Lakers/Heat fans. (shaqtus)

[Cheesebeef]

Whoever think Shaq is not able to put up 28 points again is out of their mind, Shaq took 9 shots yesterday, scored 16 points, I believe he shot 4 FTs and made 2. If he shoots 20 shots(lets says he makes 12 of them, 60%) that is 24 points plus a few freethows since he would have to be aggressive to put up 20 attemps, 8 freethorws, 50% made, so that is 28 points... The thing is Suns never call a play for Shaq, See what happend in 2nd Quarter last night against SA, we went to Shaq, he delivered, every single time.. When playoffs come, with the rest in between games, Shaq will be better than any other center in the NBA.
Extra motivation powered by Playoffs, rest and critics still doubting, I will put money on Shaq...

hey, I love the addition of Shaq, but he just doesn't have the stamina to be out there long enough anymore to be able to defend and score 28 points in a game.

 

[cobbler]

Whoever think Shaq is not able to put up 28 points again is out of their mind, Shaq took 9 shots yesterday, scored 16 points, I believe he shot 4 FTs and made 2. If he shoots 20 shots(lets says he makes 12 of them, 60%) that is 24 points plus a few freethows since he would have to be aggressive to put up 20 attemps, 8 freethorws, 50% made, so that is 28 points... The thing is Suns never call a play for Shaq, See what happend in 2nd Quarter last night against SA, we went to Shaq, he delivered, every single time.. When playoffs come, with the rest in between games, Shaq will be better than any other center in the NBA.
Extra motivation powered by Playoffs, rest and critics still doubting, I will put money on Shaq...

28...once in awhile.... maybe. Consistantly..... dream on!

 

[LV-Suns]

And what relevence does that have on the thread topic?

just saying?

 

[SHAQFAN4EVER]

I know Shaq is not able to put up 28 every night and play defense, I just want to win a championship, and Shaq is able to do what he needs to do, to get it done, one night he might have to put up 25 and 15, one night get 16 rebounds and get 10 points. I am certain he can deliver it. There is Nash and Amare, Shaq does not need to put up monster numbers to win a championship. He acceped the fact that he is getting old, but not dead and still have left in his tank. I just want to laugh at those pundits who said Shaq is washed up after the trade happend...

 

[cobbler]

just saying?

or baiting?

 

[D-Dogg]

hmmm, I never thought of that, but that makes a lot of sense as far as how dominant Shaq used to be in the playoffs. It's what makes me believe we'll see this kind of play continued, rather than drop off, but I do think he's playing at whatever higher gear he's got left right now as well.

Shaq has historically had bad back ends of back to backs, or games in stretches where we played 4 games in 5 or 6 nights...back in his Laker days we used to count on it. But when the playoffs came around, with sure days of rest in between, we were always confident that he'd just dominate. And he did.

Dude has enormous pride. I have to admit, he came into PHX on fire...he was not going to be shown up by fans and the media. He tapped into that playoff fire to do it (it helps that the West race is like a mini-playoffs right now) but I don't expect him to ramp it up any higher. He's already shocked me with his play thus far. I truly expected you to be crying in the aisles at this point, but I also forgot to account for the pride factor.

 

[LV-Suns]

or baiting?

nope

 

[Andrew]

Being an avid and passionate fan for years, he totally has another gear for the playoffs. No question in my mind, he is always motivated and goes out there and lays it all out.

Just watch, he could possibly be the hero for the Suns this postseason.

 

[sLapzsHaQ]

Well, Shaq plays well during playoffs.. I don't know what would happen this year. But I see that he would have a very big single game somehow. Like that championship run of the heat, when he scored I dont know, 30 and 20 I guess against the bulls. That's was a big turnaround point.

 

[LavaLamp2]

I truly expected you to be crying in the aisles at this point, but I also forgot to account for the pride factor.

Please explain Donald. I don't understand why you expected this (perhaps soon after the Shaq trade).

 

[Cheesebeef]

Well, Shaq plays well during playoffs.. I don't know what would happen this year. But I see that he would have a very big single game somehow. Like that championship run of the heat, when he scored I dont know, 30 and 20 I guess against the bulls. That's was a big turnaround point.

that was two years ago. there's a big difference between ginormous big men at age 34 and age 36.

 

[D-Dogg]

Please explain Donald. I don't understand why you expected this (perhaps soon after the Shaq trade).

I didn't think Shaq would play nearly as well as he is now and I thought he'd get hurt soon. I thought 'Antoni would be too stubborn to use him effectively.

He'll definitely be a cancer next year, of that I'm sure. But right now, the big ballsy trade is paying off like gangbusters. And his pride is a big reason why...he's in playoff form right now (as close as he gets these days, at least).

 

[sLapzsHaQ]

that was two years ago. there's a big difference between ginormous big men at age 34 and age 36.

Well, who knows huh?

