Hmmm, there is rumor Shaq is going to Cleveland too...

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If they are trying to build a team to beat the Magic with, I would think they would be better off with Shaq down low. Howard would be too powerful for Yao. Even though Shaq is getting older, he is still a physical beast.

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Profeshenal spellar

I believe Rasheed Wallace would be a better alternative than either Shaq or Yao. His footwork in the paint, his range, running the floor and consistency are better...defensively he's just as solid. It would probably mean more minutes as a Center than Power Forward when playing bigger teams but i believe Cavs will have a more competitive edge with Rasheed...plus Cavs would spend less and use the capital towards rebuilding.

Yao isn't even a free agent until the end of the 2009-2010 season so it's awfully early for speculation. Besides, Yao would be leaving a ton of money on the table by leaving Houston, about $31 million lost over 5 years if he signs a max contract elsewhere. Houston is a only player or two away (or maybe a healthy Tracy McGrady) from being a high seed.

Rasheed is a #4. Playing center is not his game, as he was forced to play center in Detroit after Ben Wallace signed an FA deal with the Bulls. The Pistons tried Nazr Mohammed, then Kwame Brown at center, but ended up having to to play both McDyess and Wallace at the 5 spot. Rasheed is most effective as a #4 which allows him to run high pick and rolls and step out for the 3. This was his in game in Portland and with the Pistons. He essentially plays the role as Z.

The Cavs are better off with Shaq. They need a guy who stays in the paint and does all his work in the paint. Shaq already has a title with 2 of the 3 best players in the game, Kobe and DWade. Ya think that winning a title with LeBron would be a big deal with Shaq?

I don't completely disagree with you...however, i believe Rasheed has and can be an effective Center. I believe he's more effective at the position than Ben Wallace ever was. Rasheed is healthier and probably has more years left in him than Shaq anyway. He's talented, athletic and diverse enough to cover the position as well as Magic Johnson covered the Point position. If Cleveland plans on rebuilding for the long-haul as opposed to a quick fix, i believe Rasheed is the better option, considering who they'll be up against in the East.

and I've heard rumors that Barry aka "slowsilver" is coming out of retirement to play in the NBA! There's gotta be some truth to that cuz I heard it through the rumor mill

IMO Shaq is a history wherever he goes. He big mouthed that when he gets mad he wins the championship as he was traded to Sun.
He is better off joining Mixed Martial Art and fight Hong Man Choi, who is about his size and 10 years younger.
Shaquille O'Neal Calls Out Hong Man Choi, Makes Out With Chuck Liddell
Jose Conseco did it so can he.
YouTube - BobsBlitz.com: Hong Man Choi v Jose Canseco MMA Video

My main man 'sheed have few good years left. I hope to see him win one more ring with a better team. I don't see him as a dominant center Cleveland is looking for.

I hope the rumor is true. I could use the money......
The term "retired Bum" has real meaning these days....

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Harmony happens whenever different parts get to form a whole by means of congruity, concord, symetry, consistency, conformity, correspondence, agreement, accord, unity, consonance…….

So much for the 'Sheed and Yao to Cleveland rumors. Make room for Shaq-Daddy. It's now official.

Sources: Phoenix Suns agree to send Shaquille O'Neal to Cleveland Cavaliers - ESPN