First Impressions

GAAAAAAAAAAAAA! I HATE THE LAKERS!!!! DAMN YOU MESSED UP COIN FLIP AND TO HELL WITH YOU WALTON (and your dad)
Now that's over with...

 Alright, so after a few weeks to cool off on this trade and FINALLY see the Great Aristotle in action here are my first impressions.
 First, I really didn't see a change in pace. We didn't go slower, but we didn't get faster. So this is a postive in that we were still able to be mobile. Speaking of mobility, I see a lot movement now in the paint. The pick and roll game has a new dimension with Shaq in the mix. The low post is still a manuvering game but with more force. Shaq impressed me with his ability to position himself behind and in front of the basket for turnarounds and catch and shoots.
 Second, I'm excited at the prospect of having the rookies play. I was totally going goo-goo when DJ hit the floor. I was upset though that the Principal didn't play. I would really like to see STAT stay at the 4 as much as possible, having Skinner fill in for Shaq instead.
 Third I noticed a exponential increase in offensive rebounds and second shot points, FOR US! That's new!
 Fourth, defense was still suspect. It proves that it will take more than trade to improve. It needs to be perfected before playoff time.

 So in a nutshell, not much has changed. There's more power in the lineup, more opportunities for the newbies, more inside presence, but defense and bench rotation need to be fixed.
 Kudos to Shaq for his hustle. That kinda stuff will revive the team and the building like whiskey to an old brain.
 So my stance is this, I like the trade, this thing can suprisingly work, BUT it is all predicated on O'Neal's ability to stay healthy and out of foul trouble.