I guess LeBron said since we couldn't beat Superman, we might as well have him join our team. The Cleveland Cavaliers, in need of stability at the center position, acquired Shaquille O'neal from the Phoenix Suns. In the blockbuster deal the Suns receive Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, a second round draft pick and cash consideration for the 15 time all star. The trade was first brought to light around this years trade deadline in february but never was completed. After failing to reach the NBA Final this spring, the Cavs needed to make a splash this summer and they did so by way of a 7 foot, 320 pound center.
Will this acquisition bring that coveted championship the city desperately desires? What will LeBron be, the man or the sidekick? Do the Cavs have enough to win? What will happen if the Cavs still cant get to the promise land?
First off, its way too early to tell if this will work out to the Cavs advantage or not. On paper it looks like a parade on the east coast 12 months from now. But it really isn't that easy to call. Yes they needed a big man because Zydrunas Illgauskas is just flat out awful now a days, as you seen against the Magic this year. Shaq brings that presence down low that draws a constant double team from most teams, something LeBron has yet to have since joining the league. Bron Bron will have to rely on his jump shot more this season than ever before. Shaq take up alot of space in the paint, wont be alot of room for Bron to rove the paint. Although it will create open opportunities for the perimeter players to hit wide open treys. How will Varejao adjust to being a mid range shooting power forward? We all know Shaq is a dominant force on offense but he is a huge liability on defense. Teams will take advantage of his lack of mobility in defending the pick and roll every game. When you have all the competitive teams in the east running the pick and roll all day it proposes a problem. Also, the new trend in the NBA is to push the rock up and down the court, can Shaq hang? I dont think Shaq can take the physical pounding of playing in the eastern conference day in and day out. This isn't the west where he goes against power forwards pretending to be centers. The east takes a toll on your body. I'm not here to bash the 'Big Fella' I'm just stating the facts.
You have 2 of the biggest stars in the league along with 2 of the largest personalities to ever play as well. They both love the spotlight, love the glory, so how will this work? Didn't Shaq have problems with all the with all of his other high "sidekicks" teammates? The answer is YES, but this is a different type of teammate. The difference is he is coming to a team where "The Man" is already established. He don't have to come in and be the Diesel. Now he can simply be the Jeep Cherokee and cruise. He is now playing with the ultimate teammate who loves to esteem others above himself (something like Magic Johnson). I kinda see it like Magic and Kareem in the 80's. One budding star just coming into his own and another on the tail end of there career. Two people who really need each other to win, one more than the other. But, you know Shaq will always be Shaq. Its kind of hard to tell a zebra to lose it stripes right? I just wonder will Shaq be man enough to take a backseat to King James and the Prince ( Mo Williams)? We shall see in due time.
With all that being said i don't think they have enough to win it all as of June 25th. They still need a prominent wing man to take the burden off LeBron and to just make plays. You can only count on D. West for so long before you say enough is enough! Especially with the loss of Pavlovic you need help, not saying Pavlovic was a factor. He was just another guy that was used as an option. I think that a guy like Shawn Marion or Matt Barnes would do wonders for this current roster. They also need a consistent back up behind Mo Williams. Boobie Gibson had that great run in the playoffs that one year but Keyshia Cole got him all messed up. What if they can come out of the draft with a solid point guard. Maybe someone like Eric Maynor from VCU. I'm not a GM so don't listen to ol Goat.
Do I think that this partnership will work? It has a fair chance but it all depends on the pieces that surround this big puzzle. And alot rides on Mike Brown too. He called only one play the whole playoffs, can he really coach? Or did he have the luxury of having LeBron take his team to new heights in the regular season? All these answers wont be answered until they lace em up this fall. For now we just have to settle for the what ifs and great debate in the barber shops.
good stuff
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