trade went down:

Suns hoping O'Neal has something left in tank - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=ApdID4CbCSx_nr_.I2kD2Y.kvLYF?slug=aw-kerrshaq020708&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)

Here's a good read on how the trade went down:

Suns hoping O'Neal has something left in tank - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=ApdID4CbCSx_nr_.I2kD2Y.kvLYF?slug=aw-kerrshaq020708&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)

Really interesting article. Clearly Marion had become more trouble than worth, at least to Phoenix. Love Kerr's quote at the end...

“If it doesn’t (work), I’m a moron, I guess.”

And if it does he's a genius. It's the same fine line Dumars walked with Sheed.

Really interesting article. Clearly Marion had become more trouble than worth, at least to Phoenix. Love Kerr's quote at the end...

“If it doesn’t (work), I’m a moron, I guess.”

And if it does he's a genius. It's the same fine line Dumars walked with Sheed.

Yea, but Dumars traded Chucky Atkins, not Shawn Marion.

Really interesting article. Clearly Marion had become more trouble than worth, at least to Phoenix.

I can believe that, but like some of us mentioned up-thread, why deal him for Shaq? Why do they think this is a better deal than any of the other rumored ones involving Marion that had been out there?

:pound::pound: Phx is sooooo stupid, they'd have been better off trying to get Ben Wallace, who actually fits for them, he would easily avg a "Maintainence Free" double-double, by cutting, running the floor and hitting the offensive glass, and staying out of the way. Phx is going to be sooooo much easier to defend, w/out Marion they cant stretch the floor on offense anymore. Shaq will now severely clog up the lane, where Amare and Nash do their thing.

The Suns must be counting on Shaq being doubled. With Wallace, they wouldn't get that.

Nice article here by Jack McCallum:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jack_mccallum/02/06/marion.trade/index.html?bcnn=yes

Yea, but Dumars traded Chucky Atkins, not Shawn Marion.

O.k., maybe the line was a little wider then.

:pound:

I can believe that, but like some of us mentioned up-thread, why deal him for Shaq? Why do they think this is a better deal than any of the other rumored ones involving Marion that had been out there?

Because as Kerr said he is a moron and he like some many others in the BB world still believe that Shaq is still the most dominant player out there??? Remember some media types in the preseason still had the Heat as the 4th best team in the east. :confused: Seems like somebody even had them going to the conference finals thinking that if Shaq and Wade were both healthy by mid season they would return to form.

Kerr won't admit it yet, but this was probably his response to the Lakers getting Gasol and he figured with Amare and Marion both being kind of soft in the middle defensively>> they needed somebody else to offset the Bynum/Gasol duet or Duncan when it came down to the post season.

I am thinking based on Shaq's comments at the Suns news conference today that he will probably more inclined to get back in shape and probably won't fake any injuries......:sssh:

Back in November, four out of the 18 ESPN "experts" predicted the Miami Heat to win their division.

Eight out of the 18 picked the Bulls to win the Eastern Conference. More experts picked the Bulls to win the Central Division than the Pistons (10-7).

Five of the experts predicted Phoenix to win it all (without Shaq).

One expert (Chad Ford) actually picked the Pistons to win it all.

ESPN - Experts' preseason predictions for titles - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview2007/news/story?page=predicttabletitles)


One expert (Dr. Jack Ramsey) picked Scott Skiles to win Coach of the Year.

Three experts picked Maxiel to win the Most Improved Player (MIP) Award. JMax also got one vote for Sixth Man of the Year.

ESPN - Experts' preseason predictions for awards - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview2007/news/story?page=predicttableawards)

Because as Kerr said he is a moron and he like some many others in the BB world still believe that Shaq is still the most dominant player out there??? Remember some media types in the preseason still had the Heat as the 4th best team in the east. :confused: Seems like somebody even had them going to the conference finals thinking that if Shaq and Wade were both healthy by mid season they would return to form.

Kerr won't admit it yet, but this was probably his response to the Lakers getting Gasol and he figured with Amare and Marion both being kind of soft in the middle defensively>> they needed somebody else to offset the Bynum/Gasol duet or Duncan when it came down to the post season.

I am thinking based on Shaq's comments at the Suns news conference today that he will probably more inclined to get back in shape and probably won't fake any injuries......:sssh:


O'Neal is said to be in good shape for his age (35) with his weight at 312 pounds (down from his listed 325) and his body fat at 12 percent.
312 for him is a good weight and 12 percent body fat is very good.

