The Sun WILL Rise in Phoenix

It seems the whole world is talking about the Suns and the trade they made for "The Big Cactus", Shaquille O'Neal. Let's take a look: What we gave up (or unloaded): Marcus Banks and Shawn Marion. Banks was an experiment that never panned out. He was supposed to back up Steve Nash but didn't fit. So he and his contract are now in Miami. That was a good move. Marion made it clear in the preseason he wanted out of Phoenix. I say good riddance! Every new season brought more complaints and whines that he wasn't "appreciated". I don't deny that Marion was a great talent. He was in the perfect system. But he didn't want to be here. He would have left as soon as his contract was up. I think it is sweet justice that he went to the worst team in the league. What we got: The Big Cactus! (Shaq himself proclaimed this nickname). The biggest weaknesses the Suns had was the inability to guard the big man and rebounding. Their defense was better than they got credit for. Shaq will give them the presence in the middle they desperately need. Everyone is worried that Shaq will slow the Suns down. When is the last time you saw a 5 man fast break? Never. More times than not, Shaq will be the one to start the fast break. The Suns have plenty of players to finish it. As far as rebounding goes, the Suns won't give up as many offensive rebounds with Shaq on the court. This will translate into a tougher defensive team. Having a true center will allow Amare to play his natural position as a power forward. Having Shaq on the court will make Amare better and even more unstoppable. Shaq wasn't brought in to score points or to be the star of this team. With this trade, the Suns are a much stronger team. It will take time for the players to adjust to each other. Come playoff time the Suns will be the team to beat. The SUN will rise and set in Phoenix! Now, if we can just get The Big Cactus to make a free throw!