When looking back at Steve Nash's surefire Hall of Fame career, it will become apparent that both his biggest curse and blessing were all rolled up in a pair of explosive, surgically reconstructed knees.

Nash and Shaq will share the brunt of the blame when it comes to explaining Tony Parker's career night. Both former MVP's will be, no doubt, derided for their inability to play pick and roll defense. The calls for Shawn Marion will even pop up again.

But when you look at the trade that changed the Suns chemistry midseason, it was a move that had to be done. The Suns, as constructed to start the season, were not going to win in the playoffs. They had several unsuccessful opportunities to dethrone the Spurs and now only face a tougher west.

Now that the Suns stand on the brink of elimination thanks to their horrid pick and roll defense, everyone will pile on the Shaq trade for ruining their team. But before looking at the Suns veteran leaders, try pointing a finger at Amare Stoudamire.

For his part Shaq has done everything the Suns have asket him to, namely eliminating Duncan as a post option. It was never fair to expect Shaq and Nash to competently defend the pick and roll. If the Suns were going to take the next step it was going to have to fall on the wildly talented, but vastly overrated shoulders of Stoudamire.

As much a liability as Nash is on the defensive end, Stoudamire has been 10 times worse. After seasons of failed defensie rotations, failed positioning, and failure to improve, it's become obvious that Stoudamire is merely a one-dimensional player.

It was his inability to improve in the slightest that neccessitated the Marion trade. Any team with a decent big--of which there are many now in the West--would be able to match up the Suns. Worse, the physical capabilities are there to dominate on the defensive end.

Ask yourself how teh Suns can't exploit a Barry, Oberto pick and roll setup like the Spurs can any pick and roll defenders the Suns have. Shaq, at the very least, can guard Duncan in the post. He can rebound.

Nash is an accomplished charge taker, and not as bad a liability as you'd think. Stoudamire has proven so inept on defense that the Suns have brought everyone and the kitchen sink around him to hide his deficencies and keep him out of foul trouble. Eventually the onus will have to fall on him.

There's a reason the Suns tried to trade him for Garnett in the offseason.