----------------------------------------------------------
From 4 years ago


Miami's newest tanker has also had some bodywork done. Shaq's weight rose to a hefty 375 pounds last season and, after being told to trim some weight, the All-Star center is a leaner 327 pounds.
So it seems that he is actually 15 pounds lighter than 4 years ago.

I doubt he could ever get down below 300. His frame is too big and he is too muscular.

Miami's Diesel Brings Punch To The Gallon - Sports (http://media.www.thehilltoponline.com/media/storage/paper590/news/2004/11/05/Sports/Miamis.Diesel.Brings.Punch.To.The.Gallon-794695.shtml)


Shaq aims for 5th title (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0206sunsshaq0207.html)

The big variable here is how much was Shaq loafing?

We will soon find out.

It was funny watching Phoenix and New Orleans battle it out last night without their best defensive players, Marion and Chandler.

Shaq really did slim down after the trade from L.A. to Miami, and he seems to done a good job staying at that weight over the last few years. But he can't be productive for 35 minutes per game anymore anyway, so his weight probably isn't that good a measure of how much gas he has left in the tank. He doesn't seem to have much left anymore no matter what.

O'Neal is said to be ... at 312 poundsby whom?

I mean, Shaq's always been the kind of childish person who would do anything for spite, but like improving his free throw shooting, he won't do that.

by whom?

I mean, Shaq's always been the kind of childish person who would do anything for spite, but like improving his free throw shooting, he won't do that.


Steve Kerr said on the radio that the Suns' doctors measured Shaq yesterday at 320 pounds and 12% body fat.

Steve Kerr said on the radio that the Suns' doctors measured Shaq yesterday at 320 pounds and 12% body fat.
OK. Well, I think 320 is probably more accurate than 312. :sssh:

Or maybe the 12% is calculated like a tax? So, 320 pounds of bone and tissue, plus 38 pounds of fat?

Or maybe the 12% is calculated like a tax? So, 320 pounds of bone and tissue, plus 38 pounds of fat?
:rofl:

He's easily over 500 lbs when you factor in his ego.

This game replay story is kind of crazy. The Heat and Hawks have to replay the final 51 seconds because there was a dispute about Shaq's 6th foul. Now, they will replay it without Shaq. The question remains whether the new guys (Marion) can play in the replay.

ESPN - Heat, Hawks to replay end of game, but can new players go? - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3234359)

Steve Kerr said on the radio that the Suns' doctors measured Shaq yesterday at 320 pounds and 12% body fat.

Is the Suns doctor named Dr. Phil? :)


Yeah Shaq looked in good shape up their on the podium talking today, but if you think about it, what NBA team doctor was going to have Shaq fail a physical when the franchise is depending on it??

I suspect because of the new situation and the prospect of beating out the Lakers or Spurs in the WCF, Shaq will show up and give it his best ..more so than what he did in Miami this past season..but not sure if he has that much left in the tank for rest of the season.... unless Mike Antoni uses him sparingly and saving him for heavier minutes in the post season?? Whatever happens, Shaq sold it to the Suns beat writers with all of his I am going to make Amare better BS.:blah:

Yeah Shaq looked in good shape up their on the podium talking today, but if you think about it, what NBA team doctor was going to have Shaq fail a physical when the franchise is depending on it??



Steve Kerr said the entire trade hinged upon what the Phoenix medical staff had to say. They weren't going to approve this deal if they didn't think Shaq could contribute.

The salaries in the trade are pretty much a wash for the first 2 years. It's the $20 million in Shaq's 3rd year that is the biggest part of the risk.

Steve Kerr said the entire trade hinged upon what the Phoenix medical staff had to say. They weren't going to approve this deal if they didn't think Shaq could contribute.

The salaries in the trade are pretty much a wash for the first 2 years. It's the $20 million in Shaq's 3rd year that is the biggest part of the risk.

If Shaq stinks it up, Kerr should forfeit his entire salary to help foot the bill for Snaq's salary in that third year. Not sure what Kerr is getting, but he could put a dent in it.

The salaries in the trade are pretty much a wash for the first 2 years. It's the $20 million in Shaq's 3rd year that is the biggest part of the risk.

I am not so sure salaries are a wash when you swap these guys. Marion is going to contribute, he may be unhappy, but he'll give you something. Banks is a nice piece with a little bit to high of a price tag (actually everybody in this deal is getting paid to much). And Shaq, maybe he'll help em out, but I like paying for production not some guy to sit on the bench and complain about his thigh bruise.

