Shaq and the Suns: A Championship Look on Offense and Defense

There are plenty of reasons why NBA executives believe Phoenix acquiring the aging Shaq, in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks, will be a mistake. This isn't the Shaq who has career averages of 25.6 ppg, 11.5 rpg, and 2.5 bpg. 

But Shaq, nearly 36-years-old, and two years removed from Miami Heat's championship days, now deals with his age and a left hip injury that has limited him to 32 games, and career-low averages of 14.2 ppg and 7.8 rpg, not to mention he can barely run and still can't contribute at the free throw line. And ever since he was traded to the Heat in 2004, he has missed 88 of a possible 292 games due to injuries.

So why would the Phoenix Suns trade their most versatile and best fast-break player in Shawn Marion for the old and damaged "Diesel?" Can Shaq play the Phoenix Suns' fast-paced offense and contribute on defense? I say yes.

Ever since the Suns signed Steve Nash in 2004, Phoenix has always been considered among the elite teams in the NBA, with a Run "N" Gun style offense that has produced the highest scoring teams every year.

However, that high power offense has always faltered in the playoffs, and has failed to bring in a championship. The Suns' inability to get defensive stops cost them at the end of games in the playoffs. They don't have a player to clog the middle defensively to stop Tim Duncan or Dirk Nowitzki, both who ended the Suns' playoff runs each year. Amare Stoudemire is more effective at the power forward position rather than center. He is one of the best power forwards in the NBA, but he is not strong or fast enough to guard players like Duncan, Nowitzki, or Yao Ming.

And the fact is the Suns' have only 2-3 years of elitism in the West, with their fast-paced offense. Steve Nash is 34 and Grant Hill is 35 and both players only have a few years left in their bodies to win a championship.

So the Suns organization recognized they needed to make a move to give themselves a chance in the playoffs. The Lakers acquired Pau Gasol, which only strengthens their front court and the Lakers with Andrew Bynum dominated the Suns in the first two meetings this season. While the Suns have the best record in the Western Conference, they are only 14-12 against Western Conference opponents. The acquiring of Shaq could help the Suns return to elite status in the West.

DEFENSE 

Most people believe Shaq's inability to stay healthy and run in a fast-paced office will bring down the Suns team, but this trade could pay huge dividends in the short run, especially on defense. The Suns have always been relatively poor defensively in the paint, but now Phoenix finally has a huge defensive prescence in the middle that can protect the paint and prevent easy drives to the basket.

Shaq can also provide defense on elite centers and power forwards. While Shaq is not fast enough to guard quicker forwards, the Suns still have capable defenders in Stoudamire, Boris Diaw, and Brian Skinner. Amare Stoudemire also does not have to guard true centers who are bigger and stronger than him. He is more athletic than most power forwards, which will allow him to play more aggressive defense.

The Suns also give up the most offensive rebounds and second chance points to bigger and more physical teams. With Shaq in the middle, it will be much harder for teams to grab offensive boards. This trade finally gives the Suns a good defense that they have sorely been missing.

OFFENSE 

But can Shaq keep up with the Suns' offense? When Shaq is healthy, I believe we will still see a fast-paced offense integrated with a strong half-court offense. Despite Shaq's lack of mobility, Nash and the Suns still have 4-5 players that can run and shoot in the fast break, which will provide enough easy points to win games. Even if the Suns do not score on the fast break, they can now run a half-court offense.

One of the biggest flaws in the Suns' offense is that strong defensive teams, such as the Spurs or Lakers, are able to prevent the Suns from running the fast break and confining them in a half-court offense.

Historically, the Suns have faltered in the half-court because they do not have a dominant inside presence and most of the Suns players do not have the ability to create their own shots. However, Shaq can still draw the double team, which was something that Shawn Marion cannot do. Shaq will be able to pass out of the double teams to find open shooters and provide better ball movement in the half-court. 

The Suns are also one of the worst offensive rebounding teams in the league, but with Shaq, those numbers should increase and allow the Suns to get more second chance points. Shaq at the center position also allows Amare Stoudemire to move to the power forward position, where he is quicker and stronger than most power forwards.

Stoudemire should be able to get more touches from Shaq's double teams as well. Boris Diaw will also be able to play more in the small forward and power forward position, with Brian Skinner alternating with Shaq at center.

The Suns offense is now more balanced because they will be able to adjust speeds on the open floor and in the half-court rather than rely on only a fast-paced offense. And with Steve Nash being the best passer in the NBA, he will find ways to get Shaq and the rest of his teammates easy buckets.

Could this trade hurt the Suns? Yes, there is always that possibility. But now that Shaq is on a championship caliber team, I think the "Diesel" will be motivated to get healthy and work hard to make things work in Phoenix. He can still play at a high level, and the trade may ultimately bring a championship to Phoenix.