That didnt take long. lol
Phil Jackson just couldn't resist. The coach known for his digs at rivals was given a hanging curveball out over the plate when asked about Shaquille O'Neal's role with the Phoenix Suns.
"Taking the ball out of bounds and waiting for the other team to get back," he said.
Jackson, in a more serious moment, discounted the idea that Shaq was unmotivated in Miami, and consequently that a move to Phoenix would suddenly spur him to regain his former glory.
"There's diminishing returns for a guy who's 7-foot-1, 300-whatever [pounds]," said Jackson. "When you have multiple problems in your legs -- feet, knees, hips -- that's the stability that holds up the frame. It's real difficult. And I knew he'll get in better shape as the year goes on, but ... all the tall guys have back [and] stability issues that go with having to maintain their foundation."
But, Jackson added, "He certainly can be a presence to contend with down there."
Lue said O'Neal's explosiveness was gone but the rest was still there. "He was so agile and explosive. But people can't be mad at him about that [decline]" said Lue. "He's 35 years old and he's been beaten up his whole career. It catches up to you."
And as for that other big trade this week, L.A. wasn't about to let a loss deter their joy at getting Gasol. Bryant again said his prayers were answered, while forward Lamar Odom described him as, "a 7-foot 2-guard. He can shoot the ball, handles well and makes plays for others."
"He's gonna make everybody's job easier," surmised Fisher. But this is still Kobe's team. So on a night where his injury made it difficult for him to score, it's no surprise that L.A. fell a little short. The difference is that once he's healthy, he has more help than he's ever had in his post-Shaq career.
And, as Jackson hinted before the game, that may be why Shaq is now a Sun.
@ KG
