<font size="3"> <font size="1">This is a bit premature but I feel it's already worth discussing and making preds. Although the star players will only be playing like 20 min, they will still be playing and it will be worth to see the chemistry that Shaq+Wade+Team and Yao+McGrady+Team display.</font> </font> <font size="3">Heat Preseason Opener on Sunshine Network</font> 8/10 <font color="darkorange">Heat</font> @ <font color="red">Rockets</font> DirecTV: ch. 632 Dish Network: ch. 422 Local: ch. 16 (I'm not sure on this. If you know the ch. plz post and I will edit.) <font size="3">Star Players Matchup</font> <div align="left"><font color="red">Yao Ming</font> vs <font color="darkorange">Shaquille O'Neal</font></div> <div align="left">52%-FG 19ppg v 58%-FG 21ppg <font size="1">(Shaq dominates the field in the NBA and having to shared the ball with 5 other players last season dropped his PPGs. But his ability to go 58%-FG still kept him in contention with TD,KG [who took abuot 700 more attempts than Shaq and only got 3ppg more], and the rest of the scoring leaders)</font></div> <div align="left">9rpg vs 11rpg <font size="1">(Shaq wins the rebound match and lost a step last season by 2rpg while Yao averaged 1rpg more than last season)</font></div> <div align="left">1.5apg v 2.9apg</div> <div align="left">Overall: Shaq wins the match but Yao Ming is still young and hasn't learned to use his gifts to the fullest extent like Shaq has. I expect Yao Ming to have a breakout season because he is a tough player to stop from scoring and the offense will go to him more now with Francis out.</div> <div align="left"><font color="red">Tracy McGrady</font> vs <font color="darkorange">Dwyane Wade</font></div> <div align="left">41%-FG 28ppg v 46%-FG 16ppg <font size="1">(While T-Mac had 28ppg he only shot 41% which ended up costing him points for the shots he didn't land. He also lost a step from previous seasons where he shot 45%. Since the burden of carrying a team is off of him now I expect him to go back to becoming a great shooter and improving his FG%. Dwyane Wade was probably one of the best SGs from the field last season with 46% [Kobe was 43% and also lost a step from his best seasons at 46%])</font></div> <div align="left">33%-3PT vs 30%-3PT <font size="1">(T-Mac is a better 3 shooter, but again, has lost a step from his previous season when he averaged a whopping 38%. Again, expect him to focus on perfecting his shot rather than carrying a team. Dwyane Wade didn't do bad at 30% although he took about 500 attempts less than T-Mac. Still, a 3% difference does not compensate for taking attempts away from your team and costing the team points and this is where Wade came out a winner)</font></div> <div align="left">6rpg vs 4rpg <font size="1">(T-Mac wins here but big ups to Wade who had players around him that are more capable of rebounding than he is)</font></div> <div align="left">5.5apg vs 4apg <font size="1">(T-Mac is the winner here and I expect him to improve as he can dish the rock to Ming now and rack up dimes. Wade will also be contending for dimes this season as he has the most dominant player at his side and not many people can stop Shaq from scoring)</font></div> <div align="left">Overall: T-Mac is the winner but I feel as both players will be winners this season. Both SGs have proved themselves with out the presence of a dominant center that will draw double/triple teams and leave them with wide open shots. This was also Wade's rookie year so expect him to greatly improve because he has more experience now and will have an improved jumpshot.</div> <div align="left"><font size="3">My Prediction:</font> Both teams are great and since it's preseason it will be mostly about who has the better bench and who has better teamwork. As an acknowledgment of how great both teams are I will instead go for my home team and say the Heat will win just because I'm rootin for them </div>
I'll be the first to say that Shaq didn't look like the most dominant player against Yao Ming these past few meetings. In Game 2 of the playoffs, if you remember right, Shaq was held to 7 points...and going to the line ONLY 3 times total. Only had 4 fouls, so he wasn't in foul trouble. He shot 3-9...Yao, on the other hand, had 21 points. In Game 5, Shaq was held to 12 points and shot under 50%. Ming didn't do so great himself, with only 10. Ming is catching up quickly...and he's getting tougher also. I still see Shaq winning this though, but not very easily. Plus, it's obvious that McGrady is going to dismantle Wade...so that's not even worth discussing. The real test in this game is going to be Shaq vs. Yao, and the two point guards.
