FanNation | Favrefan's Graveyard Grumblings

I may have mentioned I hate the Lakers. When Mr. Shaquille O'Neal was on the Lakers I hated him more than any other player. I thought he was just a stupid thug, commited fouls on every possession and got away with it, and had little real talent and just relied on his considerable bulk to perform. I have to admit that I was impressed during their streak of three straigh titles, but that didn't make me hate him any less.

I have to admit I was wrong about Shaq.

I didn't really follow him in Orlando, so I can't say much about his tenure there other than he put up impressive stats. However, once he was traded to Miami and I saw him without the hated Lakers aura, I have to admit he comes off as a charismatic, likable guy who just wants to win. What I really like is how he willingly began to play second fiddle to Wade, and it is largely because of this that the Heat were able to win in 2006 and Shaq could win his fourth ring. I will always wonder what it would have been like if Shaq was able to mesh with Kobe as well. I imagine that the Lakers would have dominated the 2000s the way the Bulls dominated the 1990s. I'm glad they didn't mesh because of this.

Once Shaq was traded to the Suns, I figured he was done. No way could he play on an up-tempo team like the Suns in his current shape. Once again, I have to admit I was wrong about Shaq. He plays with heart again (it's hard to play with hear ton a team that is 20 under .500 like Miami). He dives for loose balls like a 25 years old, he has lauched Amare Stoudamire's career to a whole new level, and has been a reliable post presence. Admittedly, he has been frustrating at times with his foul trouble, and it seem slike he should adapt better. However, I find it impressive that he is still able to be a large contributor while still playing the same overpowring style at his age and build.

So, Shaq, I apologize for ever doubting you. You've turned the Suns into a legit contender and deserve to be recognized as one of thebest players ever. But I still hate what you did to my Blazers in 2000. Thus, we can never be friends.

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April 24, 2008 10:25 AM ET

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Suns are 0-2 in First round series.
Shaq is a great player, but I dont think he will get his team out of the first round.

xvargas

Total Comments (44)

April 26, 2008 03:02 PM ET

I agree that Shaq is a great player, but I also agree with Favrefan that his bulk is the main reason for his success (by the way, why you hatin' on the Lakers? Lol). Even during his time with Orlando, Shaq, although dominant, never struck me as a highly skilled center.

He and Kobe didn't get along for that exact same reason. Kobe prides himself on staying on top of his game and constantly making improvement. Shaq has always been content to do what he always does - plug up the middle, draw attention to himself, post up and either dunk on you or score with a lay-up or hook shot. He didn't stay in shape consistently when he was with LA either. Kobe didn't respect that. Even if Shaq had stayed with the Lakers, I don't think their dominance would have held long after their third straight title in '02-03. That point was proven in a big way the year after when they were pounded by the Pistons in the finals(and that was with Karl Malone and Gary Payton).

The bottom line is that Shaq is only at his best when his pride or legacy is on the line. That's the reason Miami won a Championship with him in '06. That's the reason he's playing his heart out in Phoenix right now - to prove to the world that he isn't washed up. But with Phoenix being down 0-3 right now, it may not be enough this time. I think his reliance on his size as opposed to staying in shape and improving his game has finally caught up to him. Unfortunate for a good guy like him, but it happens.

pennwjr

Columbia , SC

Total Comments (33)

April 26, 2008 11:28 PM ET

I guess Shaq didn't really turn the Suns into legitimate contenders after all. And why do you just sweep it under the rug that Shaq was dogging it with the Heat? Isn't being a jake the worst thing an athlete can do?