If you follow news in the NBA, you know that everyone and his mom has expressed an opinion on the Phoenix Suns' recent acquisition of Shaquille O'Neal from Miami in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. As silly as it is to yell yay or nay when the man hasn't even suited up for a single game, sports analysts and fans alike have been positing all kinds of theories on how the big man will change the complexion of the fast-paced Suns team.

Much of the focus has been on Shaq's age and health. Plagued by injuries this season and quickly approaching his 36th birthday, many people wonder if he can bring much, if anything, to a Suns team that already had the number one record in the West when the trade occurred. A quick run through of the forums on NBA.com show many fans upset and feeling like Steve Kerr, Suns' Manager of Basketball Operations, made a career, and possibly franchise, breaking mistake.

Since the press conference that introduced Shaq as the West's newest big man, Kerr, Suns' coach Mike D'Antoni, and the Big Aristotle himself have all tried their hands at combating the negative opinions. One thing is clear, no one would like to see the nay-sayers eat their words more than O'Neal, who much like the Incredible Hulk, is that much more dangerous when he's angry.

In order to sort this mess out, let's go over a few key points:

1. The physical.

The trade was not approved until Phoenix's progressive medical staff performed a head-to-toe examination, which was no small feat (get it?). They determined that the hip injury that kept him out of the Heat's lineup two weeks prior to the trade was not as bad as anyone expected. Kerr, himself, said that he never would have gone through with the deal without a sure vote of confidence from the staff that has helped veterans like Steve Nash and Grant Hill remain serious assets late in the careers.

2. How does Shaq affect Phoenix's high-powered offense?

Many analysts and fans alike have expressed their concern that O'Neal's gas tank is on empty. In an offense that thrives on fast-break points and quick, calculated spacing of the floor, how will the aging Shaq fair? D'Antoni was quick to bring up the 1980s Lakers and their use of Kareen Abdul-Jabar deep into the twilight of his career as a rebounder and outlet passer.

Really, Shaq's potential role is not difficult to imagine. He gets the board and sends the ball out. Simple enough.

While many have expressed concerns about Phoenix's fast break points, the problem seems to be non-existent. When was the last time you saw a center running down for a fast break? Not that it's impossible, but the Suns have plenty of players capable to getting down the floor and making things happen when the opportunity arises.

We can't leave out the versatility Shaq brings to the Sun's half-court game, which is usually less than note-worthy when matching up with the bigger teams in the West. Creating a low-post threat that almost always demands a double team, Shaq's surprising adeptness at passing from the post give even better shot opportunities to Phoenix's stable of deadly shooters.

If the defense opts not to double-team, you leave a seven-foot, 320 pound beast of an NBA legend with the ball dangerously close to the basket, which is something most teams without powerful centers of their own will be unlikely to do.

All of this is coupled with Nash's uncanny ability to get the ball to his teammates in excellent scoring position. Not to mention that Amare Stoudemire is able to move back to the 4 position where he can stop worrying about guarding bigs like Tim Duncan and Andrew Bynum and focus on being one of the most dominant power forwards in the game.

3. Winning it all.

The loss of All-Star Shawn Marion, perhaps one of the most versatile players in the NBA with top 20 rankings in rebounds, blocks, and steals, certainly could pose a threat to the Suns' game. Marion was often thought to be a player that personified the Suns. His flexibility as a scorer and defender helped make the Suns what they are today. Yet, in all of that time, the Suns never once made it to the NBA Finals.

What this acquisition means for the Suns is that they have seriously reconsidered what it takes to win an NBA championship. Though they have had a solid shot at the title each of the last four years, they just haven't been able to get it done when it counts.

Speculations about why this is are a dime-a-dozen. One thing that is difficult to deny, though, is that the Suns pre-Shaq have lacked toughness as a team. Even though they have exhibited moments of strength, they have been unable to take that next step towards becoming a true physical force. It may be because of their size or it may be because of their emphasis on finesse and style. Whatever it is, it is difficult to deny that Shaq brings a toughness to the court that the franchise hasn't seen since Charles Barkley donned the purple and orange in the '90s, leading the Suns to their last trip to the big show in '93.

Shaq has said it time and time again. He wants a fifth ring, and he is prepared to do whatever he needs to do to get it. The determination of a four-time NBA champion and future Hall-of-Famer may be just what the Suns need to get over the hump.

What happens now?

We wait. The team confirmed that Shaq will not play until after the All-Star break. His return to the West will likely be in the Wednesday, Feb. 20 game against Shaq's former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, a team whose spicy rivalry with the Suns just got that much spicier. Check your local listings and prepare to be entertained.