It's been awhile for me on here, but I thought I'd comment because I'm in the middle of all this.
First let me say I'll miss Marion. He's my favorite player in the NBA. He was a great asset to the team and one of the best players in Suns history.
Now, regarding the statement of Shaq being hurt all the time, our medical staff said they can work on him to get him back into near his old self. Alot of people have regarded our medical staff as one of the best, it's the main reason (besides a chance at a ring) that Grant Hill came here. That says wonders. Now if he does get into shape and stay healthy alot of things happen.
First, Amare doesn't have to guard the bigs of the West. Let
s face it, Amare is big but at 6'10" 240 hes pretty undersized compared to the Yao's, Bynum's, Duncan's, etc. of teh West. This will allow him to play his natural position, and keep him out of foul trouble from having to guard people bigger than him. When he's in fouul trouble his entire game changes. He can't be agressive on the offensive end of the floor (because of potential offensive fouls) and can't even try to play any defense.
Now with Shaq on Duncan, Bynum, and Yao Amare is guarding smaller guys than he was and won't be having as much of a problem guarding them as he did against the true Centers of the league.
One of the biggest complaints that I have heard here on read online is that Shaq can't run. True, but think about it. When do you see ALL 5 Suns on the floor running the break? Never. Normally it's Nash with two wingmen, if even that many. Sometimes it's Barbosa by himself because he's so fast. Shaq actually helps the break by getting blocks and rebounds which start the break. You can't break without getting the ball first. And the Suns get KILLED on the offensive glass nightly, and just Shaq's presence alone helps that category tremendously.
Another thing that Shaq brings is a great personality. Now, I love Matrix, but apparantely he was causing some locker room problems, and everyone knows that he asked to be traded before the season started. Also, one of the local radio guys pointed it out that the Suns don't seem to be having fun this year. Shaq can and will help fix that.
Another thing Shaq brings is a toughness and size and a meanness in the middle that if anyone gets a few buckets in a row, he will let them know (inadvertant elbow, shove, whatever) that those kind of things won't be tolerated.
One thing that is overlooked is his ability to pass as well.
This does benefit Amare GREATLY. On defense and on offense. Huge deal, my initial reaction to the possibility was no, but after I thought about it I really like the thought of Shaq in Phoenix.
