What if Shaq was just as tall as Kobe is, I don't even care if he still has all his muscle that he's soo proud of because you know, he's the MOST DOMINANT player in the world... And if he still played the same way that he's always played; weak post up, no finess, can't shoot FTs, etc... You think all you Shaq lovers would still praise his name??? Honestly now.....
im not a shaq fan at all, but if shaq was kobe's height, he would practice more on shooting and free throws and ect. it's just like saying, if kobe was shaq's height, he would have no low post moves, and would be too weak to defend.
I don't know about that, because we all know that when it comes to shooting; Shaq has a weakness on that, he's not a perimiter shooter because he has that wrist problem. Not only that--it's proven by his FT percentage... Also, we all can agree that Kobe has WAY better post up game now; he's more athletic and agile... I would imagine that if Kobe was a bigman; his game would probably be compared to Olajawon; Shaq should know who that guy was... All Shaq has is strength and height, why else is miami trying to load up with offensive players... He is already showing that he can't put up the numbers that he used to in the past.... Plus, he shouldn't have to be Kobe's size to justify practicing how to shoot.. He should be working on that now; making free throws, and developing a jump shot--consistantly...
I think Shaq broke his wrist or arm when he was younger, and the way it healed prevents him from having a text book jumpshot. His wrist mobility is really limited. Also I think for Shaq it's more mental than anything else when he shoots his FTs. In practice he used to be automatic, but in games he's always struggled.
Well, I guess he needs to get over that mental gap... It's mental "period", for players to make those free throws, regardless if they had previous injuries that would hinder a perfect jump shot. But it still doesn't change the fact that his numbers are much lower than ever in his career. And till this day I don't see him trying to correct that flaw in his game... I saw it once in his career when got a coach to help him with his free throws, and that was when he won his first championship; I think, or maybe it was his second one...
That's pretty unfair question to ask, because of his height and strength, Shaq became who he is right now, arguably the most dominating player in the league. You can't just ask what he would become if he suddenly loses 6 inches and say he lacks skills for guards so he would fail miserabley. If Kobe were 5'6" instead of 6'6", he also wouldn't get the praise he is receiving now either, because he probably would have become a doctor or a lawyer instead of basketball player...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Kwan1031:</div><div class="quote_post">That's pretty unfair question to ask, because of his height and strength, Shaq became who he is right now, arguably the most dominating player in the league. You can't just ask what he would become if he suddenly loses 6 inches and say he lacks skills for guards so he would fail miserabley. If Kobe were 5'6" instead of 6'6", he also wouldn't get the praise he is receiving now either, because he probably would have become a doctor or a lawyer instead of basketball player...</div> I asked that because people keep compairing his skill level to everybody else in the league... He's dominating because he's bigger than everybody else; not because he's faster, or because he can burn you off the dribble, or because he's got a turn-around jumper/fade away that would make it in the basket 50% of the time... All he can say is that he's dominating, that he's got bigger muscles than any average sized player... I could've asked, what if everybody was the same size as he was--7'2" & 370lbs--you think he would have his way in the paint all the time? I doubt it....
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting m1c4ae1_su160:</div><div class="quote_post">I asked that because people keep compairing his skill level to everybody else in the league... He's dominating because he's bigger than everybody else; not because he's faster, or because he can burn you off the dribble, or because he's got a turn-around jumper/fade away that would make it in the basket 50% of the time... All he can say is that he's dominating, that he's got bigger muscles than any average sized player... I could've asked, what if everybody was the same size as he was--7'2" & 370lbs--you think he would have his way in the paint all the time? I doubt it.... </div> yes he would, what makes shaq so good is his finess and skill level, if all the other players were 300 pounds they'd all be slow as hell like greg ostertag, shaq would manhandle them... just another bitter laker fan. bet u loooved shaq when he was still on your team.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting m1c4ae1_su160:</div><div class="quote_post">I asked that because people keep compairing his skill level to everybody else in the league... He's dominating because he's bigger than everybody else; not because he's faster, or because he can burn you off the dribble, or because he's got a turn-around jumper/fade away that would make it in the basket 50% of the time... All he can say is that he's dominating, that he's got bigger muscles than any average sized player... I could've asked, what if everybody was the same size as he was--7'2" & 370lbs--you think he would have his way in the paint all the time? I doubt it.... </div> So how come Robert Traylor hasn't dominated in the league? How about the great Oliver Miller? They are big, so they must be dominate! Bitter Laker fan.