Its always nice to see Yao VS Shaq games.It seems to get the best of Yao, and really shows how much potential he could have when he plays well against Shaq.Even though Yao can hold his own when it comes to playing Shaq,I still expect Shaq to out play Yao. D.Wade VS T-Mac isnt really comparable.Wade will produce but everyone should know that T-Mac will get his.Both players will have the potential to shine even though they are both considered second options. These pre-season games will give us a good idea on how the Heat will be playing in the future.A lot of teams will be looking at this teams bench and supporting cast to see how to exploit them,because containing Shaq,is probably not going to happen.And imo the Heat bench seems vulnerable.
On a biased prediction, I will go out on a limb here and say the Heat will lose. Yes, they'll lose in Miami, with Shaq having a bad game. Because of the reasons that realdealbneal stated, it seems like tradition that Shaq won't dominate Yao. In almost every game they've had against each other so far, Yao either gets the upper hand or gets a tie with Shaq. Tracy McGrady will obviously dominate Eddie Jones or whoever it is guarding him, and I'd look to McGrady to score 30 points in a game where Yao most likely won't produce as much as I'd like him to. This might be a bit premature, but I'll say the Rockets take this one, 89-83.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting realdealbneal:</div><div class="quote_post">I'll be the first to say that Shaq didn't look like the most dominant player against Yao Ming these past few meetings. In Game 2 of the playoffs, if you remember right, Shaq was held to 7 points...and going to the line ONLY 3 times total. Only had 4 fouls, so he wasn't in foul trouble. He shot 3-9...Yao, on the other hand, had 21 points. In Game 5, Shaq was held to 12 points and shot under 50%. Ming didn't do so great himself, with only 10. Ming is catching up quickly...and he's getting tougher also. I still see Shaq winning this though, but not very easily. Plus, it's obvious that McGrady is going to dismantle Wade...so that's not even worth discussing. The real test in this game is going to be Shaq vs. Yao, and the two point guards.</div>LOL pass that ish the left dude. in the WC quarter-finals playoffs: Shaq was 51%-FG and Ming was 46%-fg Shaq had 2.8bpg and Yao had 1.5bpg. Shaq went 16ppg and Ming went 15ppg. Shaq had 11rpg Yao had 7rpg. And how was your lord and saviour Kobe doing? 38%-FG and 28%-3PT 24ppg. So how does your homeboy Kobe put up such nice PPG yet manages to shoot like crap? Cuz he needs more shots than any player in the team to do so and about 60 more than Shaq did in the series. I already said Yao is gonna be great and without Kobe...uh, I mean Francis, he's gonna explode this year because he's a tough player to stop once he has the ball. There is a reason why the Lakers advanced to the Finals and other teams waited for the next season. There is a reason why the West belonged to Shaquille O'Neal and not Kobe Bryant or any other player. And there is a reason why Shaq was unstoppable from scoring yet somehow the Lakers still lost in the Finals. As for McGrady dismantling Wade I find that quite laughable. Considering T-Mac's been in the league for 6 years and Wade's been in the league for 1 year yet their numbers are comparable. With that in mind it's more reasonable to say Wade will dismantle T-Mac. Both players are great but T-Mac will not dismantle Wade. Truth is your so hopped on Kobe that you put a spin on everything (Like the Lakers not needing Shaq to win in any the finals...PLEASE!!!!They would've never made it passed the WC Quarter-Finals if it weren't for Shaq!!! The WC is 10x tougher than any team reaching the Finals in the EC. Yet you add spin to your argument to make it look like Kobe can do it alone). All your arguments have spin to it so it only shows how right you are and how wrong the other person is. You can get away spinning off in the Lakers forums but in the Heat forums we try to follow the JustBBall slogan: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> JustBBall.com (here on "JBB") is a professional basketball resource that promotes mature, <u>intelligent</u> & respectful discussion in a positive & safe environment for everyone. </div>And for those who think that Yao has an edge over Shaq, please refer to my sig. Who's opinion matters most: mines, yours, or Yao's?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting heatfan83:</div><div class="quote_post"> LOL pass that <font color="Red">edit </font> to the left dude. in the WC quarter-finals playoffs: Shaq was 51%-FG and Ming was 46%-fg Shaq had 2.8bpg and Yao had 1.5bpg. Shaq went 16ppg and Ming went 15ppg. Shaq had 11rpg Yao had 7rpg.</div> That's funny...that's pretty much what I was saying in the first place. Shaq doesn't dominate Yao Ming...the numbers are similar, actually, pretty good for a young (and not so muscular or mean) Yao. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting heatfan83:</div><div class="quote_post"> And how was your lord and saviour Kobe doing? 38%-FG and 28%-3PT 24ppg.