The comparisons of Shaq to Kareem Abdul Jabbar are stunningly ignorant, seriously misguided and complete nonsense to anyone who ever watched these two great bigs play in their primes. The only similarities Shaq and Kareem truly have are that they played the same position, are 7 footers and both played for the Lakers.
Now let’s get serious folks, Shaq’s offensive skills have always been 'limited' at best. I have alluded to this fact many times and it just seems that sometimes people are watching a totally different game than I am. Even when Shaq was a Laker (or in Orlando), it was excruciating watching him miss chippies, then bowl a guy over for the rebound and dunk on a fool! Now all that did throughout Shaq’s career, is cover up the fact that he is a TERRIBLE “basketball” player. He is huge, but if a man cannot even attempt an elbow jump shot, than what type of player is he? David Robinson lived off of the free throw line jumper and elbow jumper the last few years of his career. P. Ewing, much more of an expanded game. The Dream?!!!!! Do I even have to go there? Alonzo, could spot up, Big Z in Cleveland is more skilled than Shaq. And the greatest of all time, Kareem, with the skyhook, the grace, the face up game, the little set-shots/jumpers and the skill. While true Kareem was not leading the break, Kareem also had a much more versatile game that did not rely on dunks and running people over.
It was truly sad to see Gasol beat Shaq down the floor at least twice in the deciding moments of Phoenix’s game last week versus the Lakers. Again on Sunday, Shaq’s inability, or lack of desire to get back on defense cost the Suns dearly. And since when did Shaq become a defensive force. He has never been the league leader in blocks or rebounds and this is in an era he dominated? I am shocked that Steve Kerr was this misguided in acquiring an over the hill center whose best shot is a DUNK. The free throws and (the opponents) constant fouling of Shaq will not only slow the Suns and their overall games down, but will slowly demoralize the team. And this is a team that does not have a player with the will of a Kobe or a Dwayne Wade. Does anyone understand, no matter how “cool” Shaq is and funny he is that he is almost Kwame Brown like with his bricks from two feet away and the missed free throws. Playing with a guy like that who then calls out teammates for missing 3 pointers is ludicrous and that is why Kobe tired of Shaq’s antics.
When Shaq was young as I alluded to earlier, he could brick some chippies, get up quick and dunk the rebound before he got fouled. Now, if he does get his own rebound, he is fouled many more times before he can get back up to put it through. The refs have also gotten the point where they have to call Shaq for the offensive fouls he has so richly deserved most of his career. If you saw the one highlight of Shaq’s hook shot over Gasol, in that you see how he should play, but cannot consistently because of his limited range. He went straight up and shot it, no leaning in, no elbow to Gasol’s chest, just a straight up jump hook (and it was ugly).
So in conclusion, I love Shaq the person overall (but please quit calling out teammates for missing jump shots which you will not even attempt and saying ignorant things like throwing all of your other ex-teammates under the bus-I thought D-Wade was the greatest?), I’ve personally hated his overall game for years, but enjoy it when he was dunking for the Lakers, but it is most excruciating when he is on the foul line (have fun with that Phoenix fan). Another note, Pau Gasol practiced once for the Lakers and scored over 20 in his debut. No more excuses for the Big Shactus. Results. And what I see now, isn’t pretty.
How is Joey Crawford refereeing in the NBA playoffs, let alone in the NBA period? I will go out on a limb, and say it is IMPOSSIBLE for Kobe, while being guarded by Bruce (Edward Scissorhands) Bowen to not shoot one free-throw an entire game! Along with the blatant no call on the travel of Duncan toward the end of the first half, to the FOUL on THE FLOOR by Derek Fisher at the end of the game, I guess it all evens out? He (and many other officials) but Crawford most au####iously, makes blatant non calls and seemingly make-up calls during the course of the game. Laker Fan is obviously happy because of the blatant home cooking that was overcome tonight and which also seemed evident in the Utah Jazz series- at least in one game (but not as bad as tonight) much like the hacking and hand checking by the Spurs.
Oberto is terrible, Horry looks way worse than his last days in L.A, Ginobli is a every third or fourth game guy (I mean those 30+ pt games at least...), UM MEMO TO SKIP BAYLESS!!!!!! But with all that said, the Spurs can play at times, and sometimes play very well, but closely watched, they hand check and foul constantly and whine and complain consistently, when they don't get defensive fouls called in their favor, and this is made more annoying many times by the fact they should all be basically fouling out in half of the games...especially our boy Bowen!
