And the Cavs just got even tougher

Shaq has just been traded to Cleveland for Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic. Shaq is nowhere near the Shaq of old. But, he did put up 18 and 8 this past year at 37 years of age, and had his best PER since the 2005-2006 season.

This was a no-brainer from Cleveland's perspective. Both from a PR standpoint, and because they basically gave away two bit parts to acquire Shaq. With that said, I don't buy the argument that this helps them guard Dwight Howard that much better. No one will say it, but Howard will run Shaq up and down the court and he will not be able to keep up. Even down low, in a traditional half court set, Howard will be too quick for him under the basket.

Cleveland, as it is presently constructed, is too old up front and are lacking another promising wing player. This deal alone will not be enough to beat LA or San Antonio. And, depending on if Turkoglu re-signs with Orlando, it may not be enough to overtake the Magic. All year, they will struggle with athletic frontcourts, just as they did this year. Offensively, they will improve because Shaq is still a legit post presence. Defensively, though, the improvement will be minimal.

With all that said, they put even more distance between us and them. Its your move Joe D.