Shaq Now, Cry Later
By now you have probably read about the proposed, but not-yet-finalized trade that will send Shaquille O’Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the partially guaranteed contract of Sasha Pavlovic, the possibly soon-to-be retired Ben Wallace, the Suns 46th pick in the draft and $500,000.
You’ve probably also read an impressive amount of hyperbole about what the Cavs can now accomplish both offensively and defensively with a bonafide center who averaged 17 points and eight rebounds last year for the Suns. Shaq, who will be motivated to push his title count to five, now that Kobe has caught up to him, will combine with reigning MVP LeBron James, to win the NBA title that Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic denied them this year.
This particular Hoops Addict writer is here to tell you its not going to happen and I will tell you why.
First off, O’Neal played in 74 games this year, and he started in 73. Both totals represented his highest since the ’04-’05 season when he played and started in 73 games, and he was 31 years old. O’Neal never missed an opportunity this season to tell any and everyone, that his prolonged health was in direct correlation to the wonderful trainers and staff of the Phoenix Suns. Now that O’Neal has left them behind, will his healthy days follow suit? That’s a huge question mark.
Secondly, anyone who watched the Magic/Cavs series could point out that Dwight Howard was not the reason the Cavs lost. Yes, Howard had an amazing Game 6, but the majority of the damage done by the Magic was by Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu, who are primarily perimeter players. Aside from LeBron James, no one on the Cavs roster could guard them in the post, outside the three-point line, or in the mid range region, and this led to their downfall.
If you’re the Cavs, why not add a taller, athletic perimeter player who can guard shooting guards and small forwards of all sizes, especially since you’re in a conference with Turkoglu, Lewis, Paul Pierce, Caron Butler, Josh Smith, etc. Sure, James can hold his own on defense, but he needs help out there on the perimeter defensively, and O’Neal simply doesn’t offer that type of assistance.
The third major reason this trade is average has to do with the long term. It is no secret that James is a free agent at the end of next season, and although he has yet to come out and say it, I’m sure his decision will be swayed by the moves the Cavaliers do or do not make for the long term. Trading for a 37-year-old center whose personality is bigger than his game at this point, reaks of the win now mentality that a veteran team like the Celtics or Spurs should have. Not a team with a 24 year old superstar who has yet to hit his prime. Why not go after a perimeter player in his prime like Richard Jefferson or Vince Carter? Why not try to move up in the NBA draft to select a player with top 10 talent? Why not go after a player like Charlie Villanueva who is also young and versatile? These moves say, we are serious about winning now and later. Shaq’s arrival doesn’t have that versatility.
Of course I could be totally wrong, and the Cavs could roll through both the Eastern and Western Conferences en route to a 2010 NBA title. It just isn’t adding up that way so far.
6 Comments on “Shaq Now, Cry Later”.
Have Your Say:
Couldn’t agree with you more Rashad. How will Coach Brown split time between Shaq and Big Z, since there is no way they can be on the court at the same time or risk having one of the slowest line-ups in the league. Plus the Cavs now do not have any appealing expiring deals to move at the deadline to try and pick up what they actually need…an athletic wing scorer/defender. Their only movable piece at that point will be Shaq himself based on the cap space he can offer other teams. I just don’t get it. This is a lateral move at best…they are still no better equipped to deal with Boston. Great analysis my friend.
June 25, 2009 » 1:09 PM »
[...] with no 1st-rounder Bleacher Report Shaq’s Six Degrees Of Seperation HoopsAddict Shaq Now, Cry Later Bet Us NBA Rundown – The Boston Celtics are Falling Apart National Post USA basketball [...]
June 26, 2009 » 2:41 PM »
Shaq is the most garbage player ever. his mouth is even more terrible. until he recognizes skill and greatness he will always remain that dude that wished he was like kobe. SHUT YOUR MOUTH SHAQ. you look like a fool. Lerbron,…… grow up punk or go home and cry by yourself. your not no mvp bro. aka KOBE IS THE BEST. crying is for the wnba kid or go play golf.
July 1, 2009 » 9:32 PM »
Great post except for one comment – Vince Carter a perimeter player in his prime?
July 2, 2009 » 11:50 PM »
Kobe and Laker fans, learn to be real about Shaq. I know it took 7 log years to win 1 without him and I know he won another in just 2 years with Miami, but tell the truth about his ability. Shaq is still 1 of the top 3 centers in the league(2 now that Yao is out). Don’t question Shaq’s health(he wasn’t hurt last season) without questioning Bynum , KG’s health, or any other player who was injured last season.
Second, Against Orlando they had to double Howard and he kicked the ball out to open shooters. Now, no more double teams and everybody can stay with their man. the league is still afraid of Shaq on both ends of the court. Shaq puts all coaches in a hard spot, who to double and who not to double team!
Third, Cleveland has to win now, its the only hope of keeping Lebron. If they don’t win now he will be gone, plus when Lebron is off the court Shaq can run the offense. Carter, Jefferson, and the others named have never been part of a championship team and they don’t command the same respect from the league and refs that Shaq brings to a team!!!
Finally, Shaq and Lebron will be as good as Magic and Kareem. Lebron will not take as many hard fouls as he has had to take, because he now has a big brothers that scares Kobe, KG,Nash,Howard, and the rest of the league!!! Remember that can of kick butt Shaq opened up on the LAL’s, Well this time he’s bringing a friend!
All NBA, All Star MVP, and led the league in shooting percentage, a mind is a terrible thing to waste if you say he will not help Cleveland.
July 8, 2009 » 1:57 PM »
Step,
Bynum’s team has a title, as does KG’s team, so their health to be quite honest isn’t a concern. And like I said, Shaq himself praised the Suns’ staff for keeping him healthy last season, so him leaving that comfort zone is a point worth mentioning.
And the Cavs didn’t lose to Orlando because of Dwight Howard, they lost because they could not defend the pick and roll, which speaks to the lack of perimeter defenders. Shaq can’t help that
And are you really comparing Shaq and LeBron to Magic and Kareem?
July 11, 2009 » 9:25 PM »