The Sun's come up big against the Spurs, the match-ups look good because Shaq still seems to have the advantage on Duncan...he always has. Shaq, Amare, Diaw, a pretty formidable 3,4 and 5! Steve Kerr might have the right idea to beat the Spurs this post-season. We'll still see how it plays out because the other teams are so good. I also see where this might be the ONE game Shaq steps up out of four or five, kind of like the ONE good game vs. the Pistons during the Finals in 2004. But at this point, I am happy to say, that the reports of the Suns demise are premature...at least for today...you have got to stay tuned for this run to the playoffs!
Ok, maybe Shaq should just practice and wait for the playoffs. Make it a total surprise when he starts to play…or maybe, he could come off of the bench? I don’t know, but a “cake walk” game tonight actually was a debacle. The final score is not indicative of the game and how the Sixers had control throughout the first half for the most part, lost it toward the end, regained it in the third, and then actually had the Suns down by twelve with 2+ minutes to go. The refs made some interesting calls down the stretch ultimately on both sides that were suspect, but overall, I am not too sure of what to make of this defeat at home for the Suns. The 76ers played last night and lost, and the Suns did not play…
The most interesting thought of the night came from Eddie Johnson unwittingly; he said that Grant Hill told him basically, that he would be able to get more fast break points NOW because Marion used to beat him down the floor...Think about it and what the Suns look like at this point. You can hear it in the voices of the Suns announcers and sideline folk. I hear the sounds of concern…
Sadly, and maybe quite happily, we just might have more Steve Kerr, “Steve Wonders” segments back on TNT next year, and as it may be his regular gig again, in his first installment, I’m pretty sure he’ll be wondering, “why didn’t I turn Marion and Banks into Big Ben, Szczerbiak, and Delonte West with a side of Joe Smith…”
Last night, the Suns actually struggled until the last 3 minutes or so against the Mike Miller-less Memphis Grizzles. At the end of the third, while Shaq had his –meager- double-double, Darko Milicic had 15 and 7. Darko!!!!, Outscored Shaq and the Grizzles just didn’t have enough down the stretch without Miller but DAM!
The Lakers meanwhile got down 27 to 12 against the Trailblazers minus the stellar Brandon Roy, and then overtook and overwhelmed the shorthanded Blazers. (Note: if you didn’t know, the Lakers are minus Radmonovic and Ariza…and oh and that Bynum guy) …
Now tonight as the Suns and Shaq put the finishing cosmetic touches on this game in another double digit loss, this time to the Hornets, to me it is obvious, the Suns have made a mistake.
Seriously, how much do the playoffs really slow down now days? While the Spurs do end up with low scoring games, they still have quick passers and sharpshooters. They also hack, flop, and cajole their way around sometimes as well…hmmmm, that sounds su####iously like the Suns But going back to my main point, how can Shaq possibly help the Suns FOR REAL in the playoffs? By lowering their free throw percentage? By hacking the other team, getting hacked, and ultimately slowing the game down so much for the Suns that their largely flawed group of extras get totally exposed? He’s too big to flop a lot, his hacking is thunderous and usually obvious, and when he does flop, he almost takes his own teammates as well as the other team. Let’s ask Dallas how much Dampier helped against a team like the Warriors as well...
I am not sure how I feel about seeing Shaq actually literally look like a CACTUS during the game, but his true impact is inflated when you talk on a consistent basis because the negatives of Shaq’s game are overtaking the positives.
The Hornets and Chris Paul may get a little kick out of this game and get it rolling again…
With Yao down, -and in now the saddest BIG MAN GOING DOWN story of the year since Zo went down with the patella tendon tear along with Bynum's knee injury-, Houston can survive, and play quicker, and might actually be better at it at times.
To finish, the obvious will not be stated as the West is Wild…okay sorry…
The comparisons of Shaq to Kareem Abdul Jabbar are stunningly ignorant, seriously misguided and complete nonsense to anyone who ever watched these two great bigs play in their primes. The only similarities Shaq and Kareem truly have are that they played the same position, are 7 footers and both played for the Lakers.