</div> In the playoffs, Kobe shot 41.3% and 24.5 PPG...in the regular season, it was 24 PPG and 43.8%. Also, the MVP of the Finals (Billups) shot 38% in the playoffs...so did Peja...Nash, Mobley, Redd, Sheed...all of these guys had lower FG% than Kobe. What's your point? Haha. If Shaq wasn't a center, he would be shooting...probably around 25% wouldn't he? Instead, his FG% is filled with 2-5 foot shots. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting heatfan83:</div><div class="quote_post">So how does your homeboy Kobe put up such nice PPG yet manages to shoot like crap? Cuz he needs more shots than any player in the team to do so and about 60 more than Shaq did in the series. I already said Yao is gonna be great and without Kobe...uh, I mean Francis, he's gonna explode this year because he's a tough player to stop once he has the ball.</div> Haha...you and Shaq can't seem to stop talking sh*t on Kobe, can you? I didn't say anything bad about Shaq in my first post. I admitted that he would outplay Yao, but I change my mind...Shaq will probably get a big surprise. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting heatfan83:</div><div class="quote_post">There is a reason why the Lakers advanced to the Finals and other teams waited for the next season. There is a reason why the West belonged to Shaquille O'Neal and not Kobe Bryant or any other player. And there is a reason why Shaq was unstoppable from scoring yet somehow the Lakers still lost in the Finals.</div> Go back to the Lakers forum and read my threads, that clearly state why the Lakers lost. Sure, Shaq had great defense, but I didn't see Shaq guarding Garnett, or Duncan...did you? No. He was dunked on by Michael Olowokandi...the guy he guarded in the Minnesota game. Rasho Nesterovic was a familiar face in the paint against Shaq...but when Duncan went for that buzzer beater that he hit, who was there with their incredible defense? That's right...SHAQ! One of the few times he left the paint to do anything, and he gets shot on. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting heatfan83:</div><div class="quote_post">As for McGrady dismantling Wade I find that quite laughable. Considering T-Mac's been in the league for 6 years and Wade's been in the league for 1 year yet their numbers are comparable. With that in mind it's more reasonable to say Wade will dismantle T-Mac. Both players are great but T-Mac will not dismantle Wade.</div> Dismantle...okay, maybe not...but he'll drop buckets all over him. McGrady will out-perform Wade easily. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting heatfan83:</div><div class="quote_post">Truth is your so hopped on Kobe that you put a spin on everything (Like the Lakers not needing Shaq to win in any the finals...PLEASE!!!!They would've never made it passed the WC Quarter-Finals if it weren't for Shaq!!! The WC is 10x tougher than any team reaching the Finals in the EC. Yet you add spin to your argument to make it look like Kobe can do it alone).</div> Before Shaq was a Laker...the Lakers put up a 48-win season in 1994-1995, and a 53-win season in 1995-1996. When Shaq arrived? A 56-win season that year (in 1996-1997)...not much of a difference. Kobe was putting in 28 PPG in the second season that they won a championship...6 rebounds and 5 assists...those are numbers better than 97% of the players in the league...yet he wasn't important? Haha ok. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting heatfan83:</div><div class="quote_post">All your arguments have spin to it so it only shows how right you are and how wrong the other person is.</div> Didn't I say that Shaq will outplay Yao? What...do you want me to lie and say that I believe that kid Wade will do better than McGrady? LOL...don't think so. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting heatfan83:</div><div class="quote_post">You can get away spinning off in the Lakers forums but in the Heat forums we try to follow the JustBBall slogan</div> Get away with it? I don't see how...seeing that there are 12-15 members in our forum at a time, yet there are about 3 members that visit the Heat forum each day. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting heatfan83:</div><div class="quote_post">And for those who think that Yao has an edge over Shaq, please refer to my sig. Who's opinion matters most: mines, yours, or Yao's?</div> Who's opinion matters most: mine, yours, or Shaq's? Answer that... <font color="Red">Okay...now, didn't Shaq state that Kobe was the best player in the league, and that he doesn't even know how good he really is, and that's why it's scary??? OOH. </font> By the way, does every single thread have to involve Kobe? Geez. I've already proven all of my points...I'm done posting in this one. Come on Heat fans, or Shaq fans...reply.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting realdealbneal:</div><div class="quote_post"> By the way, does every single thread have to involve Kobe?</div>I seem to realize that too. It seems like everytime you post in the Heat forum, he has to bring up Kobe.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">I seem to realize that too. It seems like everytime you post in the Heat forum, he has to bring up Kobe.</div> Well I didn't even mention Kobe in my first post, so I don't know why he was even involved. All I said was that Shaq will have a tough time with Yao, but will ultimately do better...and that McGrady will have his way with Wade, and that's all the truth.
