OT: Marion predictions

[Bleeding Green]

I think people forget that Marion was awesome before Nash.

20 and 10 from Marion the rest of the season. Banks will probably get a lot of burn, too. Should be interesting.

[BrokenLeftyJumper]

The Heat are gonna come out way on top in this deal. They still got contracts and the pick which could be shipped for an good big. And they got the ability to get decently under the cap this summer so they might be able to just sign a good big. Say Elton Brand. I could see that happening a number of ways. Either clearing some more cap and signing him if he opts out. Or trading for him. And then they got a real solid big 3 that could be just as good as the Celtics with Wade/Marion/Brand.

[Pogue Mahone]

As a few have already noted, Marion was good before Nash/D'Antoni.

Since D'Antoni has arrived, the pace has quickened. Many of the counting stats are going to appear greater than they actually are. Instead, you get a better sense of impact by looking at the percentage of his team's totals-- be it usage, turnovers, assists, blocks, what have you-- while he was on the floor.

One thing that strikes me immediately about Marion is that he has been remarkably consistent and durable, pre and post Nash, since he has been in the league.

Defensively, I would say he is easily top-10 and perhaps maybe even top-5. While he is generally a defensive player, first and foremost, he is still top-75 as an offensive player when you soak in the entire package, imo. Couple the offense and defense together, it is arguably in favor that Marion is a top-20 player -- perhaps even top-15 in total impact. He is a super rich man's James Posey or a mini Garnett, take your pick.

I think he stays in Miami and I think this trade will come back to bite Phoenix in the ass.

[benshizzle]

I think marion is a real good player and will improve the heat.

[BBallFreak]

A couple of things.

Marion is going to play small forward for us. Whether Riley goes with a more open offense or not, his team is going to have the basis for good defense. Haslem and Marion are going to form an imposing defensive duo at forward, Banks is a decent defender at point guard, and Wade should be freed up to gamble some. Add in a lottery pick in the backcourt (Rose ), trade J-Will and Smush for a decent power player (say, Troy Murphy), and use the MLE and LLE to fill out the bench and Miami could be a playoff team again.

The Heat will not have cap space this offseason unless Marion opts out (which he won't) or Riley can find a taker willing to give expirings for Haslem and Blount. Haslem could land expirings for us, but no way in hell anyone takes both for expirings (and moving just one doesn't help).

Marion's job is going to be a suped up, rich man's James Posey. As has been mentioned, he's incredibly durable and consistent. He'll be a great second option to Wade. He's thrived with Stephon Marbury as the primary distributor. Their's no reason he can't do similarly with Wade...

[BillessuR6]

Never been a big Marion fan. I don`t like his character and that in the end was probably also the main reason he was traded. He is a very nice player to have on a team as a third option the problem is he thinks he should be the first option.

[bruno sundov]

I think wade is mj and marion has to play pippen. Of course he is pippen without the handle and passing ability.

Alright so maybe it is wade being KB24 and Marion playing Lamar Odom. I think that is more appropiatte.

[Celts17Pride]

Marion may be traded again real soon.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=7323

A little surprised by this if it happens.

[vwoodruff]

UPDATE:

Marion since trade...

14.7ppg
11rpg

Heat: 2-13

Hmmmm...

[Jimmy103]

UPDATE:

Marion since trade...

14.7ppg
11rpg

Heat: 2-13

Hmmmm...

He won't be able to sniff $17 mill next year...but will he fear a worse year next year and try for a long-term deal?

[bruno sundov]

AHAHHA. Poor shaun marion. I just feel so bad for him.AHAHAHA.

[chuckerz]

shawn marion was an allstar team in 2003, before steve nash came to phoenix. Steve nash is phoenix's system.

[thefoulness]

I hope that whiny beyatch Marion opts out and then can't get himself a decent contract. Would serve him right.

Odds are his agent tells him no team has enough cap room to sign him to a big contract and he ends up not opting out.

What a fool that guy is.

[Bleeding Green]

What do you mean, a fool? He can make 17 million dollars next year. He'll then be 31 and someone will give him a 5/60 deal or perhaps something considerably higher.

This guy might make 150 (91 after his current contract runs up) million dollars in his NBA career without ever being "the guy." That's pretty awesome stuff.

Fool? LOL.

[threrf23]

I like Marion for MIA if they decide to keep him in town. He brings a lot to the table defensively, is versatile, and has his strengths offensively. I think he's best when not relied upon for too much scoring (and I haven't heard him complain about touches), but I don't see any reason he wouldn't be able to do for MIA similar to what he did for PHX. DWade hasn't been playing for MIA, the mere fact that the Heat have been able to win a game or two while almost beating the Magic without him is a good enough statement about Marion - their two best players behind him are Ricky D and J-Will, and everyone else kinda sucks.

A healthy, Marion, D-Wade, and developing Dorrell Wright would leave MIA in a good position for the next couple years IMO.