The Diesel is Here

It's official. Shaq is here.

I can't even tell you how excited we are to have "The Diesel" join this team. I heard the rumors but didn't really know if they were true until our morning shoot-around was cancelled. As I was pulling into the arena I got the news confirming the trade. As soon as I walked into the locker room that day I could feel something different. There was a different type of energy already and it was such a crazy feeling.....so many emotions.

Trades are part of the business. And even though I was sad to see Shawn and Marcus go, I was so excited to have a true center finally join our team. Man that guy is big! He gave me a pat on the back and almost knocked the wind out of me. He is such a funny guy I think he will bring a lot more than just size and talent to this team. His sense of humor and experience will be just as valuable. I'm not sure when he'll actually get to play but we are really looking forward to what is to come. I wish Shawn and Marcus all the best and they will DEFINITELY be missed here that is for sure.

Although we ended up losing a heartbreaking game that night it was so cool to feel the new energy in the building. The crowd was louder and crazier than normal. Well I gotta start getting ready for the game tonight. Hopefully we won't have any overtimes tonight! Seattle tonight and Washington Sunday.

Welcome, Shaq!

41 Comments On: "The Diesel is Here"

 
Here's hoping he'll get you guys over that half court playoff hump. It's going to be fun.

Lol. Yes, Wizards tonight and we will be watching ya. We are looking forward to seeing the Diesel playing with you all. We love ya!!!

not happy, he is used up. bad trade. I know

I'm looking forward to seeing how you guys will adjust your style of play now that you have a "true center".

i dont think they will adjust much...shaq will ignite that fast break and allow many more chances for the suns to score...as well as kickin out to the perimeter to all those great shooters.....lookout

Good luck Shaq! I hope Greg Oden and you have four great battles next year, and hopefully a seven game playoff battle too. Of course I hope Oden crushes you, but no offense. Hey I am a life-long Blazer fan and I am still upset at that game seven WCF fourth quarter comeback. I still wake up in cold sweats from that. Good to have you back in the west. Maybe the my boys can get some revenge on you now!! Good Luck Shaq Daddy!

I thought this was shaq's yardbarker..... Hey can you give him that message?? Much appreciated.

Always remember that Donaghy was the ref. I'm still bitter.

Donaghy and ref shouldn't be used in the same sentence. He's a cheater. The guy is a joke and most likely cost the Suns a title in 07.

Yeah boi... watch Phoenix hush all those haters.

http://yardbarker.com/nba/articles/Phoenix_Trade_Mirage/128588

Just like you always have right.

I'm hope Shaq will impact your team. I can't wait to watch the Suns get even better.

Shaq will impact them. The team just gained over 300 lbs. They just got older and slower. And they just lost a very good player too.

I can't wait to see what Shaq brings to the team! At first, it was too hard to accept that fact that I wasn't going to see Trix in a Suns uniform anymore, but reality has settled in and I am so excited to see Shaq in purple and orange. It seems like he really wants to be in Phoenix, playing with you guys, and more importantly...it seems like he REALLY wants to bring a title to Phoenix. This should be a good trade and I can't imagine how excited you guys are. That 2OT loss to New Orleans was a heart breaker, better luck tonight. :)

I hope Shaq doesn't disappoint you kiddo. He isn't the same Shaq of years past. Shawn M. is a very good BBaller. He is in his prime right now. I hope you guys don't start doing what the Blazers did back a few years ago. Mess around with a good roster until it isn't as good anymore. Good luck!

I never would have a thought a star like Shaq would end up playing on three different teams in his career. I hope you guys win Leandro, and the big fella enjoys his fifth ring.

its 4 now. orlando,LA,Miami,PHx

its his fourth team...^^^
anyway, bets of luck to you guys leandro. being a lifelong shaq fan, im pulling for you guys to win it all now.

Welcome Shaq!! Thanks for the update Barbosa! Keep writing. we love reading your blog

That was quite a game agains the Hornets a couple of nights ago...keep hitting those big 3s.

Great game against NO. Can't believe those clutch 3s. Kinda wish Matrix was guarding Peja at the end, but i guess this is the new suns. Hope you guys can make it work, i'm a die hard suns fan and will root to the end but i'm struggling to believe the suns are better now.
Anyway more importantly i'll be at the game sunday against the Wiz hope you guys light it up....i'm 3-0 this year.