this is just basically like saying if ben wallace was 6 foot he would be a bad basketball player because he's bad at shooting.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting phiLA:</div><div class="quote_post">this is just basically like saying if ben wallace was 6 foot he would be a bad basketball player because he's bad at shooting.</div> Actually Ben Wallace's offense has gotten better these past two years... All I'm saying is that the majority of NBA players that are out there now aren't even close to Shaq's size and strength. So it's like anyone of us going to a middle school trying to do some pick-up games and dominate the hell out of everyone and saying you're the best player out on the court...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Lamont:</div><div class="quote_post">yes he would, what makes shaq so good is his finess and skill level, if all the other players were 300 pounds they'd all be slow as hell like greg ostertag, shaq would manhandle them... just another bitter laker fan. bet u loooved shaq when he was still on your team.</div> What finess???? Him dunking on people???? I didn't love him the last couple of years; because all he did was bitch a complain about money, and never wanted to work on getting into better shape... Plus Shaq was almost 300 pounds a while ago, and look how he played then; slow and got out rebounded...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting m1c4ae1_su160:</div><div class="quote_post">What finess???? Him dunking on people???? I didn't love him the last couple of years; because all he did was bitch a complain about money, and never wanted to work on getting into better shape... </div> where do i start; first of all the fact that shaq can dunk at will is a testament to how good his post moves are. every center would want to dunk the ball evrytime they got if they could, why? because its the highest percentage shot. but they can't because they lack the moves. guys like manute bol could dunk without jumping, but he hardly ever dunked because he could never get himself to the basket. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Plus Shaq was almost 300 pounds a while ago, and look how he played then; slow and got out rebounded...</div> no idea what ur talking about shaq was never below 300 pounds, and averaging 12 boards is getting out rebounded...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Lamont:</div><div class="quote_post">where do i start; first of all the fact that shaq can dunk at will is a testament to how good his post moves are. every center would want to dunk the ball evrytime they got if they could, why? because its the highest percentage shot. but they can't because they lack the moves. guys like manute bol could dunk without jumping, but he hardly ever dunked because he could never get himself to the basket. no idea what ur talking about shaq was never below 300 pounds, and averaging 12 boards is getting out rebounded...</div> You're right I F'd up he was actually almost 400 lbs at 370... And he got out rebounded in the Finals against the Pistons...
I personally don't think he would be in the NBA if he was the same height as Kobe. All of his strengths come at the center position. If he were to play any other position he would not be as good. Well maybe PF but he would be a lot shorter then most others. He doesn't have the skills to play sf or any guard for sure. He is a terrible shooter. Please don't give me the fg% stuff because 99% of that comes from dunks and shots within 3 feet. Just look at the ft% and you will know what I mean. 15 feet from the basket with nobody guarding you and can only manage to make half of them. I think Rick Barry said it best years ago. If you can't make 80% of your freethrows then you shouldn't be in the NBA.
I loved Shaq in LA and appriciate what he did for our team, but to say he moves with Finesse had me laughing. Hakeem moved with Finesse and would take Shaq anyday in the post. Shaq would probrably bully him physically, but not with any footwork. The Dream is the greatest.
mentalman & trenchteam; thank you!!!!!!! It's nice to see that some people can see what it is I'm trying to point out....
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting m1c4ae1_su160:</div><div class="quote_post">mentalman & trenchteam; thank you!!!!!!! It's nice to see that some people can see what it is I'm trying to point out....</div> What are you trying to point out exactly? You just brought up a ridiculous thought and trying to get some Shaq bashing going around.
