There are many skeptics as to whether or not the Phoenix Suns can finally win an NBA Championship with an aging Shaquille O'Neal.
The Phoenix Suns recently dealt athletic forward Shawn Marion and back up point guard Marcus Banks to the Miami Heat in exchange for an old, worn-out Shaquille O'Neal. In the last couple of seasons, Shaq has dwindled into a shell of his former self. This season, he averages a career low 14.2 ppg.
Yet, it's hard to say what kind of playing condition O'Neal is actually in. Though he's been hurt for most of the season, Suns doctors are finding that he's really not in that bad of shape health-wise. Could it be that Shaq was merely over-selling his injury to avoid further hurting himself for a team that holds the absolute worst record in the NBA?
The Heat have been awful this season, and has won only nine games so far. Going from that to a team that's considered just a piece away from winning an NBA title, Shaq has to be pleased. However, it's still uncertain whether or not he's the piece they need. Coach Mike D'Antoni loves to run-and-gun, while Shaq tends to slow things to a halt. Many say Shaq can be the rebounder who sparks the fast break. Only time will tell. Shaq is day-to-day. Phoenix won't rush him back, as they hope to use him more in the playoffs.
