Shaq as a Mav?

The rumors have started up again with Shaq coming to the Dallas Mavericks. First thing first is what will we do with a old Shaq? Second do we want to absorb his salary for a year? And Third, does this make sense if we don't re-sign Jason Kidd? All three of these questions I will answer as I break down a potential deal presented by Hoopsworld.

First with the old Shaq question, O'Neal posted his best scoring numbers in 3 years, averaging close to 18 points per game. Shaquille's rebounding was down from the previous year, but it was still a solid 8-9 rebounds per game. When it comes to the number's, Shaq proved last year that even with gas prices high he still has some Diesel left in his tank.

Second, O'Neals salary is a whopping $20 million per year with his contract ending in the sacred offseason of 2010. With this cap figure Mark Cuban is for sure going to pay a huge amount of luxury tax, but as an owner who is willing to do a lot to win, this doesn't seem like a problem for the Mavericks. On the other end of things, to bring in a salary like Shaq, HoopsWorld has brought the option of Erick Dampier and Jerry Stackhouse which could be big cap cleaners for the Phoenix Suns. With that $17 million coming off the books very soon or close to it, the Suns will find immediate relief while they prepare themselves for a busy 2010 with Amar'e as a potential free agent.

Third, bringing in Shaq without Jason Kidd makes this deal somewhat worthless, but then again what did Stack and Damp do last year? Exactly what I was thinking, Nothing. So losing Kidd and bringing in Shaq could work, but will Terry, and Barea be able to find him? I don't think so, Jason is one of the best passers in the league ever, and he tried many times to get Damp involved. Also, you cannot forget the fact that Josh Howard is never shy to give it to his big man, and Shaq could be the receiver on many alley-oops. Plus another benefit of having Shaq with Kidd could be the inside/outside game. Inside Shaq can be a beast, while outside Kidd can hit his 3's. Throw in a slasher in Josh, and a pure shooter in Dirk and I smell trouble for others. To sum it up we need Kidd with Shaq to push for a ring.

After all this analysis, I do feel bringing in Shaq for one more year could work for the Dallas Mavericks. As always injuries are a concern, and the type of deal Kidd wants could hinder, or help with bringing in Shaquille.