That’s right! Seems that the Diesel could be heading back to the West in a deal that would send Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks to Miami. After the Lakers made an extremely lopsided deal last week in acquiring Memphis’ Pau Gasol, it seems other west teams have been trying to figure out how they can counter. There is no doubt that if the Lakers can get healthy and learn to gel with their new teammate come playoff time that they will be a serious contender. Most likely the Suns, which have beaten the Lakers the last two seasons in the first round of the playoffs, are feeling the ‘heat’ per se. But is Shaq really the guy that can help an aging Steve Nash get a ring? Personally, I don’t see it. In Marion you trade one of the leagues most versatile, yet under appreciated, players. The guy is literally a double double machine! Marcus Banks is a guy that can come off the bench and give you some solid minutes. All this for Shaq?! This isn’t Shaq of 2000, this is run down, averaging 14.9 pts/game, Shaq. Pat Riley seems to think he still has some good years ahead of him, but I’m just not seeing it. To me it seems that he’s on his way to a Moses Malone like ending (old, slow, and painful to watch).  The Suns are a run and gun team. They’ve led the league in scoring last couple seasons and are currently leading this year. A guy like Marion can get up and down the court, a guy like Shaq CAN’T! I just can’t see the Suns transforming into a half-court offense all of the sudden either. Maybe 2008 in sports is just going to be absolutely wacky because it seems to already be taking that path!

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