Well I think different... I think Shaq will have his way with Yao and dismantle him the whole game. He is the most dominent player in the game... by far... Yao can't stop him, just cause he's 7'6 doesn't mean anything... he's not big enough to stop Shaq... they're gonna need a double team obviously, then he can dish out to a cutting Wade or Jones spotting up and get an easy bucket... I think you're vastly underrating Shaq and Wade realdeal. Shaq is still an amazing player. Just cause he left LA doesn't mean he got worse as a player like you seem to make of it. He'll tear apart everyone in the league, no question about it. I don't care about your numbers, or whatever happened in the past, he'll rip it up, and we'll see this upcoming season. And Wade, his 2nd year. And he can keep up with T-Mac easy... I know it. He's got the makings of a superstar all over him. Last year's playoffs... just flashes of what he will become. Wade's a better slasher and cutter than T-Mac. Plus this 'marquee' matchup won't happen considering T-Mac is close to 6-10 and Wade is 6-4. I think Wade will be better than T-Mac next year. Maybe even by mid to end of this year. And he'll be better than Kobe in about 1.5 to 2 years... I mean Wade has it in him... Kobe isn't MJ, so someone can be better than him, wheter it be Wade or Bron, 1 of them will be better than Kobe.... well that's my opinion, so you can bash Wade all you want after I post this...
the game is today What are yall lookin forward to? Me: <ul> [*]How well we play defense [*]What lineup SVG decides to start with [*]How the rookies D. Wright and M. Freije play [*]Shaq + Wade + team chemistry [*]How well our bench plays [*]How well Rasual has improved and if he's worthy of starting. Maybe he's become a better rebounder/defender [*]Wade and Udonis showing off their improved jumpshot [*]Damon Jones: he should be racking up the dimes and firing away from the 3. This guy is gonna be real big this season [*]Dwyane Wade play defense. Block a couple shots and get 2 or more steals. Also would like to see him not turn the ball over [/list]
People seem to forget that in the Shaq v Yao match-up, Yao always had Kelvin Cato by his side who is a very good post defender. People give Yao way too much credit when it comes to defending the big fella. It was mainly Cato who restricted Shaq in Rockets/Lakers games. Shaq is also alot lighter this year, he is in great shape from the looks which means he is able to get better low post position. I somehow Doubt Wade will ever hog the ball through a complete offense so Shaq should get the ball alot of the time. Although I doubt Shaq, T-mac and Yao will play anymore than 20 minutes tonight.
Hey every just seems to think this is a 2on2 matchup between Shaq/Wade and Yao-T-Mac.. Hold up a second, Heat Fans look at your ENTIRE roster and then look at ours. You guys have potential, but the Rockets are far more deap. After Dealing away 3 of your 4 best players for Shaq, you've been left with very little at least to positions in your starting 5, not to mention Eddie Jones won't keep up with anyone except maybe Mutombo lol. And then you got you're bench which has had abit of a beating this offseason. Shaq's great and all but he can't single-handedly turn this team around. One more thing, the game has already happenned, and guess what, Rockets Won!! no surprise there.
