Chris Townsend

SHAQ to Cleveland - Next Stop NBA Finals

by Marco D'Angelo from pregame.com

If there was a match more made in heaven than this one I would like to see it. Shaq is at the back end of his career but is still a major force when healthy. Shaq wants another ring and now that Kobe has proven he can win a ring without him Shaq wants to get back to the NBA Finals. Fact is for all the trash talking that went on about Kobe not winning without Shaq it's Shaq who won but with a guy named Dwyane Wade.  Shaq needed the super star on his team and now he has another. LeBron James is arguably the best player in the NBA. Since his arrival in Cleveland he has never had another go to guy of Shaq's magnitude.

This deal makes sense because Cleveland feels a sense of urgency as with this LeBron's contract year there is no guarantee that he will be in Cleveland after this season. The management has to do everything in their power to get the job done now and win a title as this may be their one and only chance if LeBron leaves after this season.

If Cleveland could Win the Championship this year it would give the city the long awaited Championship they have been craving but more importantly a NBA Championship Run may force the owners to pony up the money necessary to keep LeBron in Cleveland.

Financially this move is a no brainer and from a Basketball stand point this makes even more sense. Shaq put up good numbers last year in Phoenix in an offense not suited for him. Shaq is better in a half court game. Cleveland had a good defense last year and now with Shaq clogging up the middle they are even better. On the offensive side of the ball with Lebron facing double teams you now can kick it inside to Shaq for an easy 2 or Shaq kicks back out to a open Lebron or where I feel the biggest benefit will come is from someone like Gibson that will see wide open looks as teams concentrate on LeBron & Shaq.

I don't see anyone beating them in the East now so that puts them in the Finals where anything can happen. Wouldn't it be a great final Kobe, Shaq and LeBron. That would be like showing up at a party with your new girlfriend knowing your ex-girlfriend is going to be there and you just want to piss her off.

Cleveland Fans enjoy the ride this could be a Magical Season!

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