Didn't see anyone post anything about his yet....

So is our locker room cancer now gone?  Did the Suns finally get that all sorted out with this trade?  Whoever it was.  Sure, a lot of people assumed it was Marion but nobody ever really called him out as far as I remember.  It doesn't seem that the Suns are going to be talking about it but from all the quotes it seems EVERYONE was immediately thrilled to see Shawn go, or get Shaq, or however you want to look at it. Which kind of points to it being him in my eyes.

If Marion was in fact the big downer then him being gone may be just as much of a plus for this particular squad as the addition of another player.  These guys thrive off of energy and flow and connecting with each other.  Hopefully they'll get back to having fun instead of babysitting someone's ego day in and day out.

In case anyones still interested or missed it entirely, you can catch the Miami Heat Press Conference with Marion and Banks here ( I think it was on Friday): http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/nbacom/press_conf/heat_pc_080208.asx

If that doesn't open up directly, go to MiamiHeat.com and click on the "Press Conference" link next to Marion's picture.

A couple quotes:

MARION: "I'm here, I'm ready for a new start, I'm in it for the long haul, we're dedicated and pursuing another championship. I'm for that, I'm all aboard that, that's what I'm here for!"

BANKS: "I spent the last year and half in Phoenix learning from Steve Nash and I just can't wait to get on the court again" what did you learn from Steve Nash? "Uh, basically just being a floor general"... "but basically I just learned a lot from this guy right here.  You know we stayed close this year and just by helping each other, you know, just being there for each other. He's been frustrated and I've been frustrated and basically we just picked each other up. Like hey, the team needs you, this is what it's about, let's just grind it out. And we're here now and we're ready for a new start!

I'm here to pursue a championship??? Let's just grind it out???... on the Suns?  What???  Watch the video and notice how happy and giddy Marion is.  The smiles, the joking and laughing and waves to reporters... the guy welcomed this trade.  He's happy so I'm happy.  

I'm going to guess that a couple of frustrated millionaires can make things difficult on the rest of the team on a day to day basis. So they got shipped out together.  Bye bye. I wish Marion all the best, I really do... he was amazing here for the most part and fun to watch.  Honestly though, we needed another go to guy for the playoffs, someone else that draws attention and respect, Marion wasn't it. Shaq could absolutely be that guy and he brings so much more.

If you're curious: Catch the new look, high-flying Miami Heat featuring Riley's New Jordan and Pippen and don't forget the Floor General vs. the Lakers tomorrow on ABC at 3:30EST