 

[cly2tw]

I didn't think Shaq would play nearly as well as he is now and I thought he'd get hurt soon. I thought 'Antoni would be too stubborn to use him effectively.

He'll definitely be a cancer next year, of that I'm sure. But right now, the big ballsy trade is paying off like gangbusters. And his pride is a big reason why...he's in playoff form right now (as close as he gets these days, at least).

I think he will want another 3-peat, this time with the Suns. In any way, his pride would tell him to work at least one more year to have 2 more rings on TD before his final retirement at 38.

 

[Cheesebeef]

He'll definitely be a cancer next year, of that I'm sure.

I'm sorry, but this is just a ridiculous statement. He'll "definitely" be a cancer next year? Of what kind? Demanding the ball? Being lethargic? Out of shape? Maybe out of shape, but he doesn't need to be in great shape to play 30 minutes these days and I think it's time for everyone to admit that the Suns trainers are pretty much miracle workers (Steve Nash is supposed to be dead by now, Amare's micro is a thing of the past, Grant Hill should have shattered into a million pieces, Shaq.. etc, etc) and Shaq isn't gonna loaf too much if we don't win it this year because above all, the guy's ego is huge and he's not gonna want to end his career (which is what next year is for all intents and purposes) without giving it one last shot.

honestly, you're hate of Shaq is as irrational as most Suns fans hate of Kobe. "He'll definitely be a cancer". That's just ridiculous.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Well, who knows huh?

watch video from two years ago to now. anyone who watches the game should know. he's not even close to the guy two years ago. that being said, where he's at right now is good enough for me.

 

[French Fries]

watch video from two years ago to now. anyone who watches the game should know. he's not even close to the guy two years ago. that being said, where he's at right now is good enough for me.

other than the diminished hops and less touches, he's almost the same. moves as quick, just as strong, maybe even more flexible (thanks to the med staff). if you can provide some videos to prove otherwise, please do. it would be much appreciated (really, i mean it )

 

[Cheesebeef]

other than the diminished hops and less touches, he's almost the same. moves as quick, just as strong, maybe even more flexible (thanks to the med staff). if you can provide some videos to prove otherwise, please do. it would be much appreciated (really, i mean it )

man, we're watching different players or you've got a short memory. it's not even so much his hops as his explosiveness which is SERIOUSLY diminished. When he's able to compose himself, he can still rock the rim, but he needs a lot of time to do so and he's not nearly as quick IMO. Besides that, two years on a body like his will have an effect on his stamina, hell, it would have an effect on any player. So basically, seriously diminished hops, a downgrade in quickness and lower stamina makes the difference.

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

But he's still Shaq

 

[Cheesebeef]

But he's still Shaq

believe me, if he can continue this level of play, i'll be stoked. he's been everything I hoped he could be when we traded for him. if he's got another gear, fantastic, but if he doesn't, he's still exactly what they need.

 

[French Fries]

man, we're watching different players or you've got a short memory. it's not even so much his hops as his explosiveness which is SERIOUSLY diminished. When he's able to compose himself, he can still rock the rim, but he needs a lot of time to do so and he's not nearly as quick IMO. Besides that, two years on a body like his will have an effect on his stamina, hell, it would have an effect on any player. So basically, seriously diminished hops, a downgrade in quickness and lower stamina makes the difference.

had he been using that one handed dunk he's been doing over the years he'd get about 4-8 more points. he just prefer that two handed slam that requires higher elevation, plus he can't be as aggressive as before or else he'll be called for charge, with the game moving towards the flop era and all. ima give him the benefit of the doubt and wait till next season for him to work on his confidence in his scoring (it's probably just me, but i doubt that this is the best shaq we'll see in a suns uniform)...

i don't particularly disagree with you but i'm a shaq homer so it's kinda hard to think outside the box

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

My only complaints about shaq is the the line drive on his hook shot(hits every side inside the rim before falling in), the slowness of his 2handed jam(as mentioned above) and his sub-par finishing. For as big as he is, he just doesnt seem to be able to complete the play when he gets fouled going to the rim (I think he plays with the ball at his hips too much and his arms are such an easy target when he goes for the basket.)

However, I could just be delusional since I am so used to watching STAT make everything within 6 feet of the hoop.


I do have the feeling that his extra "gear" in the playoffs will be even more aggressiveness and quickness in the paint.

 

[D-Dogg]

I'm sorry, but this is just a ridiculous statement. He'll "definitely" be a cancer next year? Of what kind? Demanding the ball? Being lethargic? Out of shape? Maybe out of shape, but he doesn't need to be in great shape to play 30 minutes these days and I think it's time for everyone to admit that the Suns trainers are pretty much miracle workers (Steve Nash is supposed to be dead by now, Amare's micro is a thing of the past, Grant Hill should have shattered into a million pieces, Shaq.. etc, etc) and Shaq isn't gonna loaf too much if we don't win it this year because above all, the guy's ego is huge and he's not gonna want to end his career (which is what next year is for all intents and purposes) without giving it one last shot.

honestly, you're hate of Shaq is as irrational as most Suns fans hate of Kobe. "He'll definitely be a cancer". That's just ridiculous.

track record cheese, track record.

