Slowing the Suns

Reactions are hazardous. Reactions are treacherous. Reactions imperil, jeopardize, and wreck. They are not individual. They are not unique. They are homogenized and intransigent. Reactions are you delegating your fate.

On Wednesday, the Miami Heat traded Shaquille O’Neal to the Phoenix Suns. As reciprocation, the Heat received Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. According to Heat Coach Pat Riley, this exchange was necessary. “It was a very, very hard decision for me. When Shaq came to the team four years ago, I always felt it was forever. We won a championship with him. We wish him nothing but the best,” Riley said. "We have to move on with our team. We're rebuilding. This is not the most desirable place to be right now. I loved Shaq when I got him and I love him today. I've been coaching 25 years and there wasn't anything that went on between Shaq and I that caused this. We simply looked at the big picture, where we are today, and we need to build around Dwyane (Wade).”

Conversely, Steve Nash praised O’Neal’s acquisition. “There's doubts and a risk to everything,” he said. “I know that's going to be a favorite talking point for all the media, but for us the talking point is we've got an incredible, huge, talented, charismatic player in our locker room now. ... This sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun.”

During his career, O’Neal has registered 25.6 points and 11.5 rebounds per contest. He has tallied ten twenty-five plus point and five thirteen plus rebound seasons. Unfortunately, injuries have reduced him. In 2007-2008, O’Neal has chalked only 14.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per contest.

“He [Shaq] says he's ready to roll,” said Amare Stoudemire. “Whatever he needs to do he's going to be down for it, and he wants to win a championship, so we're on the same page.”

Meanwhile, Marion has carded 18.4 points and 10.0 rebounds per contest. He has totaled eight fifteen plus point and three ten plus rebound seasons. In 2007-2008, Marion has booked 15.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per contest.

According to Suns General Manager Steve Kerr, Marion will be missed. “Shawn in particular has been a tremendous player for this organization the past eight-and-a-half years and his impact both on and off the court in Phoenix will not be forgotten,” Kerr said.

Since 2004-2005, the Suns have amassed a 212-84 record. Regrettably, they have not won an NBA Championship. In the 2005 Western Conference Finals, the San Antonio Spurs defeated them 4-1. In the 2006 Western Conference Finals, the Dallas Mavericks eliminated them 4-2. In 2007, the Spurs vanquished them 4-2.

On February 1, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Pau Gasol. This exchange did not threaten the Suns. However, they reacted. Their decision was incorrect. Ultimately, they will regret the impact.