Thursday Roundup: More Shaq Doesn't Equal More Success For Phoenix

Shaquille O'Neal can add this moniker to the already-long list of self-describing nicknames: The Big Dictator. In a land where majority rules, O'Neal has convinced coach Terry Porter to ignore the fact that the greater part of his team's talent would be most effective using a faster tempo, and instead allow O'Neal to dictate the pace. Phoenix's problem is that they're sacrificing the collective abilities of their roster to eke out another year or two of production from Shaquille O'Neal. Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Boris Diaw, and Leandro Barbosa have all regressed, statistically speaking, particular in points-per-game production.  That is because their skills are stifled when catering to Shaq's half-court demands. In the first few minutes of last night's game hosting the Lakers, the Suns were crisp, sharp and effective.  Not coincidentally, this occurred when Nash pushed the tempo and found swingmen Raja Bell and Matt Barnes for wide-open threes.  With the floor spread ... (link)