SOURCE: Las Vegas Review-Journal

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"I understand the Suns' rationale for disposing of Marion, soon to be a free agent," Kruger said.

"But to get Shaq, with so many miles on him and in direct conflict to your offensive style, initially didn't make sense to me."

"One thing that will be hard to measure is Shaq's leadership and experience. The pace of the game slows down in the playoffs, and perhaps that is where the trade will have its most value. The Suns weren't going to win the West before the trade, so why not take a roll of the dice and see what happens?"

Kruger said he does not expect to see Boston's Kevin Garnett or Cleveland's LeBron James in the NBA Finals.

"In my mind, you have three teams with the potential to win the Eastern Conference title -- Boston, Cleveland and Detroit," Kruger said.

"The Pistons' style is well-fitted for the playoffs, and I expect them to represent the East against the Lakers in the Finals."

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