I agree with you mostly in that Lakers and Celtics are front runners, but the Celtics still have to get past Detroit. And out West it's all about who you match up against. Case in point, Dallas maybe makes the Finals if they don't run into Golden State last year. Denver and Golden State could be some number one or two seed first round match up. This is going to be a very fun playoffs to watch
Detroit doesn't scare anyone, they couldn't even beat Cleveland in a series.
Dallas is only a regular season team, they have no stability and their starters have been injury prone.
New Orleans are better than Golden State, Denver, Dallas and Detroit. Don't underestimate the best guard in the NBA, Chris Paul.
Back to this trade, here is my input.
It seems like an Isiah-like move what Kerr did, but we need to look deeper.
If Shaq does get back in Shaq and gets back to his serious work ethic, its a good deal for Phoneix. Phoneix doesn't play much defense, so it shouldn't a problem for O'Neil. Phoneix obviously went from a small team to a giant team
Nash at 6"3
Bell at 6"5
Hill at 6"8
Amare at 6"10
Shaq at 7"1
Shaq's court awareness and passing skills aren't diminished. Nash, Hill, and Shaq are really some of the best passers at their positions, them playing together makes Phoneix's half court offense the best in the NBA, behind the Lakers. If Phoneix wants to speed up the tempo, you'll sub in Diaw and Barbosa, not a problem.
People are bitching about this trade because Shaq isn't the 28 ppg 12 rebound guy anymore, but he still can be very serviceable with his skills, veteran leadership and the respect he gets on the court with his size and power.
If Shaq develops a 3pt shot out of no where, Phoneix will average 130 ppg, literally.
For Miami, its not a bad deal. All they need now is Beasley at PF and sign a defensive minded center and try to grab a PG, and they'll have a pretty legit team.
Drafted PG
Wade
Marion
Beasley
Center
Not bad.
Understandable deal for both team.