Hopefully Shaq can help you guys raise a banner. To go along side the the Phoenix Mercury.

Dude your Jumper will be so killer once everyone collapses on Shaq!!!!!

I love Shaq, and I hope he gets healthy and everything works out.

Great game against Seattle tonight Leandro. The team wasn't hitting their shots but showed some big time defensive intensity and were all out scrapping for the rebounds, hustling and generally doing what it takes to win. Boris played well too, he seems to be finding his game again.
A great shot by Grant Hill and a lucky break for the Suns due to Wally saved the game. 15 points in 24 minutes for Leandro too. I'm definitely looking forward to the Wizards game.

Yoooo
Brasil aqui, Leandrinho. Qual é o time que você acha mais dificil de enfrenta? Spurs, Mavs ou Lakers?

Blz de bLog Leandrinho, estamos acompanhando aqui no Brasil.
www.basketbrasil.com.br

Blur.....what was up with Violet last night. She seemed to have it in for you guys. Some brutal calls, thought Dantone was gonna pop a gasket. Anyway good win and let's light it up tomorrow. Stoudemire's and the game for me....looking forward to it

Fala Leandrinho!
It's hard to see Marion go away... The Matrix is awesome.
As a good fan, all I can do is wait and pray that Kerr did the right thing. At the same time, is good to know that Shaq is a great guy and that he can give us some hope.
Grande abraço e tudo de bom,
Fábio Carvalho - Fortaleza

Leandrinho, legal seu blog, acabei descobrindo ele por um site de brasileiros que acompanha voce bastante www.draftbrasil.net e pelo forum do site, boa sorte para você, que você consigam ir longe esse ano na NBA, individualmente e coletivamente...
Nós do Brasil temos muito orgulho de você, e espero que você leve o Brasil de volta a uma Olimpiada, precisamos de você!
Abraço,
Pedro Cinelli, ES- Brasil

I believe too, Leandro.
Shaq will be a great fit for you guys in Phoenix. Even bein a Magic fan from Brasil, I hope you guys win the west title this year.

Nash will make Shaq great again!

Good Barbosa.
Mais um brazuca por aqui.Sou um grande fã seu,estou adorando teu blog,tente divulgar mais ainda pq vc esta de parabéns cara.
Continue sendo essa grande pessoa e jogador que vc é.Vc só tem a ganhar com isso.
E acho que com a chegada do Shaq o título pro Suns passa a ser uma realidade,quero ver os Spurs baterem vcs com aquele time sujo agora.
Apesar de eu torcer pros Wolves,como meu time nao vai chegar muito longe esse ano vou torcer pra vcs no Playoffs.
Go SUNS !!!!

Ae Leandrinho!!!
Brasileiros te acompanhando ai ein!
Sou seu fã barbosa e espero que voces sejam campeões esse ano!
E ainda passem por cima dos Spurs nos playoffs!
Boa sorte ai em Phoenix Barbosa!!
E quero ver Brasil nas Olimpiadas esse ano!
GO SUNS GO!!
Brasillllll!!!

aee leandrinhooo!!!
legal você ter um blog pra nos acompanharmos como é sua vida ai em phoenix
e principalmente ver a evolução de seu basquete ai :D
quero ver voces serem campeoes ai na nba esse ano ein!
tomara que peguem o spurs esse ano... e esse ano vamu ganha deles ein
ainda mais se o juizes naum ajudarem eles, como sempre acontece :D
ah! e queremos ver o Brasil nas olímpiadas esse ano ein!
Good Luck Barbosa!!!
and GO SUNS GO!!!!

Bibi!!! Um abraço. Tudo de bom.

You guys will be awesome when he starts playing!

Welcome to the Yard, Leandro! But I still wish Shaq would come back to L.A. Needless to say, I am a Lakers fan but I pray you have a healthy and fruitful season. God Bless

heyy barbosa! i think youre a really amazing player. even though i am a huge warriors fan and am from the bay area, i am a huge fan of yours. i love watching you play! we beat you the other night, but it was so close! keep playing hard youre awesome

I'm a huge warriors fan and I think that you and Monta Ellis are two of the best fast break players in the league! I can't wait to see you play in person!

can u dunk

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