Shaq denies LA Times rumor mongering

by Seth Pollack on Mar 11, 2009 10:06 AM MST in Phoenix Suns News

Leave it to the blogs to keep the MSM* on the straight and narrow...Just kidding!!

It is more like the MSM sinking to our level by spreading rumors...Just kidding!!!

It really is just the same thing we've always seen...no meta story here and according to Shaq no story at all.

In this interview with Sports 620 KTAR, Shaq after last night's (painful) loss to the Mavs denies the LA Times report of his wanting to leave Phoenix.

Here also is a replay of Steve Kerr's weekly radio appearance on the Doug and Wolf show this morning. Kerr addresses this Shaq rumor and pretty much every other Suns-related issue

*MSM = Main Stream Media

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Shaq story had no legs

Wow, an LA paper is trying to create chaos within a rival organization?

That should not have gotten any credibility in the blogosphere and hopefully people are set straight now. I mean, its not like Shaq has ever been shy to express himself openly and honestly.

I’m not in the Phoenix area so I have never listened to the Doug and Wolf show, but does anyone realize that one of the host sounds just like snuffaluffagus from Sesame Street?

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 11, 2009 11:49 AM MST reply actions

lol

Snuffaluggagus is aka Ron Wolfley

Blogging Suns Basketball

by Seth Pollack on Mar 11, 2009 12:00 PM MST up reply actions

Snuffaluggagus?

I always thought it was more like Hulk Hogan

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 11, 2009 1:08 PM MST up reply actions

The hulk? I think not

Not once did I hear him utter a guttural “brotha” during the podcast….

However, at one point while Doug was speaking, I did hear a slow “heeeeeyyyy biiiiiirrrrd”

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 11, 2009 5:32 PM MST up reply actions

That Shaq has had a mini-resurgence and is setting his career numbers while here in Phoenix — even if it is to the detriment of the entire organization, fan base and city. At least we’ve got Shaq’s numbers to fall back on as “good times”

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 11, 2009 1:09 PM MST reply actions

"Detriment of the entire organization" huh?

If shooting near 60%, staying healthier than anyone (including me) imagined the old man would be at his age, and being a more than willing passer is a “detriment to the entire organization”, then I guess you are right. However, I think the more likely conclusion one would draw is that you have an unhealthy attachment to the perennial post-season road map to failure known as “7 seconds or less”. It didn’t work and its time to move on, ok? It was innovative and exciting, but it didn’t work and its time to get back to reality. There are other metaphorical fish in the sea of gameplans. It’s like you’re hanging around in the parking lot waiting for D’Antoni to get off work just to catch a glimpse and try to rehash old, once promising times. C’mon……don’t be that guy.

The Suns roster, as currently comprised, is fundamentally flawed. There are no perimeter defenders and the players have failed to learn how to take advantage of the intangibles that playing with Shaquille O’Neal brings. Most teams that the Diesel has been on in the past have been able to do it. Now almost no one on the roster has ever played with a dominant big man and its a big adjustment, so there is a learning curve. And the coaching staff has apparently not done a good job teaching the others. Regardless, they should be there by now and to lay blame on Shaq is ignorant at best. Do you really care about winning a champion ship…..or do you care about these overpaid athletes being “happy” while never challenging for the title or being asked to play defense? With Shaq came a tough-minded, defensive-oriented, grind it out mentality……More than half of the roster has not embraced it and it shows their weakness because of this inadaptability to what is a proven winning culture. Shaq is your scapegoat, so spew what you may. Then think about how either Shaq or the other most dominant big man of the past decade, Tim Duncan, have been in the finals EVERY YEAR between 1999 and 2007. Google it

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 11, 2009 5:29 PM MST reply actions

Defending JSun

not that he needs help or anything, but I can tell you JSun is as big a Shaq fan and fan of the trade as we have around here. I am the one that has been opposed to the deal since it happened.

