I think it helps our team to have that type of caliber player on any team. He demands a serious presence both offensively and defensively. That helps us as a unit. That's what we're banking on.

I think Shaq is what we needed. It's going to be fun. It's definitely going to be fun. I think it is great for a career. I've been so blesses to play with so many great veteran players. From Penny Hardaway to Steve Nash, to Kurt Thomas, to Jimmy Jackson, to Scott Williams. I've been blessed to play with some great veteran leaders. This just adds on to my blessing.

(On whether he envisioned himself playing with Shaq or against him growing up): Against him. I always wanted to dunk on Shaq. That was always my thing growing up because he was such a big guy. Now we are going to dunk on guys together.

(On whether he's going to try to dunk on him at practice): No. Not at all.

(On what impressed him about Shaq when he guarded him): When I played against him, his size and quickness. You knew what he was trying to do but in terms of trying to slow him down there wasn't too much you could do. Maybe you could try to draw an offensive charge once and a while, but inside he is probably the most dominant player I ever played against.

I talked to him a little yesterday. He called me and I was kind of shocked at the speed of how fast everything happens. He just wanted to call and inquire and see how things were. He's somebody I have known for a long time; since high school. I think there's a mutual respect. Hopefully we can get a little closer and we can get a little closer as a team so we can do want we want to do.

(On whether or not this was a response to playing against the West's big men): I don't really get caught up or focused on with what other teams are doing. I think it was a chance to try to improve us. The sweet part of it is that we have a Hall of Famer that I believe still has something left in the tank and he is hungry to show people that.

(On Shaq in Miami): He was losing and the writing was kind of on the wall. I think this will rejuvenate him. He's excited and we're excited. It was hard to sleep last night with all of the excitement and no knowing. The one constant is change and that is one thing we've all learned being around this league. I mean whoever would've thought I would have the chance to play with two MVPs. Steve Nash, Shaquille O'Neal and soon to be a third in Amaré Stoudemire. So I'm looking to get him here, get him situated here and out on the court.

He's such a big guy and it's tough to go into the lane when you have a really big guy waiting for you. He's good at blocking shots and he can really rebound. I think it will be really great for me, for the team and we are very excited to have him.