Thursday, February 21, 2008


I Share the optimism expressed by Shaq after the defeat to the Lakers last night. As a testament to his nickname, Big Aristotle, Shaq was elated over his most recent defeat to the Lakers. If you watched the game you could tell that Shaq was learning, and quickly, how to play with the Suns. Barring the unfortunate clobbering of Raja Bell, Shaq played a great game. It must have been hard to for Shaq to put into play what he learned from practicing with the Suns in a game setting. The first half he was a bit rusty, scoring only 4 points, but he was making things happen. Some ferocious blocks, some timely rebounds and a couple keen passes allowed Amare to do his thing, excel. It was great to see the Suns playing with intensity and genuinely having fun, so too, were the Lakers.

The second half showed the emergence of the old Shaq. He racked up 10 points, more blocks, more rebounds and dove for the ball like he was in his first NBA game. When all was said and done he had played 29 minutes. To all the people that said it wouldn't work with the Suns, it did. Decidedly. Some will say that a loss to L.A. proves that this was a bad deal, but I say give it time. Let Shaq settle into the tempo, let him up his minutes and let him understand his position relative to his supporting cast. If Shaq can play two halves like he did the second then Phoenix will certainly be the team to beat. I think it is certainly possible when you look at how Shaq played, better as the game progressed. Apply that to the season and it makes sense that Shaq will only improve with time. Now if only his terrible free throw could be improved. I accept that Phoenix will be good for him, but not miraculous.

When I look at a team like Phoenix I am filled with hope. Shaq brings such positive energy with him, you can see it in their play. Sports Illustrated's Phil Taylor wrote an article about how the Suns are no longer enjoyable to watch with the acquisition of Shaq. Is he for real? At what point during the 124-130 nail-biter did you not enjoy yourself you hack?! I was working at the bar last night and almost everyone there (keep in mind I am in Colorado) was glued to the game, watching every shot, every dribble, arguing every call. That was tremendous basketball last night. The Western Conference continues to get tighter and tighter with Phoenix's loss last night. Friday night, when Phoenix plays host to the Celtics, we will see how the new defensive Suns look.

What irritates me about all the professional sports writers is that they constantly claimed Phoenix would never win a championship because they could not play defense and had no post presence. When Phoenix makes a move to get those very things, now Phoenix won't win a championship because they lost their "style". Anybody from Phoenix who loves the Suns can tell you that their Run 'n' Gun "style" has been evolving for about three years now, Shaq did nothing to alter it (as evidenced by last night's high scoring game). If what the writers say is true, then why does Coach Mike D push for the trade the entire time? He realized more than anybody that his team was changing and he made a play to get the right piece at the right time.

The Suns remind me of the Houston Rockets in the mid-to-late 90's. They started to acquire old, supposedly washed-up players like Barkley and Drexler and made some great playoff runs, even getting Drexler his ring. I think deep down, fans of the league were pushing for the Rockets during those times, just like I think now people are pushing for the Suns. Look at what Phoenix has done for Hill. When I see Hill playing like he did when he was in Detroit it shows me something special, that Phoenix is a special team. When I see Shaq playing with fervor, it tells me the same thing.

Shaq's smile says it all, Phoenix will compete for the title, and he is going to help give the deserving Suns their 'ship. Hell he even shaved for his big debut.

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