If Cleveland was looking to "clear the lane," the Cavs just found the right man for the job. In a trade with the Phoenix Suns, the Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired veteran Shaquille O'Neal for Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic.
The acquisition will now provide the Cavs with the powerful inside presence they so desperately need. O’Neal is a 15-time All-Star and will bring his talent, experience, and popularity to the “Forest City” and the Central Division of the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
How Cleveland Acquired Shaquille O’Neal
The Cavs had been in serious talks with the New Orleans Hornets about obtaining the services of center Tyson Chandler. However, in the end, Shaquille O’Neal was the better choice because Shaq only has one year left on his contract.
The acquirement of O’Neal will still allow Cleveland to make additional moves to re-sign players and also pursue players via free agency. Chandler has an option for the 2010-2011 season of $12.7 million. In essence, the addition of Chandler would hinder the Cavs in respect to keeping current player, and making additional moves.
Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James
Shaquille O'Neal is indeed in the twilight of his career, but the idea that LeBron James now has a dominate center to complement his own talent is something Cleveland fans can rejoice over. NBA fans can easily remember the success of the Los Angeles Lakers when a young Kobe Bryant teamed with a seasoned Shaquille O'Neal to catapult the Lakers to NBA royalty.
O'Neal is certainly much older now (37), and by all accounts is past the “prime” of his NBA career. However, the savvy veteran still averaged 17.8 points and 8.4 rebounds last season with Phoenix. O'Neal has been in the league since 1992 so what has been taken away with age has been added with experience.
O’Neal is a former Rookie of the Year, 4-time NBA Champion and 3-time NBA Finals MVP. If LeBron and Shaq can provide a solid dual threat for opposing defenses, the Cleveland Cavaliers could make a serious run at the NBA crown next season.
Cleveland Cavaliers Organization
The Cavs began play in 1970 and have 18 winning seasons and 21 losing seasons. The acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal is designed to do one thing, and one thing only–win an NBA championship. Cleveland has never won an NBA title, and the old expression “strike while the iron is hot” certainly applies to the Cavs.
History has shown that “dynamic duos” can be very successful in the NBA. The pair of Magic and Kareem, Michael and Scottie, and Shaquille and Kobe roll off the tongue like crowned heads or members of the royal family. Cleveland ownership hopes to “crown” Shaquille O’Neal as the final piece that will shape championship royalty.