I guess what I am saying is if I gotta shell out 20 mil for some basketball player, I'd rather pay it to somebody who hustles, plays D, and can play 35 minutes a game for the rest of the season.

If Shaq stinks it up, Kerr should forfeit his entire salary to help foot the bill for Snaq's salary in that third year. Not sure what Kerr is getting, but he could put a dent in it.

Hell if this don't work and the Suns go down as fast as the Heat have (I know Shaq wasn't the only reason for that), I wanna know how fast Kerr is gonna get kicked out of town. As avid as some Suns fans are I think he is gonna need to go hide out in Siberia for a bit.

I am not so sure salaries are a wash when you swap these guys. Marion is going to contribute, he may be unhappy, but he'll give you something. Banks is a nice piece with a little bit to high of a price tag (actually everybody in this deal is getting paid to much). And Shaq, maybe he'll help em out, but I like paying for production not some guy to sit on the bench and complain about his thigh bruise.

I guess what I am saying is if I gotta shell out 20 mil for some basketball player, I'd rather pay it to somebody who hustles, plays D, and can play 35 minutes a game for the rest of the season.

I said salaries are a wash, not production.

Yea, but Dumars traded Chucky Atkins, not Shawn Marion.

Don't forget he also traded the draft picks that ended up being Tony Allen and Josh Smith.

I cringe every time Josh puts up numbers like the ones he has posted in the last two games for ATL.

I believe the hype.


One thing that noone seems to be mentioning is the fact that Nash's window is closing.... and Amare or no, the Suns won't be the contenders for anything once he and Marion (who was leaving anyway) are not on the team.

Taking a gamble on Shaquille makes perfect sense to me. Whats more, I really do believe he will take a great deal of pressure off of Amare, which will in fact make him a better player on the floor.

I didn't think Grant would do well in the Suns system, and he appears to be handling things just fine. If the PHX docs can give Shaq some of that cookin'....this team has just become my favorite in the west.

Based on the PHX team, I believe they want to win this year or next. I figure they're good for a ship at least one of these two years.

I believe the hype.


One thing that noone seems to be mentioning is the fact that Nash's window is closing.... and Amare or no, the Suns won't be the contenders for anything once he and Marion (who was leaving anyway) are not on the team.

Taking a gamble on Shaquille makes perfect sense to me. Whats more, I really do believe he will take a great deal of pressure off of Amare, which will in fact make him a better player on the floor.

I didn't think Grant would do well in the Suns system, and he appears to be handling things just fine. If the PHX docs can give Shaq some of that cookin'....this team has just become my favorite in the west.

Funny that is exactly what Steve Kerr said on TNT today before the early game. He must be reading your posts. LOL

:hoops:

How about a Shaq/Kobe WCF?

I bet the NBA would love that!

How about a Shaq/Kobe WCF?

I bet the NBA would love that!

Especially if Drew is back and at 100% or close to it.

While Drew had improved significantly this year, he was still having trouble with the bigger centers before he got injured.

:hoops:

Anyone gonna be buying Shaq's new uni's? :pound:

http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nba_experts__2/ept_sports_nba_experts-574941647-1202402282.jpg?ymrfM4.C15o3w.VK

Anyone gonna be buying Shaq's new uni's? :pound:

http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nba_experts__2/ept_sports_nba_experts-574941647-1202402282.jpg?ymrfM4.C15o3w.VK


Now that's funny...:pound::pound::pound::pound::pound:

That is hilarious, Webz. :pound::pound::pound:

That would be heaven for Ben right now. Think of all those offensive rebounding opportunities with those long 3-pointer miss rebounds. Also, he wouldn't get the ball in isolation and have to make post moves. His contract looks like a great deal compared to Shaq.

The Bulls seamingly had the most attractive pieces to trade this year and they are being left out of the party.

Thats what he likes isn't it? Getting the ball and being able to make his moves inside. Yes if he was just happy rebounding and playing D but it would not be very long before he was pouting about not getting enough shots. Then they would have to waste x-amt of opportunities to keep him happy.

Anyway. I can't see how this trade is any good for PHX. Appears to be a quick answer to LA getting Gasol. Also a clear admittance that their system was not working.