I don't "hate" Shaq as much as he's a disappointment to me. Rings be damned, the guy is lazy and a problem. He leaves a path of crap everywhere he goes and we should have had more rings with him than we did. His ego is a blessing and a curse, both. I loved Shaq prior to coming to LA. I loved and hated him there. When he left, resentment at what he could have done if he cared half as much as he says he does set in, especially when he dropped a TON of weight in Miami for less money and dedicated himself...for a bit. That commitment was and is never consistent with him, despite whatever manlove Andrew will toss out in response.

He will definitely be a cancer...I have zero qualms in saying that. He's putting it all out there right now, deferring and doing what it takes. That is so damn anti-Shaq it isn't funny, he isn't going to do it for long. This is the perfect storm for the Suns to win a title. Next year, Shaq will pout, point fingers and more especially if losing sets in. The Nash window is closing as well. I just don't see it man...it's this year or bust. Thing is, you have a damn fine shot at it this year...and if the West breaks well for you, it could easily happen.

 

[Cheesebeef]

track record cheese, track record.

I don't "hate" Shaq as much as he's a disappointment to me. Rings be damned, the guy is lazy and a problem. He leaves a path of crap everywhere he goes and we should have had more rings with him than we did. His ego is a blessing and a curse, both. I loved Shaq prior to coming to LA. I loved and hated him there. When he left, resentment at what he could have done if he cared half as much as he says he does set in, especially when he dropped a TON of weight in Miami for less money and dedicated himself...for a bit. That commitment was and is never consistent with him, despite whatever manlove Andrew will toss out in response.

He will definitely be a cancer...I have zero qualms in saying that. He's putting it all out there right now, deferring and doing what it takes. That is so damn anti-Shaq it isn't funny, he isn't going to do it for long. This is the perfect storm for the Suns to win a title. Next year, Shaq will pout, point fingers and more especially if losing sets in. The Nash window is closing as well. I just don't see it man...it's this year or bust. Thing is, you have a damn fine shot at it this year...and if the West breaks well for you, it could easily happen.

yeah, that's what I thought... hate. Age, Nash, a coach who runs a country-club and won't work Shaq to death and a team of vets that actually work hard (rather than teammates who throw him under the bus to the cops, coaches who routinely quit on their team or being on a team completely surrounded by scrubs) and the fact that we probably won't win the title gives Shaq one more year for the big fella. The year after that he'll be a collosal waste of space, but thinking he can only shut his mouth for 40 games isn't "track record", it's hate. He usually wears out his welcome after years, not months D-dog. I live in LA and follow the Lakers also.

But keep on hating. After all, the Shaq trade was the "dumbest trade of all time" according to you, so I'll take you're lock that Shaq will definitely be a cancer next year any day of the week.

 

[D-Dogg]

yeah, that's what I thought... hate. Age, Nash, a coach who runs a country-club and won't work Shaq to death and a team of vets that actually work hard (rather than teammates who throw him under the bus to the cops, coaches who routinely quit on their team or being on a team completely surrounded by scrubs) and the fact that we probably won't win the title gives Shaq one more year for the big fella. The year after that he'll be a collosal waste of space, but thinking he can only shut his mouth for 40 games isn't "track record", it's hate. He usually wears out his welcome after years, not months D-dog. I live in LA and follow the Lakers also.

But keep on hating. After all, the Shaq trade was the "dumbest trade of all time" according to you, so I'll take you're lock that Shaq will definitely be a cancer next year any day of the week.

I said in the history of earth, not of all time. Stop putting lesser words in my mouth.

I also said it was a high-risk, high reward move that I thought had a 95% chance to fail. It hasn't and part of that is because playoff level Shaq has been here. If the Suns lose on that, he's going to go ogre.

Yes, usually his welcome wears out after a year...however as he ages, it gets shorter and shorter. And right now the big ol' guy is putting in as much effort as he can muster...if it doesn't work, he'll melt. A title and he'll be nice next year too, most likely. He won't do well with failure, especially if he thinks he can lay it off on someone else and my chips are with 'Antoni getting the Shaq in the Baq in a year or so. "He didn't take advantage of the skills the big Shaqtus brought, so the big dog decided not to guard the yard any more."

BTW, I'm fairly consistent on this--right after the trade:

Shaq might have "chemistry" for a year, but he's a malcontent at heart. I'm not just saying that because I'm bitter. He must be coddled, and hard. Phil knew that, and Phil sacrificed his relationship with Kobe to ensure full Shaq attention and titles. Shaq will have problems with Mike D, I can almost guarantee it. But, if he rides nice for a year and gets a title in Phoenix, then it would be worthwhile.