I like to think of the Shaq trade as a package deal, consisting of the expected presence and the unexpected presents. Many Cleveland Cavalier fans questioned the wisdom of the trade. Actually, it wasn't really a trade. It was more like a gift. Regardless of what you call it, at this point in time, it looks like an absolute stroke of genius. Shaquille O'Neal has clicked seamlessly into the Cavs' starting lineup. He has provided the dominating physical presence that we have needed so badly. He anchors our entire defensive scheme, in that we seldom -- if ever --need to double team the opposing team's center. He provides a third scoring option behind LeBron James and Mo Williams. Shaq is 7-foot-1 and 330+ pounds. That is a lot of presence. But, in addition to the obvious benefits of his physical presence, there are some surprising and valuable intangibles: role model, steadying influence, media spokesperson, teacher and (in my opinion, the most important) -- MENTOR. These are what I refer to as the unexpected presents. We almost made the deal to acquire Shaquille O'Neal in the middle of last season. In retrospect, we probably shouldd have finalized that deal. With Shaq to help keep Dwight Howard under control, the outcome of the Eastern Conference Finals may have been different. I am sure that there were many discussions during the off season about what Shaq would bring to the table as a Cavalier. And, I would expect that the role of "Mentor" was mentioned to LeBron. This may have been partially the reasoning behind LeBron's decision to "Mentor" J.J. Hickson during the off-season. That decision is starting to show some serious benefits. "Mentor" -- an experienced counselor and teacher, here to advise the less experienced, to teach, and to serve as an example. Shaq will mentor our young "Bigs" and teach all of the Cavs "HOW" to win an NBA Championship Ring. The impact of Mentors throughout history can not be denied: Mozart was mentored by Johann Christian Bach Anthony Hopkins by Sir Laurece Olivier Jack Nicholson by Martin Landau Luke Skywalker by Obi - wan Kenobi In the world of sports, there are several great examples: Lance Armstong was mentored by Eddy Merckx Kobe Bryant by Shaquille O'Neal Dwyane Wade by Shaquille O'Neal You get where I am going with this. Eddy Merckx won the Tour de France five times, mentored Lance, and Lance Armstrong now has seven Tour victories. Shaq's "Mentoring" skills are well known. He took Dwayne Wade and Kobe Bryant under his careful "Watch." Both of them accepted their roles as stars and as "apprentices." Shaq and D-Wade got their Ring. Shaq and Kobe got three. LeBron James may well be the best basketball player on the planet, but he has yet to conquer the world -- or win a Ring. Alexander the Great did conquer the world, but not before he was "mentored" by Aristotle. Last year the Cleveland Cavaliers had an excellent team surrounding the incomparable LeBron James. But it wasn't enough. There was something missing. The missing ingredient may have been a very rare skill-set: Knowledge of "How" to win an NBA Championship. Shaquille O'Neal -- the MENTOR -- is now teaching LeBron, Andy Varejo, J.J. Hickson and the rest of the Cavaliers the skills and mind-set needed to win an NBA title. Presence and Presents -- What a deal ! Support Shaquille O'Neal in his determination to help lead LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to our 1st NBA Championship. Join Shaq's "Watch" to show your support for Shaq and for the Cavs. www.CavFanatic.com/shaqswatch

Innovative, Winning Offensive Formula:

Have Scorers Drive Hard to the Basket

Finish and Score if Possible and, if Not,

Kick it Outside to a Shooter.

Results:

Delonte to the Basket -- He Scores, and He's Fouled

LeBron Hammers it down with the Right Hand

Mo Williams lays it Up and In

LeBron Dishes to Shaq -- He Scores

Varajo Muscles it In -- and He's Fouled

Alley Oop to Moon -- WOW

Parker from the Corner -- Got It

THIS  GAME  IS  EASY

Boobie with a 3-Ball -- Got It

Boobie with a 3-Ball -- Got It

Boobie with a 3-Ball -- Got It