The Little Warrior has found a new home. After four seasons in Orlando, a successful yet drama-filled stint with the Lakers, and three and a half more years in Miami, NBA center superstar Shaquille O’Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks, both out of UNLV.
There is some speculation on exactly why the Suns would want to take a chance on 35 year old Shaq, whose playing style doesn’t match the Sun’s philosophy.
Their motto is ‘Seven Seconds or Less’, alluding to an aggressive, fast-paced scoring strategy, whereas Shaq needs time to haul all 325 pounds of himself down the court, where he painstakingly (at least for opposing centers) posts up for a short basket.
O’Neal is also still nursing a left hip injury he suffered on January 21 diving for a loose ball against the Jazz. While he is almost healed of it, chronic injuries come with age, and Shaq’s beefy body won’t hold up forever. Furthermore, by releasing Shawn Marion, they are getting rid of one of the best defenders in the league. Still, General Manager of the Suns Steve Kerr remains confident.
One of many positives about the trade for Phoenix has to be a balancing of powers with their competition. As of now, the Suns lead the West Conference’s Pacific Division, but the Lakers are hot on their heels. At center for Los Angeles is recently-acquired Pau Gasol, a longtime Memphis Grizzly who was traded to the Lakers and henceforth changed Kobe Bryant’s outlook on life.
“You have no idea,” fawned Bryant. “This makes the game so much easier. There is a God. There is a God.” In order to better stop this inspirational and daunting duo of big men, as well as San Antonio’s Tim Duncan, Phoenix warmly welcomed O’Neal, whose name ironically means ‘Little Warrior’.
The Heat are grateful for this trade as well. In their second season after winning the NBA Finals, they are at the absolute basement of the NBA.
Shawn Marion, as previously stated, is one of the top defenders in the NBA, and his offense isn’t bad, either. In his first two games in Miami, he’s scored 38 points and grabbed 32 rebounds, increasing his playing time since coming from the Suns. Yes, they did lose both of those games, but tonight they play the Chicago Bulls, who sit fourth of five teams in the Eastern Conference’s Central Division.
While Marion has already started two games for Miami, Shaq has yet to set gigantic foot on the hardwood wearing a Phoenix jersey, and will not until after the All-Star break.
“I’m in great human shape,” Shaq said. “I’m in OK basketball shape. I’ve just got to get in basketball shape.” As of now, Shaq’s first game as a Sun will probably be against his old team of eight years, the Lakers. The game will tip off in Phoenix at 9 p.m. ET on Feb. 20, and will be aired nationally on ESPN.
