Shaquille O'Neal Evaluation Through Three Games

Countless articles have been written in the wake of the blockbuster trade that sent Shaquille O'Neal to the Valley of the Sun for three-time all-star Shaun Marion. Some of these debated the probability of Shaquille O'Neal fitting in with Phoenix' finesse offense. Several doubted Shaq's health, and said that he would not be able to keep up with the Suns' frenetic style. Others offered praise for what is arguably the best training staff in the NBA, stating that Phoenix' uncanny ability to revitalize old past-their-prime players would be exactly what the Big Diesel needed. Some went as far as to say that Shaq in Phoenix would mean a sure championship for the Suns. However, only now that Shaq has played three games with the Suns, can one begin to accurately evaluate the success of the "experiment". So far the Suns have gone just 1-2 with Shaq in the rotation. At first glance, this looks abysmal, especially for the Suns. However, upon further evaluation, one can draw several positive ... (link)