So, I am guess that phrase “detriment to the organization” is meant to chide those of us who think that Shaq’s arrival (not that it is Shaq’s fault) has a big mistake.

I agree with you however, that since Shaq is here the team hasn’t done well in working with him and what he brings.

Blogging Suns Basketball

by Seth Pollack on Mar 11, 2009 5:34 PM MST up reply actions

Sometimes I get a little defensive of the The Big Twitterer...

I’ve been talking to still-scorned Orlando fans who regularly throw out such brilliant arguments as “Shaq is fat”, so I am a little quick to jump to his defense. Nobody likes Goliath…..

I just really took exception to “At least we’ve got Shaq’s numbers to fall back on” as a shot at the Diesel. That makes it seem like he plays for numbers or is the cause of, well, such a painful season for all of us.

It has not worked well with Shaq and Phoenix, but it was a ballsy gamble to make. Its not too often a proven player of his caliber is made available and Kerr made the risky decision to do it. It hasn’t produced the results that either Shaq or the Suns wanted, but let’s be honest. Its not like the Suns were going to be competing for a championship as previously comprised.

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 11, 2009 7:03 PM MST up reply actions

How can people defend the Shaq move and everything that followed it by saying,

that the Shaq move was a “ballsy gamble” and “risky decision” but “let’s be honest. Its not like the Suns were going to be competing for a championship as previously comprised.”

And we’re competing now? At least back then we would have had a CHANCE to compete by actually making the playoffs! Look at the team we had before the trade and the team we had now. Can you actually say or even think that this trade made us better?

And its not like we traded for a guy that we can build our future around. He’s 37 and in the last few years of his career.

This is nothing against Shaq. He’s having an outstanding year. He has done all he can to help us win. And he’s played better than I ever thought he would. But how can anyone think that this trade was good for us?

by brian13 on Mar 11, 2009 7:47 PM MST up reply actions

This is how.....

No, the suns are not competing for the championship, as they were not before. I’m aware that many Phoenix fans were under the impression that they were before, but no, the Suns were never close. Shaq is a proven post-season winner, which the Suns did not have on their roster before. That is why it was a gamble worth taking. As you can clearly see in the post of mine you criticized, I also said "It has not worked well with Shaq and Phoenix". Therefore, I am not defending the "move and everything that followed it", but rather trying to explain Kerr’s motivation and mindset, which you do not seem to understand.

Shaq is outstanding and near the end of his career (along with Hill and Nash, 2 of the top 5 or 6 players on the team), so that is kind of the theme here. 3 of their top 6 players will be retired or turned into role players within the next 3-4 years at most. This was a "win-now" move that has not worked out, but the motiviation and thinking behind the move are pretty apparent.

If you want to be in denial and claim D’Antoni and SSOL were the basketball equivalent of the Messiah and 10 commandments, I’ll let you have that. Sure, one more shot, they would have gotten the title. Oh, and had they retained Joe Johnson, Suns nation would celebrating at least a 4peat right now….. (that’s sarcasm for those of you who only read the last 2 sentences)

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 11, 2009 8:23 PM MST up reply actions

Quick defense of me

(gotta go soon)

first, thanks for the help, Stan

in re “numbers” — really, a shot at those fans who think Amare is “all about the numbers” — you know, career averages of 21 and 9.

it also seems to me that the loss of Amare has really made him the odd-man-out. good? bad? organization’s fault? his fault? coach’s fault? I don’t know. trying to run without amare and sticking four small runners around him (only three of whom can bomb away and are rarely out there at the same time) doesn’t seem to work.

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 11:35 AM MST up reply actions

Injury made Amare odd-man-out?