Now let’s get serious folks, Shaq’s offensive skills have always been 'limited' at best. I have alluded to this fact many times and it just seems that sometimes people are watching a totally different game than I am. Even when Shaq was a Laker (or in Orlando), it was excruciating watching him miss chippies, then bowl a guy over for the rebound and dunk on a fool! Now all that did throughout Shaq’s career, is cover up the fact that he is a TERRIBLE “basketball” player. He is huge, but if a man cannot even attempt an elbow jump shot, than what type of player is he? David Robinson lived off of the free throw line jumper and elbow jumper the last few years of his career. P. Ewing, much more of an expanded game. The Dream?!!!!! Do I even have to go there? Alonzo, could spot up, Big Z in Cleveland is more skilled than Shaq. And the greatest of all time, Kareem, with the skyhook, the grace, the face up game, the little set-shots/jumpers and the skill. While true Kareem was not leading the break, Kareem also had a much more versatile game that did not rely on dunks and running people over.
It was truly sad to see Gasol beat Shaq down the floor at least twice in the deciding moments of Phoenix’s game last week versus the Lakers. Again on Sunday, Shaq’s inability, or lack of desire to get back on defense cost the Suns dearly. And since when did Shaq become a defensive force. He has never been the league leader in blocks or rebounds and this is in an era he dominated? I am shocked that Steve Kerr was this misguided in acquiring an over the hill center whose best shot is a DUNK. The free throws and (the opponents) constant fouling of Shaq will not only slow the Suns and their overall games down, but will slowly demoralize the team. And this is a team that does not have a player with the will of a Kobe or a Dwayne Wade. Does anyone understand, no matter how “cool” Shaq is and funny he is that he is almost Kwame Brown like with his bricks from two feet away and the missed free throws. Playing with a guy like that who then calls out teammates for missing 3 pointers is ludicrous and that is why Kobe tired of Shaq’s antics.
When Shaq was young as I alluded to earlier, he could brick some chippies, get up quick and dunk the rebound before he got fouled. Now, if he does get his own rebound, he is fouled many more times before he can get back up to put it through. The refs have also gotten the point where they have to call Shaq for the offensive fouls he has so richly deserved most of his career. If you saw the one highlight of Shaq’s hook shot over Gasol, in that you see how he should play, but cannot consistently because of his limited range. He went straight up and shot it, no leaning in, no elbow to Gasol’s chest, just a straight up jump hook (and it was ugly).
So in conclusion, I love Shaq the person overall (but please quit calling out teammates for missing jump shots which you will not even attempt and saying ignorant things like throwing all of your other ex-teammates under the bus-I thought D-Wade was the greatest?), I’ve personally hated his overall game for years, but enjoy it when he was dunking for the Lakers, but it is most excruciating when he is on the foul line (have fun with that Phoenix fan). Another note, Pau Gasol practiced once for the Lakers and scored over 20 in his debut. No more excuses for the Big Shactus. Results. And what I see now, isn’t pretty.
I love the Heat!...And it seems many people and experts are picking them to win. But I must ask them, who did the HEAT have to beat to get to the NBA finals?Now, I love the Mavs as well, so I ask again, who did the Mavs, have to beat to reach the NBA finals?Let me run it down for you if you don’t know: the Heat beat the Bulls, a .500 team, the Nets, a team with absolute serious flaws and defective players, and the team that LOST last year to the San Antonio Spurs in the finals.Now the Mavs beat, the Memphis Grizzlies, who had a .598 winning percentage, then they beat the NBA CHAMPION SPURS, and then they took out the MVP and his cast of MIP’s and Olympians...Hmmm, I think the Heat will sweep!
They just came together, are older and slower and have a tough time guarding the perimeter.
They have a few wild players, who are definitely playing some of the best team ball of their career, but they also have absolute match-up nightmares on the defensive end.
-Did anyone see Josh Howard take down Marion, and D-up Nash?-
The HEAT beat the Pistons, who play seven guys, actually 6 and a half since McDyess was playing with one hand.People please, let’s realize the Pistons were playing inspired ball the last few years and the inspiration is gone.Whatever it is/was, fatigue, fatigue of each other, or coaches or most likely, the pressure was really finally on.I think it is hilarious, that people keep saying Detroit was the best team in the League.They were in the East, which is still overall a weaker conference than the West.Four teams with 55 or more losses, not good.Do you realize the true immense pressure on the shoulders of a Billups or Rip Hamilton.They are/were THE STANDARD in the league for success and team play this year, before this year, they were always seeking that respect….
Rasheed, Rasheed, I love you so, but you will drain us this I know.
