FanHouse is coming to you live from Phoenix, covering the 2009 NBA All-Star weekend.PHOENIX -- With virtually the entire NBA descending on Phoenix for the beginning of All-Star weekend, the word of Friday's deal between the Heat and the Raptors came early and spread quickly to the hordes of people in attendance.
While everyone probably has an opinion about whether the trade will truly benefit either team, most of them are, quite frankly, irrelevant. One person's opinion that does matter however, is that of Heat superstar Dwyane Wade. And since he was part of the day's All-Star media availability, I got the chance to ask him about it.
On the subject of whether his team improved itself by making this trade (no disrespect to Shawn Marion, of course), Wade said he thinks that it can, but they have a very short time this season to try and make it work.
"I feel that it can," Wade said. "I don't know what it would do right now with 30 games left, you're bringing in a different element to a team that's getting used to one. We all know that when you make a trade it takes time to gel, it's just how fast. But like you said, nothing against Shawn, Shawn knows how I feel about him. and I really really enjoyed what he did for our team, and that's bring that excitement back to Miami after the season we had last year. And I'm sure he's going to do the same thing in Toronto."
Wade continued, and discussed his thoughts on playing alongside Jermaine O'Neal.
"He's an All-Star caliber player that's going to affect the game on both ends of the floor. And I think the main thing is how, you know, when he comes in, how quickly we gel. I've played with a big man before. I've played with a guy that demands the ball at different times before. I know how to do that, and hopefully he can play with me as well and understand the way I play, and we can make it an easy transition."
Wade was upbeat about the deal, and seemed cautiously optimistic that O'Neal could help the team increase their position in the standings. He did remind everyone that it's a short window for the team to get used to their new big man however, so whether or not the trade will actually improve the club on the court is something that (obviously) remains to be seen.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
If the trade works is all up to Jermaine O'Neal. He has been in a situation where he was a dominate player in his career. He is either on the downside or he lacks desire. I think it is the latter of the two. If he has the heart he can be a big difference to Miami. If not he will be a cancer to the team. Good luck Jermaine.
I THINK ONEALS DAYS OR OVER THATS WHY HE STAYS HURT AND KEEPS GETTING TRADED BUT THE DID THIS FOR CAP SPACE KNOWING THAT MARION WAS SEEKING A MUCH NEEDED PAY RAISE FOR HIS DUTIES AND SKILLS IN THE NBA
Heat's need of a big man is eminent. Undersized Haslem can not do it alone. A few wings will give the team confidence and will help the younger players