The self-proclaimed Last Don of the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal was officially traded to the Phoenix Suns this afternoon in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. Word had bubbled about the trade yesterday, but most people took it as a bad joke.

We’re not talking about 60 point unstoppable monster Shaq Daddy. This is, “Ow my back, my knee, my old man hip, give me a few weeks to get it together,” Shaq Daddy.

Brand spanking new president of operations Steve Kerr said, “We’re thrilled to add a player and person of Shaquille’s quality to our roster. We believe this addition strengthens our team. We thank Shawn and Marcus for their contributions to our team. Shawn in particular has been a tremendous player for this organization the past eight-and-a-half years and his impact both on and off the court in Phoenix will not be forgotten.”

Rumors of Kobe Bryant splitting from his wife have proven false thus far, but it looks as though his buddy Shaquille O’Neal is ready to split from Shaunie, his wife of five years. Rumors are she was doing some dig-dug antics with the money (piling secret stashes) - some say stealing - but is it called stealing when you’re married?

Shaq’s attorney filed a divorce petition in a Miami court on Tuesday.

In the petition he claims.. Shaunie has been “secretive about her assets . . . particularly with respect to certain properties owned or titled in either [her] name alone or in other entities.’’ He wants the court to order Shaunie to give a ‘’correct accounting of all money, funds, stocks, bonds, and other securities (including bearer securities)’’ that she came into during the marriage.”

The NBA season kicked off last night, which three years ago would mean practically nothing to me. Back then I’d watch the occasional Knick game, go to Madison Square garden when I got free tickets, and check back in around playoff time. Since discovering fantasy basketball though the NBA season has become the best time of the year.

There’s something about watching players hit threes, tack on that 10th assist or grab another rebound on the way to a 20 and 10 that makes the game more alive, especially when they’re on your “team.” Fantasy basketball makes you a damn stat fiend and in tune with what’s going on across the NBA.. not just the hometown team. You have a fantasy league going? It’s funny how many people do.

My league met up at this fancy hotel in Times Square, all rosters are on the table, beers and what not.. I mean lager :/ .. and this guy in a $1000 suit looks over. “Ah. Picking your fantasy teams. Haha. We did that already.” Yeah, but did you get Lebron James?

The Miami Heat and the Ben Wallace Bulls had the honor of tipping the first ball of the season.

Before the game business had to be taken care of, the Miami Heat have been waiting all summer to get their championship rings. Last night everyone from the bench players to the assistant to the assistant coach got a little icy. As you can see in the picture, Mourning and the Glove finally got what they’ve been playing for the past thirteen - fifteen years.