I don’t see that. He’s literally out for the season, so it doesn’t really matter what is discussed or changed in season now. When he returns next season, hopefully healthy as ever, all this talk will mean nothing. The roster will look completely different, I truly believe. Plus, there will more than likely be yet another new coach and God only knows what system he will try to implement…..I think that Sarver will either force a salary dump of Amare or drop to his knees, put on his cherry lip gloss, and make Stat happy to stay. Amare def plays better when he is “the man” and has his swagger, but do you guys really feel Amare at his best can lead a team to a championship? It could result in some real regular season successes, but I don’t think its going anywhere in the post-season. But after reading a lot of these posts, it makes me wonder…..is that good enough for Phoenix? Would you perfer to be exciting under D’Antoni and SSOL and never compete……or be boring as hell to watch like San Antonio and be a perrinial threat?

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 12:09 PM MST up reply actions

"him" = Shaq

but do you guys really feel Amare at his best can lead a team to a championship?

No, he’s not a leader. He’s kind of like a sniper. Deadly. Important. Vital. But not the general. With a real leader on the team, Amare is the #1 offensive option and one of the best finishers in the leauge, but about number 3 or 4 in leadership pecking order.

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 12:34 PM MST up reply actions

So Amare's injury made Shaq the odd-man-out?

I don’t see how, considering Shaq improved his already good stats since Amare went down….I really don’t know what you were trying to say

I agree with your post right above this one. But to me, it does not seem Amare is willing to except the 2nd fiddle leadership role, much less the 3rd or 4th. As much as everyone loves Amare and his raw talent, he is his own biggest fan. He wants to be THE face of the franchise, not one of a couple. He’s not looking to succeed in the model of the Big 3 in Boston. Amare has said repeatly he wants to be the face of the franchise. He’s a great player…and better than the “face” of many other franchises, but I don’t think Amare playing the leadership role that he’d ideally like to would ultimately result in a championship.

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 3:10 PM MST up reply actions

Yes

With Amare out, the Suns need to run faster to have a chance. Think Don Nelson’s Frankenstein-like teams. Shaq slows down this team that can only win by running because the team does not have Amare on the pick-and-roll, Amare on the pick-and-pop, Amare’s mid-range game, Amare’s ability to finish in the paint. They have to run because Shaq cannot, by himself, lead the team to victory.

He’s a great complimentary piece, and Amare went on a tear when Shaq was The Big Roleplayer. Shaq cannot, and will not, carry this team — which is what made the realization that he was the best player on the Suns such a downer for all Suns’ fans.

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 3:20 PM MST up reply actions

So why don't they run?

They’ve been given permission by the coach and the repeated blessing of Shaq. Run already, if that’s what they wanna do and that’s what will win. Every analyst has said it….“Run and try to get a quick basket. If it’s not there, they finally have a half-court game by gaining Shaq.”

But yet they don’t seem to execute it. I hear SSOS, but I don’t see it. It’s so great in theory, but yet they don’t give it any real effort. Nash has to be one of the greatest passers ever, but he seems unable to throw a basic low-post entry pass. Or maybe just unwilling?

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 3:54 PM MST up reply actions

SSOS doesn't work without Stoudemire

That’s what Porter was supposed to do. 7SOL had Marion and Stat finishing on the break. If they didn’t finish, the three-point line was open. The Suns cannot run like that. That’s why it won’t work.

SSOS only works if the first part (7 seconds) is a viable option. To make a Nelson-Frankenstein running team work, you need all five guys to be able to get down the floor.

Shaq is in the DMZ (actually, he’s been dropped into it), looking around, wondering which way to go.

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 4:52 PM MST up reply actions

On Amare

It’s the truth.

I guess we’ll see if he accepts the truth.

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Mar 12, 2009 3:21 PM MST up reply actions

Ok, I understand Kerr's motivation and mindset.

But I think that everyone who states that the Suns were not competing for a championship back before the trade is wrong.

Yes, there were things on the court that were not working. As everyone knows though, we were at the top of the standings in the west at the time. Did we need to deal Marion and pick up some size? Maybe, but I said it at the time and obviously now in hindsight that Shaq was not what we needed. We needed someone who would mesh with our style, which he didn’t.

