For the record, Shaq also is a nice matchup for grumpy young Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins.

So while LeBron and Shaq attempt to achieve a proper blend during the regular season, know that O'Neal could become quite a boon to the Cavs when the playoffs arrive and the pace of these games is downshifted. With the brick-flipping Howard being a non-factor in pick-and-pop situations, screen-roll defense is not quite as tricky in Shaq vs. Orlando.

Anyway, this Shaq as a Cavalier deal could work out fine for one season, which is all that was intended. Shaq wasn't brought in with one year left on his contract to audition for the role of long-term LeBron playmate. The Cavs simply are hoping O'Neal can help bring a title and make LeBron feel guilty about leaving such a swell franchise.

Meanwhile, life should be entertaining and successful in Phoenix until rebounding and defense become bigger factors. Without O'Neal anchoring (and I mean anchoring) the defense, Gentry has been able to use Frye's mobility to hedge a lot more aggressively on ball screens and arrive on time during first and second defensive rotations.

Frye's not bad at covering territory, and he's certainly better in that category than Shaq or Michael Phelps.