Fatboy 2 Fitboy

Tonight, Shaquille O’Neal is prepared to make his Suns debut vs. the Lakers. There are multiple storylines here- Shaq vs. Kobe, Shaq vs. Phil, Shaq vs. Castro- but I can’t wait to see the big man play in Phoenix. Most people hated this trade, but I think it was the right move for both the Heat and for Phoenix. Here is what I am going to look for from Shaq tonight:

Foul Trouble

This was one of the biggest issues for Shaq in Miami. He was either too slow rotating over or the opposing team would just funnel traffic to Shaq and force the big man to step up and make a play. Shaq does not get the benefit of the doubt on calls anymore like he did in his prime. If Shaq can stay on the floor, he’ll have a chance.

Running The Floor

This is the million dollar question- can Shaq keep up with the Suns? The Cadillac Escalade meets the Daytona 500. As long as Shaq only has to run in a straight line, he should be ok. I know Shaq loves to say he needs to keep his bulk to be able to shed people in the post, but let’s be real Shaq- you haven’t been a power player in 3 years. Drop another 25 pounds and become Kareem 2.0.

Easy Baskets

Shaq was a dead man in Miami- all his 3 point gunslingers were gone and the middle closed up tighter than Miguel Tejada. Shaq will have room, and more importantly, time to work. The Suns get in their sets faster than any team in the league. This will allow Nash to feed Shaq and give him that extra 2-3 seconds he needs to operate in the post as long as he can make it down the floor (see above).

Steve Nash

Steve Nash makes the game easier for everyone, but you have to run with him. If Shaq runs, he’ll do fine. I could score 10 a game in that offense. If Shaq can’t be effective in Phoenix, he can’t be effective anywhere.

My guess is that Shaq will average 13 points and 6.5 rebounds a game for the last half of the season. He will build up his cardio over the last half of the season to be ready for the playoffs. People love to dismiss Shaq, but he is still a force to be respected- and the playoffs are his motivation.