The Diesel in a Corvette or Kerr's Hidden Genius?

The Suns were 34-14 (the best record in the west), and last year they were an Horry cheap shot away from an NBA championship. No need to do anything right? We can win the league this year. Why retool? Because the Lakers made a move. Plain and simple. And here's my first reaction: I can't believe it. Steve Kerr's an idiot. Trading Shawn Marion for an old injured Shaq is dumb. He doesn't fit in Mike D'Antoni's system at all. In a 7-second offense Shaq can't run, can't shoot, and he won't be able to play anyway cause he's injured. Then of course I'm thinking why couldn't you get someone better for Marion?! I mean Kirilenko's name was thrown around as well as Garnett and I'm sure there were others. But no the Suns rush the trade because the Lakers made a huge move.

Then I talked to Steven and a few other people who were both for and against the trade and had a few days to think this over. Plus I saw a bit of Shaq's press conference, read some articles, watched Around the Horn and waited awhile to write this post so that I could feel informed. And here's what I came up with. I don't like it. I don't like it at all. If you wanted a guy for defense you should have kept Kurt Thomas. He did great against Duncan last year and his hip doesn't need to be replaced. Plus I still feel like we could have gotten a lot more for Marion. However, I do think we can win with Shaq. I think if he is willing to "initiate the break" like he said and if he really does "love to run" (and can) then sure we'll win. He has to sit back and only expect to play 20-25 minutes. He has to be content with not being a huge offensive force like he used to be. I know he can adapt. I know his pride will kick in. I know that he might have one half year and post-season push left in him. So let's see Shaq. Let's see you run. Let's see you toss the outlet pass. Give these guys that championship experience you have and bring it home to Phoenix.

So whats it going to be? Trying to force and old broken Diesel engine into a quick Corvette? Or Steve Kerr making the move that brings that coveted trophy to the desert?

Here's what scares me the most though: 9-39. Thats the Heat's record right now, two years after winning it all. I know that they don't have much more than Wade now but if this does win a championship, Kerr can't be complacent. Shaq won't win more than that and Kerr has to be thinking ahead to that time when he'll need to replace the big guy. Anyway I hope this trade turns out well. For the sake of all Suns fans, prove me wrong Shaq.

Super Bowl

Here we go.
The biggest day of the year for football.
The biggest day of the year for sports for that matter.
Bigger than game 7s, and all the finals in golf, tennis, and soccer.
And across the United States Americans celebrate by getting drunk and raving about how their team could have won if they had the chance. Well they had their chance and now we're down to two teams. The New York Football Giants and the New England Patriots. Fighting for a chance to win their first Super Bowl since 1990 or their fourth in seven years. The Giants represent everything people want in a champion. A fighting spirit, a late season charge, and the incredible challenge of being the Super Underdogs. The Patriots on the other hand represent everything Americans want in a champion. The pursuit of perfection, unbelievable dominance, and the ability to either hate 'em or love 'em. But what will win out? The veteran quarterback with three rings or the younger brother trying to get out from under big brother Peyton's shadow.

The keys to victory:

Giants:
1. Run the ball. Control the clock. Keep Brady and his record-setting offense off the field. The Giants have had four different running go over a hundred yards this season which is more of a testament to their offensive line.
2. Pressure Brady. Hit him early, hit him often. Get him out of rhythm and force him in to tight spots. Win the turnover battle.
3. Special teams. Get some big plays on kickoffs and punts.
4. No one expects them to win. Have fun.

Patriots:
1. Do what you've done all season. Score big and stop the Giants.

The Call:
In a bit of poetic for Adam Vinatieri the last second field goal is missed by Stephen Gostkowski and Giants ruin the perfect season, in an upset for the ages, winning 34-31.

Pau Gasol

Wow. The Lakers traded for Pau Gasol today in exchange for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, and some draft picks. This in my opinion turns LA into legitimate contenders. Especially if Bynum comes back strong. We'll see in the next few weeks I think how big this will end up being.