There have been rumors over the last hours of Shaquille O'Neal of the Miami Heat being traded to the Phoenix Suns for Shawn Marion and possibly Marcus Banks.
If the trade happens, the Suns' starting five would be Steve Nash (two-time MVP), Raja Bell (2006-2007 All-Defensive 1st Team), Amare Stoudemire (three-time All-Star), Grant Hill, and Shaquille O'Neal (veteran and 14-time All-Star).
This starting five would demolish any team that gets in their way. Don't forget Leandro Barbosa (6th Man of the Year), Boris Diaw and, if they need another big man, Brian Skinner coming off the bench.
Amare Stoudemire would thrive with veteran advice and another big man in the game with him. This is similar to the Pau Gasol effect on Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. Teams cannot guard Kobe as well because, when they are playing zone or other defenses, they can't forget about Pau in the middle. Amare would be a double threat, having Shaq take some of the attention in the post away from him.
Steve Nash has to be taken into consideration, also. His great ball-handling skills and awareness would have Shaq dunking over an undersized opponent whenever Nash sees a mismatch.
Some will speculate the Suns will lose their "fast break" effect. With Nash and Barbosa at guard, they will never lose all their speed. Now, with their speed, they will have power in the post.
They would be contenders with the Lakers their newly acquired Pau Gasol, the Spurs with Tim Duncan and the Mavericks with Dirk Nowitzki. Don't forget about that 5th ring for Shaq.
With Shaq, they would be able to also beat the Celtics with Kevin Garnett in the post. The Suns are a sure thing for a championship with Shaq.
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