Although Jerry West denied it at the draft, ESPN Insider is reporting that if the Grizzlie's deal with Dampier fell through then they'd most likely go after Shaquille O'Neal or Eddie Curry. The article said that Pau Gasol, Lorenzen Wright, Bo Outlaw, Bonzi Wells, and Earl Watson would all likely be included in the deal. That would be giving up a lot of depth on the Grizzlies' part, but would it be worth it? Check out these before and after lineups - Before - PG - Williams/Watson/Bell/Burks SG - Miller/Wells/Emmett SF - Posey/Battier/D.Jones PF - Gasol/Outlaw/Humphrey C - Wright/Swift/Tsakalidas After - PG - Williams/Bell/Burks SG - Miller/D.Jones/Emmett SF - Posey/Battier/D.Jones PF - Swift/Humphrey C - Shaq/Swift/Tsakalidas My main concern is the power forward position. However, I suppose that we'll end up signing Dampier or resigning Swift, so it would all work out in the end.
Interesting. It would probably deliver a title, or go very close, but at the same time it's sacrificing Memphis' well-known depth, and giving up Wells and Gasol isn't going to spell good things for the future. Looking at the depth chart post-Shaq trade, the only depth is at center and small forward. The point guard and shootng guard rotations are backed up by guys who haven't played NBA ball, and if Miller got injured (likely), Posey and Battier would have to play 40 minutes a game. Then again, you play for the rings I guess. But Shaq is a quick fix in Memphis.
