<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">MIAMI ? The Heat reached .500 in time for the All-Star break and it's 6-3 in games Shaquille O'Neal has played since the center returned from a knee injury. But while Miami has won with O'Neal, it hasn't necessarily won because of him. That raises a question: Does the Heat, which now uses a perimeter-based offense, need to revert back to a low-post, inside-out style featuring O'Neal to repeat as NBA champions? O'Neal, whose game has been inconsistent, said his ego wouldn't get in the way of sticking to what's been working. "I think we can do it with both," he said. "It still can be an inside-out offense because when they throw it in teams will have to double. So we just have to use our forces and use them wisely." Since his comeback, O'Neal is averaging a less-than-dominant 13.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 22 minutes per game. That's a big drop even from last season's career lows of 20 points, 9.2 rebounds and 30.6 minutes. On the plus side, he is shooting 56.2 percent (30-of-89) from the field, 50.0 percent (19-of-38) from the free-throw line and blocking 2.1 shots per game. He has at times looked sharp, slamming dunks and delivering behind-the-back passes. There has been enough muscle and flash to make some believe O'Neal still must be an essential part of the offense for the Heat to mount a playoff drive. "They can't win if they don't go low to Shaq," said TNT analyst and former Pacer Reggie Miller. "When they go and establish a low-post game that's going to open driving lanes for Dwyane Wade and open shots for shooters like James Posey." That's what happens when Shaq, 36, is healthy and fit. But his left knee still is sore and his conditioning is lagging. "Shaq is going to have to round into shape," Miller said. Considering his many injuries in the past year, the struggle might continue through playoff time, which makes the perimeter game look like a pretty good plan for now. "They certainly will go inside to him," Portland coach Nate McMillan said of O'Neal, "but Wade has been an option you can go to any time. That's their bread and butter right now and he has been since the playoffs last year." Of course, Wade's not a bad option. He carried the Heat to the championship, still gets to the rim as well or better than anyone and has added a consistent jump shot.</div> Source
Clearly Shaq does have to round into shape, and he will gradually. I'm not sure his performance will be up to par with his previous 2 years in Miami, however, if he can establish his dominant presence, score and be able to do those things that Reggie mention, the Heat will be in a great posistion to contend. On another note, Shaq's not 36, he's 34 going on 35.
That's pretty funny that the article messed up Shaq's age. You think the writer would look something like that up before it hit the press.
I think Shaq has made a huge impact with just his presence on the floor. Him being there gives them a big confidence boost.
Until Shaq retires, he will always have an impact on the court. I think most teams would take 13 PPG on 56% shooting in only 22 minutes from their C anyday.