Big Ben just finally got wore down by Shaq, it took Shaq three years mind you, and Ben hasn’t been quite as active, game by game, in this years playoffs either…
Now did anyone see the Heat-Suns games this year?
Now did anyone see the Heat-Mavs games this year?
They weren’t even close, and the score in a couple could have been much much worse… Of note as well, is the fact the first time the Heat played the Mavs the Heat had one day’s rest, and the second time, they played on two days rest…D-Wade was DNP in the first Phoenix game…
Yes, I know I know, it is the playoffs and the Heat are a different team, but Dallas has the versatility to do whatever they need and they have improved as well.They can grind you down, they can run you off the court, and they can flop with the best of them.Dirk is a lot tougher nowadays and he is 7 feet tall.He consistently grabs double figures in rebounds and will get his few blocks and shot alterations on some nights.Dirk also may not be quick on defense, but he works hard and is l o n g.
Dallas has fouls to give and will take them on Shaq.The backcourt is probably even overall.D-Wade is the Man of course, but who is he going to guard? J-Will is guarding Terry.They are both suspect at times but the edge is to Terry right now by far.Again, now who is guarding Devin Harris, and Josh Howard is getting stopped by?
Who is Antoine guarding, Posey has to be HUGE, but who now is guarding Josh Howard?...And then off the bench, STACKHOUSE, a North Carolina alum with much to prove on the BIG stage, then you get Marquis Daniels off the bench as well.Is Griffin starting or coming off the bench?I will even mention Van Horn, who is useful at times…
Now Shaq looks spry I can’t deny, but Dampier, while not even in the same hemisphere as Shaq, is only on the Mavericks because of Shaq, and has been waiting for this all year.Diop better put his mask back on and go down frequently, draw the fouls on the Big Fella and make him shoot hook shots and long finger rolls.I see a lot more pressure put on the Heat offensively than Detroit could muster, and this is going to be a much tougher series for them.
You do realize Heinrich looked like Bob Cousey in the first round…I see 7 in the future but mostly because I don’t want the season to end!Let’s wait a little before I make my definitive pick, and it might surprise you!
Notes:A guy who could make a difference is Derek Anderson, if you remember him getting body slammed a few years a go in the Playoffs, he has never been the same.But he could be big in the backcourt in the event of foul trouble or just a change up.
I know some of the names on Dallas’ roster aren’t sexy like my Man ZO, Shaq, GP, Toine, J-Will and D-Wade, but if you have been watching the last two years, Dallas is a quality team, a little reminiscent of San Antonio before we knew who Parker and Ginobili were…The Mavs do have the HOMECOURT as well...
With the force of a Bull the attack was back, in the mix in 6 it’s the man named Shaq.
With a less then dominating performance but much closer to vintage Shaq (circa 2001), the heat advance.Thwarting the sometimes brilliant play of the young Chicago Bulls, who snuck into the playoffs pretty much to begin with. Give much credit to Heinrich and the Bulls for battling so tough, but not really having the -oomph- to take out the talent laden Heat.
Give much credit to the Heat, for coming together with spirit and professionalism and not making me cry in disgust. The Bulls were overmatched up front to begin with and Posey and Payton came to play and so did the rest of the bench. Hopefully Shaq, and D. Wade got together and made sure to reign in their stampeding personalities.I also am not sure yet, if Pat Riley is really in command like he used to be in the eighties, or if he is adjusting to the new youthful attitudes on the team he encounters and that are prevalent in society.
The Heat can still win the championship, but the supporting cast must come up big on a nightly basis, and much like San Antonio, they are loaded on the bench for the task.Against New Jersey in this next series, their perimeter defense will again be tested, and Zo must get healthier to anchor and spell Shaq.They will have the advantage inside again as well, but Shaq definitely cannot be in foul trouble with J-Kidd, RJ and Vince anchoring this perimeter team.