Shaq is and was obviously one of the greatest centers ever, but he’s not as dominating (or as quick) as he used to be. I’m not saying that SSOL is the only way to win a title. I’m saying that SSOL was the only way FOR US to win a title at the time. I understand Kerr wanting to try and win-now, but I’m not the only one who thought it was not a good move for us at the time.

by brian13 on Mar 12, 2009 9:50 AM MST reply actions

Well, yes technically....

They had made the playoffs, so yes technically, the Suns were competing for a championship. As were the Hawks last year. They were within the top 8 regular season finishers, so they made the post-season….so yes technically, they were competing for a championship.

Don’t forget the other motiviation behind trading Marion. He was whining all year and even Stat and Nash have said it caused lockerroom problems. Plus, he wanted that ridiculous extension that he certainly was not getting. And they got rid of Banks, a guard so crappy he can’t start over the scrubs in Miami. Make no buts about it…..Shaq was, and continues to be, better than Marion. This may sound arrogant, but the team should have adapted to Shaq more and they refused. Trades should have been made (getting a perimeter defender) and other trades should not have been made (Boris & Bell….well maybe just dump Bell). The coaching staff also should have made adjustments. All too stubborn though. Is there a banner over Phoenix that says “You’ll pry my SSOL from my cold, dead hands” ???

You’re not the only one that thought that the Shaq trade was bad, you’re a bandwagon guy, I got that. Shaq isn’t as dominating and quick as he once was, so he’s a throwaway piece? That’s just crazy. Shaq is still more of physical force than anyone. Even as a shell of him former self, he is STILL THE GREATEST BIG MAN TO EVER PLAY IN PHOENIX. No disrespect to Danny Schayes, Joe Klein, Horatio Llamas, and Brian Skinner. Why the does franchise refuse to accept a dominant inside player?

Ok, trade Shaq for some guards and swingmen, slide stat back to center (see how much he loves that), and go back to “competing” for a championship. Yeah….good luck with that

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 12:30 PM MST up reply actions

A few things..

Yes the Hawks were competing. And they were 1 win away from knocking off the Celtics last year.

I said I wasn’t opposed to a Marion trade, just not one that would have us headed for the lottery the next season.

I agree that Shaq has been better than Marion. But he’s not better for this team.

How is stating that the “team should have adapted to Shaq more” arrogant? Are you Shaq?

I’m a bandwagon fan? You don’t know me so don’t try to label me like that.

And yes, I’d would love to go back to “competing” for a championship if that means we actually make the playoffs as opposed to a year like this.

by brian13 on Mar 12, 2009 1:13 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs

I knew the Hawks fluke performance last year would be a point of vulnerability for me....

How is stating that the "team should have adapted to Shaq more" arrogant? Are you Shaq?

I wish! But sadly no, I am not. However, I am apparently the only person participating in the blog that has ever watched a basketball game that didn’t involve the Phoenix Suns. I am his constant (and seemingly only) defender though, so that is where that statement came from. Shaq has been in the playoffs every single year for the past 15 years. The one time he did not make the post-season was his rookie season, when the Magic lost the tie breaker to the Pacers on last day of the season. This season is looking to be the 2nd instance in the past 17 seasons where he will not be playing in the playoffs. Ergo….Shaq ain’t the problem

How about blaming Amare or Nash for being soft and missing games? One of the big things I kept hearing from Phoenix fans last year was that the trade was not worth while because Shaq would miss 30-35 games this season. Yet he’s been the 325 lb (and then some) Iron Man, so he gets the blame for the team’s lack of success. He’s been consistent and its the others that have not shown up.

