<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Iron Shiek:</div><div class="quote_post">Yeah you're right. That's why every team in the league plays pick and roll with Shaq's man so that their point guard will get wide open jump shots (Shaq never helps on pick and rolls). Shaq has almost become a liability defensively (and offensively) when drawn away from the basket. Again, I'm taking Ratliff. You can pick whoever you'd like.</div> That's bull. To say that Ratliff has more affect defensively than Shaq. Would you rather take it in on Shaq or on Ratliff. Shaq does help on the pick and roll, but he doesn't flash all the way. If he did, they would just drop it in to his man and their would be a mismatch for GP/Fisher. Ratliff is great, but I would take Shaq and Ben Wallace of him defensively.
Iron Shiek, have you had a chance to see any Heat preseason games yet? Shaq is doing a much better job coming out and helping on pick and rolls, and helping on traps. He's focused on playing good, solid team defense this year.
Iam co-signing Iron Shiek, on taking Theo over Shaq defensively. Shaq only changes shot that come in his area; he doesnt go get anything. Ratliff moves well outside both low block areas to change & block shots. If Iam a perimeter defender trying to keep my man infront of me..I would feel much comfortable with Ratliff playing behind because I know he is quick enuff to get over to the weak side & give help when I need it. And know need to talk about how bad shaq is in the point guard pick & roll, for 3 straight playoffs Shaq help defense on Pick & Roll has manage to make 3 solid but not great pg's look like their teams best player Bibby in 2002, Hudson in 2003, & Parker in 2004. Last year after a loss to the kings Gary Payton even called Shaq out a bit for his willingness to not comeout effectively to give the proper help in Pick & roll situations. Shaq may be giving the effort in Preseason, But I want be convinced that he has improved until he giving that same type of effort 40 or 50 games into the season. And his body doesnt feel like it.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">Iron Shiek, have you had a chance to see any Heat preseason games yet? Shaq is doing a much better job coming out and helping on pick and rolls, and helping on traps. He's focused on playing good, solid team defense this year.</div> Is there any points that I've made that you won't challenge? Shaq can be the most dominant defensive player in the league if he committed himself to being a great all around defender. Shaq's problem is that he's never shown the desire to be a great defensive player. He's been able to get by just on his physical attributes. I believe that Shaq would be a better defender than Ratliff if he got himself into tip top shape and really focused on being a great defender. Relax durvasa, it's only the preseason and the top players aren't going at full speed. Like Henacy said, let's see how long he sustains this effort. Again, Ratliff is my choice b/c he will always give you a 100% effort on the defensive end.
