Shaq settles in with Suns yet the big fella needs time to get in shape

The lowly Miami Heat must be feeling like the most unlucky team in the NBA. Sure they managed to end an 11-game losing skid, but that won't get rid of the bitter sting which will last the rest of the season. A week or so ago I made it clear how I felt about the Shaq trade. Phoenix definitely caught the better end of the deal while Miami completely disregarded how it would effect the franchise and minimize Dwayne Wade phenomenal efforts. Now the worries of playing for a real stinker are over for Shaq. He showed vast progress in last night's win over the (Okay Memphis sucks big time in the West this year though Shaq still deserves credit for getting a double-double).

Thanks to the nifty passing from Steve Nash and the star power surrounding the Diesel things are starting to look up for him with the Suns. No longer does he have to shield his ears from the relentless echo of boos and be expected to abide by former Coach Riley's pointless offensive play sets (like these strategies ever worked earlier in the season, Pat) None of that bothersome chatter is a problem for him anymore. The 127-113 win over the Grizzlies Tuesday night showed the big fella in a whole new light. His improved performance of 13 points and 11 rebounds was only overshadowed by second year rising star Rudy Gay who notched 36 points for Memphis.

It appears as if Shaq is making a nice fit for his new team (In my eyes I can only see him as a Miami Heat player no matter how bad they suck). What I'm concerned about is his minutes on the floor. Last night he only played 24 minutes which has got to change. I know Grant Hill and Steve Nash will be sucking up most of the minutes, but it's high time Shaq really works on improving his endurance. The mobility obviously isn't what it used to be and that's understandable at his age plus with the injuries.

Come playoff time, however the lumbering up and down the court will be a crucial factor. I just don't want to see Shaq get lazy and start cherry picking and not getting back on defense. If the superstar veteran center stays fit (maybe take a little extra time to practice free-throws) he'll regain his dominance in the low post and heighten his defensive presence. Best of luck on the rest of season Shaq!