<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">May 2, 2005 -- Heat president Pat Riley is worried. Before strolling out of the Meadowlands with his wife Chris after yesterday's first-round sweep of the Nets, Riley admitted Miami might not survive much longer if Shaquille O'Neal is as hobbled as he is. "We have to get him healthy," Riley told The Post. "I don't like this. He's worked hard all year. It's just such a shame he's hurt. And he's really hurt. Not just banged up a little. He's got some problems." Well, the Heat survived against the Nets, winning 110-97 even with Shaq scoreless in the first half. O'Neal blamed his foul-plagued half on Lawrence Frank's whining about him getting away with fouls. An angered Shaq repeatedly called Frank "Laura" after the game. "I wish they'd go to a manly tactic, fighting," Shaq said. "When he whines, that's why I changed his name to Laura Frank." Riley sounded concerned, perhaps because he knows the injury is more serious than a deep thigh bruise. "He's playing on one leg basically," Riley said. "He's really sore. And weak. It's a testimony to him and the other guys pick up the slack. And they've done that." The Heat's victory gave Shaq at least a week off. And it's doubtful they'll need the full Diesel against the Bulls or Wizards. But when the Pistons roll around, the party might be over. However, the Heat are playing great from the perimeter. The Joneses, Eddie and Damon, have lit it up, Keyon Dooling produces a spark off the bench, and Dwyane Wade was Kobe Bryant-like spectacular yesterday (34 points, 9 assists, four rebounds). </div> Source
From The Article: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Riley drafted Wade fifth in 2003. The same draft the Bulls took Jay Williams second. So it's looking like a steal. "Wade's not afraid at all," Riley said. "He was 25, 8 and 8 in this series. Only three guys have done that, Cousy, Magic, Bird. We thought we were getting somebody good. We didn't know we were getting something great. I thought that might take some time." </div> ??!! Does Mark Berman follow the league?
Should Miami choose not to play Shaq for a game or two in the Washington series? Let Mourning and Doleac get the game? Shaq plays game 1. If Miami wins Shaq sits out game 2. If Miami wins Shaq sits out game 3. Regardless of what happens Shaq plays games 4 and any remaining games What do you guys think of this for an injured ridden Shaq?
