Yeah, that wasnt my point at all...My point is they can co-excist. Whatever Shaqs ability level is now is irrelevant, he still takes up the same area that he did in his prime years
But his skill level was much better in his prime years. Now he is still serviceable, but clogging the paint for James is an issue that has been mentioned before.
Shaq will definitely help them out. He gives them that intimidating post presence that they were lacking. However, they really need him to play defense more than anything. If defends Dwight Howard as well as Big Z and Varejao, then they really didn't make an improvement. He has to be able to play effective defense for this trade to work the way they want it to.
That just sorta sounds like a hater comment and you dont wanna admit how good this can be. There isnt gonna be any "clogging" issues. Shaq can still do all the same stuff, just not as often. Shaq and Lebron will figure it out, they are both very smart players
I think there is the potential issue of Shaq clogging the lane for LeBron. Both of them like operating in the post, which could lead to issues. You also have to realize that Shaq is going to be there every time LeBron dribble drives to the paint, which could be troublesome as well. However, this trade will definitely help someone like Mo Williams or Delonte West. I imagine both of those guys are going to be benefiting a lot off of Shaq double teams and getting plenty of open looks.
Good point. Both Boston & Orlando can single coverage Shaq which takes away his advantage in passing out of double teams. Also Shaq will have a tough time chasing Dwight Howard when he sprints down the court. Cavs still need to make another move to complete their team. Acquiring Shaq was a great first step though. As for clogging the lane. I don't think this will be an issue because the Cavs space the floor well with their shooters on the perimeter. Shaq has great hands and can finish in traffic still. Most of LeBron's paint scoring is done in transition baskets. Offensively I think Cleveland will be better with Shaq, but the big IF is how they'll be on defense. If Varejao doesn't return and they don't replace him with another scrappy defender there will be an even bigger drop off on the defensive end for the Cavs.
you don't see shaq complaining if he doesn't get the ball enough or if he doesn't get to play as many minutes as he wants because he can't hit a jump shot, isn't going to make the hustle plays, and isn't good defensively?
I don't get the Shaq will clog the lane argument. D-Wade didn't have any trouble in Miami did he? I don't suspect Lebron will either. Great trade by the Cavs.
He'll complain, but just about Mike Brown as a coach in general. He will get his minutes and touches, Lebron will make it happen for him if Shaq is ready
well okay, so some of you are saying that even though shaq has lost alot of his skill, he can still do what he's always done, but less often...well exactly, and what will he be doing the other half of the time when he is not being productive? slowing down the cavs just like he did with the suns, did you notice at all how nash's game changed, how amare's game changed, how the suns win/loss record changed, once they aquired shaq? and how they fauiled to make the playoffs? shaq will be a burden on the cavs roster, whoever says there wont be clogging of the lane, wake up, this is shaq we are talking about, it has been his one surefire way of recieving the ball, by clogging the lane with his size, but shaq has lost his ability, and that is half his game. size and ability made shaq the greatest on the court, but that ability has left and what is left standing is a really tall overweight nba center who at most will average 12-14 points a game, who's defense is suspect to faluire, who's stamina is completely lacking, whoi's attiude is worse. nash is a better passer than lebron, so shaqs numbers might even reduce without the presence of a past first player on the cavs. shaq has only been succesful when paired with a very talented 2 guard, phoenix's focus was in amare and nash, and cavs focus is lebron, a foward who scores i belive about 70 percent of his points in the paint, sorry lebron, but shaq is going to lead the defense into the lane a whole lot more than big z ever did, and that isnt going to work to well.
Ok...you guys keep arguing that adding a CURRENT top 5 center and one of if not the best in his prime C ever is not a good thing...yeah, dont mind me if I dont tag along. Its really is that simple. Yes Lebron doesnt have the outside shot like Kobe, no, it wont matter. Lebron has far better passing vision/ability than Kobe. ^And AKIRA "slowing down the cavs just like he did with the suns" ...are you aware that those teams are polar opposites when it comes to style??? Suns are fast uptempo so Shaq was an issue. Cavs, while they can run, are still an east coast style team, slow down defensive wins. PHX avg almost 10 more points a game
It is a nice upgrade for them, but Bron doesn't have far better passing ability. He just dominates the ball more since he needs to penetrate, lacks footwork in the post, doesn't have to worry about the triangle, and can not work off the ball as much with the lack of a jumper. The way they slow down their offense can work for Shaq, but he'll also be 38 years old by the time the playoffs start with one day off between games. Orlando still has them I think; close call. Carter is a better player and can play both wing positions.
As a Celtics fan I'm scared at this point, if we keep the same team we just had last season, there's no way we can beat the Cavs. (unless we sign Sheed, Barnes or a few other ones lol) Shaq + LBJ = will do a lot of damage in the playoffs...scary team.
Thats just plain wrong. Lebron>Kobe in regards to passing EASILY....and are we also forgetting that Shaq is STILL probably the best passing bigman in the game
You're saying EASILY, sorry but Iverson gets 7 assists per game it's not just about that. Bron NEEDS the ball in his hands, Mo Williams created less for himself this season and he's a point guard. For example: And I'm sure he's used more possessions for passing all year.
I can just watch Lebron and KNOW hes a better passer than Kobe...I dont need stats, especially ones that are such a small sample size. Are you really saying Kobe has just as good court vision and passing ability Lebron?!? I thought this was already a given. I just dont see how you can argue that at all...
Yet Kobe arguably was a better passer in the post-season, why should I ignore who plays off the ball better or the system they are in? You can say whatever you want but I thought you used hyperbole. Mo Williams went from being a better "passer" than Kobe to being worse in one season with Bron.
So you didnt notice that the rest of Lebrons team fell off the face of the earth and couldnt make shit??...cmon man
Mo Williams missing everything and Ariza making 50% of his 3's is NOT the norm...so there are your skewed stats
