Panic Time in the Desert?

Third game into the trade that sent Shaquille O'Neal to the desert with lofty goals & high expectations and the Suns are 1 - 2. I think that it is too early to say that this trade was a bust. However, I felt then as I do now that trading one All-Star for a former All-Star wouldn't work as well due to the fact that the Suns would have to change their philosophy. The Suns will still run and gun when the break is there and contrary to popular belief Shaq is needed to get the rebound and ignite the fast break not be a part of it. Shaquille O'Neal was the most dominate center in the game when motivated and healthy. O'Neal is closing in on the end of his career and age, years of Championship caliber play, injuries have taken their toll and have reduced him to really a shell of his former self. He can be a dominate post player that requires a double team and allows Amare Stoudemire space to do damage for 15 - 20 minutes a game at best. What he is not is a good  defensive ... [link]