To blame the team’s lack of success on Shaq is insane. He’s managed to make the players on every other team he has played on much better….yet somehow the Suns players can’t learn to feed off him? SSOL brainwashed these players and rendered them otherwise useless. Most of them are appearing to be figments of D’Antoni’s system

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 3:46 PM MST up reply actions

I'm not blaming Shaq...

as much as I’m blaming Management for trading for him. Like I’ve said over and over.. he doesn’t fit with out style.

And don’t forget that he would have missed the playoffs last season if he wasn’t traded to this shitty SSOL brainwashed Suns team.

by brian13 on Mar 12, 2009 4:06 PM MST up reply actions

Potty mouth!

Oooooooo I’m telllllllling

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 5:15 PM MST up reply actions

Don't forget

Tom Chambers, Alvan Adams, and Larry Nance. Man, those guys sucked. :P

"I can shoot with my left hand, I can shoot with my right hand, I'm amphibious"

by Diosnomeama on Mar 12, 2009 3:10 PM MST up reply actions

Man...

I was exaggerating….c’mon, I know Llamas is not one of top bigs to ever play on the team. I know that Tom “I’ve got black legs trapped in a goofy white body” Chambers was a really good center for the Suns for a few years. Ooohhh, I still cringe when I watch “The Dunk”

"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq

by Max_in_Missouri on Mar 12, 2009 3:30 PM MST up reply actions

I know

Llamas is so relevant I had to look him up just to remember exactly who you were talking about.

"I can shoot with my left hand, I can shoot with my right hand, I'm amphibious"

by Diosnomeama on Mar 12, 2009 6:24 PM MST up reply actions

10 bad moves

I know many of you are sick of this, but let me try out a new twist. Which of the moves that destroyed the 7SOL Suns was the worst? I rank them in my own order.

1. Trade of Thomas and two unprotected 1st round picks for conditional second rounder and cash – Why TWO picks? and why are they unprotected?
2. Trade of Boris and Raja for Jason Richardson and Jared Dudley – this is the point that Porter should have been fired
3. Signing of Quentin Richardson – the exhorbitant contract led us straight to #1
4. Trading Rajon Rondo to Boston for cash – inexcusable. all to get rid of Brian Grant?
5. Swapping picks with Bulls, in effect trading Luol Deng for the 21st pick the next year – another inexcusable move. Iggy was there! This was supposedly made to allow the Richardson signing
6. Including Nate Robinson in trade of Richardson to New York for Thomas – Suns got caught with their pants down with Q’s back injury
7. Trade of Rudy Fernandez to Portland for cash – inexplicable
8. Trade of Sergio Rodriguez for cash – ditto
9. Trade of Joe Johnson for Diaw and the pick that became Robin Lopez – could have been better if Atlanta had not done so well, but the underdevelopment of Diaw and the whiff on Lopez made it bad. Speights was still out there. He would be playing big minutes now
10. Trade of Marion and Banks for Shaq – both Marion and Banks had to go, but getting Shaq fundamentally altered the course of the team.

Some good moves

1. Signing of Steve Nash – no explaination necessary
2. drafting of Amare Stoudemire – gutsy move for another Connie Hawkins-type story
2. signing of Raja Bell – was supposed to be a backup, but filled in nicely for JJ
4. Getting Diaw and a #1 away from the Hawks when they could have stolen Joe for nothing – the Hawk’s ownership problems helped us here
5. Getting James Jones – a nice deal for not much
6. Trading for Steven Hunter – Lord I wish we had him now
7. Signing Grant Hill – all upside, no downside
8. Signing Matt Barnes – despite his inconsistency, where can you get a guy who can give you 17 and 10 occasionally for the minimum?

April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?

by Hawk42 on Mar 12, 2009 10:13 AM MST reply actions

The curse of the Suns

will continue. They finish 26-46 next year, and get 11th lottery position. The lottery comes up a winner, and OKC ends up with Ricky Rubio because he skips the 2009 draft.

April 29, 2008 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Is the sky falling?

by Hawk42 on Mar 12, 2009 10:19 AM MST up reply actions