Good points about them losing Marion. Most analysts are looking at what Shaq may bring and forgetting about the great player they are losing. Perhaps they figure Marion would not fit with what they are trying to do or perhaps concerns about re-signing him. At any rate Shaq was the best they could do? Kerr must still have high regard for him.

Thats what he likes isn't it? Getting the ball and being able to make his moves inside. Yes if he was just happy rebounding and playing D but it would not be very long before he was pouting about not getting enough shots. Then they would have to waste x-amt of opportunities to keep him happy.


He would get his share of dunks and layups if he were with Phoenix. That is why I think it would have been a good fit. He'd get his opportunities in the natural course of their offense. They wouldn't have to sacrifice offensive possessions to keep him happy. On the other hand, even if they did, they have so many more possessions per game that it isn't as big of a deal to give Ben a few shots.

But it doesn't matter, because they are now stuck with the highest paid player in history who can't even be on the floor in crunch time.

Is the Suns doctor named Dr. Phil? :)


Yeah Shaq looked in good shape up their on the podium talking today, but if you think about it, what NBA team doctor was going to have Shaq fail a physical when the franchise is depending on it??

I suspect because of the new situation and the prospect of beating out the Lakers or Spurs in the WCF, Shaq will show up and give it his best ..more so than what he did in Miami this past season..but not sure if he has that much left in the tank for rest of the season.... unless Mike Antoni uses him sparingly and saving him for heavier minutes in the post season?? Whatever happens, Shaq sold it to the Suns beat writers with all of his I am going to make Amare better BS.:blah:

Sorry, I have to disagree, bro. I think Shaq's problems have more to do with the physical punishment he has taken since he entered the league than his actual weight. Personally, the complaints about his weight are based more on 'if you say it enough, it becomes true' than his actually being the Oliver Miller of the present day NBA. People I think have this idea that Shaq is grossly overweight and it's just not true.

PHX is a much more likely candidate for success now than LAL with so much of the pressure that will be taken off of Stoudamire now with Shaq out there....look out, PHX actually might have what it takes to finally get over the hump.

http://pleasehelpprotectkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/shaq_kids.jpg

He looks relatively skinny here.

In all seriousness, if the refs stop calling offensive fouls on him, then he can still be the best player in the NBA. Let's hope that doesn't happen.

Personally, the complaints about his weight are based more on 'if you say it enough, it becomes true' than his actually being the Oliver Miller of the present day NBA. People I think have this idea that Shaq is grossly overweight and it's just not true.

Shaq definitely was overweight in his last year or two with the Lakers, so people got used to talking about it then. He slimmed back down again after he was traded to the Heat, but then he started slowing down after a year or two, even though he kept the weight off. But most of the media and other people commenting on him couldn't keep more than one thought in their heads at the same time, so they just assumed that his lower production and injury issues in the last two seasons must have something to do with him being too heavy, even though he hasn't been since he left L.A.

http://pleasehelpprotectkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/shaq_kids.jpg





To me, the rest of the Suns look somewhat different when they are pictured with Shaq.

To me, the rest of the Suns look somewhat different when they are pictured with Shaq.

Here's the thing. If you took the 5 best bball players from this forum and matched them up against Shaq + 4 of those kids (half court of course), then Shaq's team would probably win (provided the big kid in the green shirt can feed the post).

If Shaq ever subbed out of the game, then they would suffer though.

Here's the thing. If you took the 5 best bball players from this forum and matched them up against Shaq + 4 of those kids (half court of course), then Shaq's team would probably win (provided the big kid in the green shirt can feed the post).

If Shaq ever subbed out of the game, then they would suffer though.

I think Darth Tater and Jammertime would go to Hack-a-Shaq.

I think Darth Tater and Jammertime would go to Hack-a-Shaq.

I forgot about that strategy.

Although without refs, he would probably just not call the fouls.

I think Darth Tater and Jammertime would go to Hack-a-Shaq.
We'd still lose because there would just be a bunch of And 1's

I've actually met Shaq before. He is hardly fat, just extremely big. In fact he comes off looking pretty slender. He's not a wide body. Fat Shaq is a myth.

Phoenix is my favorite in the West by the way. The ability to completely play two different styles of ball will make them hard to prepare for. Not to mention, Shaq is a champion. The experience he brings to the lockerroom cannot be underestimated.

I think Darth Tater and Jammertime would go to Hack-a-Shaq.

I wouldn't even make the cut.:MusicBigGrin:

Basketball is NOT my sport.