The Phoenix Suns should have gotten bigger and stronger when "the Diesel", Shaquille O'Neal arrived but apparently fell short last year. It was understandable. Adding a high-caliber player in Shaq's person is not an easy task, especially if you talk about transforming a running team into an organized brand of basketball due to the lack of speed for the big fella. But this year has lesser excuses and if the Suns fail again, heads are bound to roll.

There is one factor, the coach factor. Unlike last year, it is no longer Mike D' Antoni calling the shots. Instead it is veteran guard Terry Porter calling the shots, the first time in his career which is quite a big task as far as copping that NBA championship for Phoenix. He has all the materials in the team and based on past years, he has lesser excuses for not fulfilling the Suns' dreams. 

Continue reading "Phoenix Suns Can Do Better"

Say it isn’t so! After years of feuding (although he has denied it!) Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O’ Neal seems to be mellowing and has entertained chances of going back to the Lakers in 2010. Shaq and Kobe together again? Highly unlikely.

For one, Shaq should not expect to be the number one guy. The Lakers have Pau Gasol already and is unlikely to be released to any team unless a good trade bait comes along.

Second, the old Lakers chemistry is surely no longer there. Kobe must be flashing a wide grin these days knowing Shaq is seriously considering going back after he was unceremoniously discharged by Jerry West.

Continue reading "“The Diesel” Considering a Return to Lakers in 2010?"

The Phoenix Suns are vulnerable without their all-star point guard. Imagine who would call out the plays, dish those dazzling assists and score when needed. The absence of Steve Nash was evident but leave it to Shaq and Amare to step it up.

The Suns’ Steve Nash and Matt Barnes were suspended for their involvement in a fracas in their last game against Houston where they lost. Adding further to their woes was the absence of Leandro Barbosa who had to fly home due to his mother’s death.

So without their key players, the Suns showed why they have one formidable lineup this season. Old hand Grant Hill and Raja Bell likewise shone for the Suns and their 2 point overtime win against the Sacramento Kings is more than worth it for the depleted Suns.

Continue reading "No Nash? Stoudemire and Shaq Step Up in OT Win over Kings"

Barely two play dates ago, we saw Suns guard Steve Nash and forward Matt Barnes serve their respective suspensions for that rough Houston incident. Shaquille O’ Neal was involved in that incident but was meted a fine for trying to defend his teammates.

Against Detroit, the Diesel got ejected when he was assessed a flagrant foul two he committed on Detroit’s Rodney Stuckey. Reviewing the play, it did seem that Shaq had no intention to harm Stuckey as he was obviously going for the ball. But we all know the built of Shaq and you can just imagine the impact and collision if someone would go up against him. (Remember the Houston Game? See how he pushed Tracy McGrady and Rafer Alston? They were like rag dolls being tossed!

Continue reading "Now it’s Shaq that Gets Ejected!"

If Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O’ Neal were suspended, you are bound to hear a lot of uproar from the Suns organization and the fans. On the other hand, if he was, Detroit, particularly Rodney Stuckey, may have been vindicated. Sorry to say, Shaq was only fined for the flagrant foul penalty 2 which saw the big guy ejected in their win against Detroit.

No matter how many times you view the incident, Shaq never had any intention to purposely harm Stuckey. The only fault Shaq did was that for a big bodied 7-footer, jumping and playing defense showed it as a hard play.

Continue reading "Shaq Escapes Suspension; Fined $25,000 for Detroit Foul on Stuckey"

Some days back, we saw a lot of write-ups with regards to how open Shaquille O’ Neal was in entertaining thoughts of going back to the LA Lakers despite some celebrated controversies between him and Kobe Bryant. Now while that headline seems interesting, the Diesel is now retracting everything in a way and blaming the press and media for making up stories or misinterpreting what he had said.

There is no doubt that many people will be watching this match-up knowing that the Suns are sort of struggling with suspensions and of course adjusting to new coach Terry Porter. Steve Nash has slowed down a bit and the only bright spot is really Amare Stoudemire.

Continue reading "Shaq Attacks Retracts Before Match with Lakers"

After suffering a loss to the Miami Heat, something was bound to give. Amare Stoudemire led the way by openly stating his frustrations on the new system being implemented by new Suns coach Terry Porter.

"Sorta, kinda. Consistency for me would be great. That way, I know what to look forward to and how to attack. That way, when I do get it, I'm not off-balance or surprised I have it."

The Suns have been barely like the Suns of old which was really expected even before the season started. With a new coach and a new system, it was not going to be easy to apply the transition from a run and gun team towards a defensive one.

Continue reading "Amare Stoudemire Uneasy with New System"