A View of the Hardwood 02-06-08 02.12.2008 - Updated on 02.12.2008
 | | | | | | | | | | The biggest news of the night came out of South Florida when discussions of a trade between the Suns and Heat leaked to a South Florida newspaper concerning Shaquille O’Neal and Shawn Marion. This is an interesting move to consider for the Suns, however, to me it doesn’t make any sense. The Suns are a run and gun-type team. Adding a big man like Shaquille would be placing a square peg in a round hole. Amare Stoudemire is an ideal center for the Suns thanks to his run and gun offense, plus his recent development as a shot-blocker in the half court. Of course, the Suns may be waving the white flag, acknowledging that they can’t win a title with their current high tempo style of play. This was apparent in the playoffs, and their most recent slugfest with the San Antonio Spurs. Perhaps you need a half court offense to win a championship. Unless Shaquille O’Neal is healthy, it’s hard to imagine that trading away Marion is the way to go. As far as fantasy impact, Shaq can evolve into an 18 points, 9 rebound guy with a few blocks. I am concerned whether he will be able to stay fresh with that offense. On the other hand, Shawn Marion will have his chance to be a franchise player. Will it work? Probably not. He seems like a glorified role player who relies on others for open shots. In Miami, the offense would have to run through him, which means more shots, more points, with lower percentages. I’m not sure how he would handle the pick and roll with Wade, but we might find out.
SPURS AT PACERS
Amazingly 7 players in double-digits for the Spurs. Tim Duncan led the way with 19 points and 15 rebounds, adding 6 assists as well. In 22 minutes, Damon Stoudamire did not have an assist, but the offense flowed well with him on the court, as he scored 11 points, hit 2 threes, with no turnovers. He should be gobbled up by fantasy managers as long as Tony Parker is injured. As for the Pacers, it was a big night for Danny Granger thanks to his fine percentages and 5 blocked shots. Troy Murphy played well with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 threes. He should get some rebounds and points as long as Jermaine O’Neal is out. Also worth noting is the fact that Jamaal Tinsley remains limited due to injuries. He played 18 minutes, scored 8 points, with 2 assists, while Travis Diener scored 14 with 6 assists in 30 minutes.
CELTICS AT CAVALIERS
Nice game for Rajon Rondo in defeat. He scored 20 points with 2 assists, 5 rebounds, and a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line. Larry Hughes played very well in a start, putting up 18 points, 2 steals, 6 assists, with solid percentages. LeBron James was a rebound away from a triple double, though he did hurl 7 turnovers on his fantasy owners.
WIZARDS AT 76ERS
Only 8 points for Caron Butler on 9 shots makes you wonder about his health, though he did offer 9 assists and 3 steals. Only 15 minutes and 2 points for Andray Blatche, who is back on the pine. A turn-back-the-clock performance for Andre Miller, who offered 14 assists for the 76ers. In his fourth career start, rookie Thaddeus Young looked sharp with 17 points and 9 rebounds. He can be a fine pick-up for the second half of the season.
LAKERS AT NETS
Welcome to the Lakers Pau Gasol. He will find much easier shots with Kobe Bryant on his team. He connected on 10 of 15 for 24 points, 12 rebounds, and even 4 assists. Kobe was passive in this one, scoring just 6 points with 8 assists, and 7 turnovers. A big man inside opened up the perimeter for Derek Fisher, who scored 28 points. Vince Carter scored 27 for the Nets, while Bostjan Nachbar added 19 points and 10 rebounds with 4 three-pointers. He reminds me of Linas Kleiza, despite inconsistent playing time
BUCKS AT GRIZZLIES
Big game for Mo Williams, as he scored 32 points with 7 assists. With Yi Jianlian out due to a sore shoulder, Charlie Villanueva got the start, and he totaled 16 points with 16 boards. Grab him for the short-term. Hakim Warrick got the start over Juan Carlos Navarro, and even down by three, Navarro was on the bench for the final moments. I’d be concerned if I’m a Navarro fantasy owner. Brian Cardinal has been getting some run recently, and Kwame Brown and Javaris Crittenton each played. Brown had 3 turnovers in 16 minutes. A fine double-double for Darko Milicic, who added 2 blocks to his 11 points and 12 rebounds. Mike Miller scored 32, while Mike Conley sat out allowing Kyle Lowry to score 7 points with 7 assists in a start.
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