J-Speaks: The “Matrix” Not Reloading

Back in the 1999 NBA draft, the Phoenix Suns with the No. 9 overall pick selected a little known forward out of University of Nevada Las Vegas. In his 16-year career, the now 36-year-old forward played in a way where he was good in all facets. He could score inside and outside with the best of forwards in the league. He had an ability to rebound at a high clip and defend forwards, guards and at times centers. His all-around play helped his prior team capture a title five seasons ago and he was very sought after by his current team this off-season. Two days ago though, the man nicknamed the “Matrix” said that he would not be reloading once this NBA season is over.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Shawn Marion said to the Arizona Republic this past Wednesday afternoon that he will retire at the end of this season.

The 16-year veteran who has played for the aforementioned Suns (1999-08), Miami Heat (2008-09), Toronto Raptors (2009), Dallas Mavericks (2009-2014) and now with the Cleveland Cavaliers has made the All-Star team four times (2003, 2005-07) and a two-time All-NBA Third Team selection (2005-2006). He was a major part in the Dallas Mavericks winning their first ever NBA title in 2011 when they defeated current teammate LeBron James and the Miami Heat in six games. He was also a part of the 2004 USA Men’s Basketball team that took the Bronze Medal in the Olympics.

“I wanted to go out on my terms,” Marion, who has averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals in his career told to the Arizona Republic on Wednesday.

He also said that being away from his first child Shawn, who is eight-months old was a big part of his decision.

“He’s a 16-year veteran,” Cavs head coach David Blatt said on Wednesday.

“When Shawn decides to retire, that will not be a negative in any way. He’s a great professional. He’s played at a high level for 16 years. He’s a great guy. Whenever that day comes, he’ll have to be in the discussion for the Hall of Fame.”

That is the question. When Marion hangs them up, will he be enshrined someday in Springfield, MS?

If we go by the numbers in terms of all-time NBA ranks of 17,642 points (72^nd), 10,051 rebounds (36^th), 1,756 steals (17^th), 1,230 blocks (50^th) and 39, 878 minutes (29^th), they are very solid if not incredible for a small forward, who also has career percentages of 48.4 percent from the field and 81.1 percent from the free throw line.

On top of that, he has been very consistent in his 16-year career. This season is the only one where he has not scored in double-figures, averaging just 5.6 points per contest and represents his lowest scoring average since his rookie season.

In his nine seasons with the Suns he averaged 18.4 points on 48.1 percent from the field and 10.0 rebounds. In three of those seasons, he averaged a double-double with 17.3 points and 10.7 rebounds in 2000-01, his second season; 19.4 points and 11.3 rebounds in 2004-05 and 21.8 points and 11.8 rebounds the next season, the best of his career.

Marion was just as good in the playoffs with the Suns where in his final four seasons with the team, he averaged a double-double with 18.5 points and 11.7 boards; 17.7 points and 11.8 rebounds; 20.4 points and 11.7 rebounds and 16.9 points and 10.4 rebounds respectably.

Marion’s 2004-05 and 2005-06 playoff numbers were a major reason along with back-to-back MVP Steve Nash why the Suns used their seven seconds or less offensive philosophy to make it to the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back years, though they would fall to the eventual NBA champion San Antonio Spurs in 2005 and the Western Conference representative in The Finals in 2006 the Mavericks.

After a couple of short stints with the Heat and Raptors, Marion signed with the Mavericks, where he would play for the next five seasons. While he numbers were not the same as his time with the Suns, he was a big time contributors on four of their five playoff teams in that span.

His best season in “Big D” came five years ago when they won it all over the aforementioned Heat in six games in 2011.

Marion averaged 12.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in 80 games played. In the playoffs, he averaged 11.8 points and eight boards.

By the numbers, Marion when he retires should someday get a call to be enshrined in Springfield. While he may not be a first ballot, he should not only be considered, but should get in.

There are very few players in this league that can have an impact in multiple areas. There are a lot of guys in the Hall of Fame who could put the ball in the whole with the best of them. There are a lot of players in the Hall of Fame who can rebound and defend.

There are no players in the Hall who scored 15,000 points, grabbed 10,000 rebounds, blocked 1,000 shots and made 500 three-point field goals in their career. When the day comes that Marion gets that call, he would become the first one.

Along with the numbers, he did the one thing not a lot of players current and former, who are in the Hall right now do not have, a championship ring.

Even late into his career and while the numbers have not been spectacular for Marion this season, 5.6 points, four rebounds on a career-worst 42.3 percent from the field, he was someone that the Cavs felt they had to sign for their team this season.

“As far as a locker room guy goes and always being kind of a free spirit and having a great person around, he’s been one of the best teammates that I’ve ever had,” Cavs forward Kevin Love said earlier in the week.

“I love being around ‘Trix. I think each and every person would agree he’s had a great career and hopefully we can end it in the right way, not only for him but for everybody on this team. Obviously I mean this year, because it’s his last one.”  

If there is any player that Marion compares to, it is former Phoenix Suns’ and Los Angeles Lakers forward Cedric Ceballos. He like Ceballos had an ability to score without having a play called for him. He would get it on the offensive glass or by running the court or making sharp cuts in the half court. Marion had a more consistent perimeter game and impacted the game on the defensive end.

When this season ends, we will be saying goodbye to one of the most unique players that has ever stepped on the NBA hardwood. A player who got his numbers by just being as active as he could. A player who let his game do the talking and it spoke volumes. More than anything he was a great player that was well respected by his teammates and coaches and claimed the ultimate prize an NBA title. It hopefully will bring him to Springfield, Mass. for the true honor that any player could receive, enshrinement into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.  

Information, quotations and statistics are courtesy of Jan. 21, 2015 ESPN.com article “Marion to Retire at End of Season,” by Dave McMenamin; www.espn.go.com/nba; en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawn_Marion; www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/; en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Dallas_Mavericks_seasons#All-time_records; 1/22/15 6 p.m. edition of “The Starters” on NBATV with Trey Kerby, J.E. Skeets; Tas Melas and Leigh Ellis.