This picture of Paul Pierce sums up the night. With KG out of the lineup yet again, and Pierce battling some type of bug (see puke bucket between legs) the Celtics lost a tough one 114-113 in Cleveland. Offense was not a problem as the C’s had 5 players in double figures (Ray Allen- 24, Rondo – 20, Pierce – 19, Tony Allen – 14, Perk – 12). But Cleveland killed them on the boards which lead to too many second chance shots. It’s not often you hear me say this, but the Celtics really could have used Scot Pollard tonight. Without KG and Perk in foul trouble, Big Baby and Leon Powe were forced to guard the gigantic Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
There’s big news brewing in Miami and Phoenix. The Suns are reportedly mulling a Shawn Marion/Marcus Banks for Shaq trade. Call me crazy, but this trade could rejuvenate Shaq (for the remainder of this season at the least) and propel the Suns into the finals.
Hasn’t the Celtics organization ever heard of a flu shot? Every year I get a free flu shot through my employer, and I never get the flu. These guys make millions (which is only hundreds more than I make), they can afford a flu shot. And we deserve to see our star player getting our team the W, not sitting on the sidelines booting into a bucket.
“There’s big news brewing in Miami and Phoenix. The Suns are reportedly mulling a Shawn Marion/Marcus Banks for Shaq trade. Call me crazy, but this trade could rejuvenate Shaq (for the remainder of this season at the least) and propel the Suns into the finals.”
The Lakers’ steal of Gasol, by your standards, was only a slight upgrade and does not make them title contenders. And yet, you believe that Shaq to Miami propels Phoenix into the finals? Have you thought about why this trade is even being considered? It’s obvious that it is in response to the Lakers’ huge line-up.
Do you really think that Shaq can keep up with the Suns’ fast-paced style? If Shaq is going to be used solely for defensive purposes.. the Suns’ offense is going to be 4v5 every time. Unless they decide to slow it down for Shaq which will play into the favor of half-court set teams like the Lakers. Shaq is no longer the dominant force that he once was. I believe that if this trade were to go down, Steve Kerr will be known as the “new” old Mitch Kupchak or even the illustrious Kevin McHale. Shawn Marion is a perfect fit for the Suns. He is a great finisher and cleans up the boards for easy buckets. Losing him for a washed-out Shaq would be a stupid move.
I wish that you would just set your biases aside and give the Lakers some credit. I already put you Celts in the Finals and hope that this rivalry is truly resurrected by us joining you in June.
BTW… its a done deal.. so lets see how it pans out.. if the Suns’ succeed.. i will eat my words.. if not, see you in the finals!
First off… Chuck wrote the Shaq thing… I wrote the Pau thing.
But the Shaq deal makes sense for the Suns in the sense that the the playoffs always becomes a half court game. In a Conference where you have go through the Spurs, it makes sense to get a big man that can wear him down. The Suns have horses that can run…. but you need to play 1/2 court basketball to win in the playoffs.
This is clearly a move for the playoffs. With Shaq at center, Amare moves to a more natural position…power forward. And there aren’t 5 players involved in every fast break. Most of the time its 3 guys…so your argument about Shaq slowing down the Phoenix offense is weak. Shaq will help rebound, allowing Amare to break earlier…thus helping Phoenix run. Get it?
Hey Bill, everytime you get sick, the flu isn’t necessarily to blame. There are all other sorts of viruses, ailments that can infect the body, even if you get a flu shot.
No, I am not a doctor…
Still think it is a bad move for the Suns. If this was Shaq a couple of years ago that is another story.