rorky.com

Brian Shaw is more than just another name on the Suns coaching list.
When reports appeared this week that Lakers’ assistant Brian Shaw interviewed for the vacant Suns coaching position [EastValleyTribune.com and AzCentral.com], most people probably brushed it off. It was viewed as Steve Kerr just interviewing another assistant coach, but there is more to this interview than meets the eye (No Shaw isn’t a Transformer).
One of the biggest hurdles for the next head coach of the Phoenix Suns will be Shaquille O’Neal (no pun intended…OK maybe a little). Whoever is selected will have to find a way to motivate and excite Shaq so he comes to camp in shape and ready to play (ask Pat Riley, it’s not an easy job).
Shaw just so happens to be very familiar with that task. Shaw was O’Neal’s teammate on two different occasions, with the Magic and the Lakers.
Shaq respects Shaw so much that he referred to him as “his best teammate ever” and gives credit to Shaw for teaching him “how to be a leader and win championships.”
Quite the ringing endorsement from the Big Aristotle (than again, he does endorse Pepsi-Cola, Taco Bell, Burger King, Radio Shack, his own movies/rap and Vitamin Water so maybe it doesn’t carry that much weight).
The most interesting part of the entire process is that Shaw is one of the few candidates that interviewed before it was reported that he was a candidate. Once it was reported it was not confirmed by the Suns for a few days.
Why the sudden secrecy in their search? Was it just a fluke? Were the Suns just busy with NBA Draft camp? I’m guessing not seeing as Steve Kerr took time to answer fans questions on his blog while Vinny Del Negro and David Griffin both answered Suns.com’s questions? Or better yet, is Shaw the Suns’ main candidate and they are waiting for the Lakers to finish their playoff run (hopefully Boston or Detroit can finish it for them).

azsportshub.com