Wow what a night and day.A loss and a win.A win and a win.Two coasts, two huge cities, and two HUGE men.In life, in basketball, in America and the world. Once, at the pinnacle of the sports world 3 straight times no less, only to fall at the mighty hand of jealousy and pride.Only if…
Only if Shaq, had realized that his game was limited.Only if he could see into the future and realize that it would not carry him far into his golden years, far into the greatest echelon of great players while maintaining a great consistent level of play and longevity in the NBA.Only if HE, with his infinite quotes and wisdom, realized that without the arsenal and array of shots of an Hakeem, Kareem, Ewing or a DavidRobinson- even a Robert Parish, that it would not allow him to play at anywhere near a “YOUNG Shaq” level near the age and skill level of these great players.Don’t get me wrong I love Shaq, but the inevitable quick decline has become apparent.Shaq can still hang on if he wishes, but the team he had last year was a much better fit for a ring.The team Pat Riley now coaches is and has actually been in disarray for the entire season.Now, without the true big game vets and a battle tested team that has played and practiced together for a long time (see ’04 Lake show and take into account the injuries for both squads all season) the HEAT are in trouble against a team that barely made the playoffs in the EAST!Now to many folks, this is a surprise, but this should be no surprise since Shaq has not been able to summon a 35+ point game from within himself at will since maybe sometime in the 2004 season against maybe the likes of a Chris Mihm. Also the moves made by the HEAT were almost Knick like in the past off season, but that is another subject.Bottom line, their chemistry has been awful all season, I’ve just seen it on the looks of their faces…
Now six minutes have passed and I am on to Kobe.Only if Kobe had not been so hard on Shaq during practices, imploring, begging, chiding and even trying to anger Shaq to be in the greatest shape possible to be at the pinnacle of performance to lead and win a championship from the first tip to end of the season.Only if Kobe could have gotten Shaq to listen, to work out even harder so he wouldn’t get little nagging strains and injuries during the season and miss practice and hurt the overall team chemistry.Only if Kobe wasn’t so intent and driven at being the ultimate and best basketball player ever, and the greatest NBA champion ever. Only if he didn’t sometimes anger his teammates but if only to make them better and to accomplish this one team and his yes, his personal overall goals.Only if sometimes this quality didn’t come across as selfish, and arrogant and ignorant.Only if so many times the individual talent and heart is so brilliant that it can overshadow the little things that make it all come together, the will, the determination, the willingness to pass (albeit many times more passes can be made) and run the triangle to perfection… Remember when…
An ally-oop to cap off a 15 point comeback in the fourth.The dagger to kill the Suns like deja-vu 2K6.The double figure outburst in O.T. to make sure Reggie had…Ha Ha deja-vu and sadly, NO rings (sorry Reg)…
If the Lakers win against the SUNS, it will be through a chemistry with the Lakers that has built throughout the season.Throughout the missed and fumbled passes by Kwame.The inexperienced and sometimes downright horrible while somewhat inspiring play of Smush.The timid and scared ( always 'good'), then sometimes brilliant, then aggressive and then finally down right consistently great play of Odom.Then the up, then down, and always effort driven play, of the every fourth night great lottery pick we forget Mihm. And lastly, who the heck else was hurt, had heart surgery or no one knew who in the world they were before the season started…or for that matter most people would consider just plain sucked, that were on the Lakers? Hmmmm…
If the Heat win against the Bulls, it will be because Tyson Chandler is hurt, and Dewayne Wade truly summons the greatness to will his team to victory.I love Gary, but he should have retired after Chauncey Torched him in ’04.The Mailman knew to hang it up.Shaq should still be able to take a little control, but the reason he is not getting the calls he used to is that THE MOVES ARE SLOWER AND IT IS MORE OBVIOUS THAT HE IS CHUCKING PEOPLE IN THE CHOPS AND BLASTING THEM IN THEIR CHESTS!I have always preached flopping against Shaq to eliminate him.Not fouling him!Rodman was the best:
-Three dunks for Shaq, six flops by Rodman, two or three legit fouls and two flop fouls and bench-time Shaq!
-priceless-
What is truly sad though, especially if you are a Laker fan, is that Shaq has finally decided to truly defer in deed and WORD to the best basketball player on his team. And when Kobe is going to take over and shine, you would still be saying, wow, what a team…
Only if, only if…
Six minutes of separation and what a beautiful day and night.Please, let’s congratulate Shaq, Kobe and their families on the birth of their healthy baby girls because we as NBA fans should love them both!
A little bit about me. Ex sports guy. Football in College. Played everything in highschool etc. Above average, and I love to study the players reactions and faces to situations. Like this for example, was Chris Webbers ill fated timeout call just a mistake by a young kid, or indicative of behaviour. I say the latter if you remember tha Sac times and he had his hands on the ball during the clutch. Watch OUT! That ball is not going in the hoop. I will say this about C-Webb, he never quit at it and got better during the end of his time in Sacto. MY NBA PASS IS ON EVERYNIGHT! I hope you love all sports because I do!
