Shaq Attack is Back

By now you've probably heard Shaq's recent comments regarding his former teammates. Pat Riley has already responded with a statement, saying he is disappointed with our former center's comments. Calling these unprovoked attacks "sad" is an understatement, but I applaud Riles for not shooting back with insults of his own. God knows he could dredge up plenty of dirty laundry from Shaq's playing days here. As much as O'Neal improved on his physical condition, his work ethic was in question many times.

Now he has the gall to call out specific teammates. He had previously taken shots at them, but didn't identify anyone by name. Unfortunately, he changed his mind and felt the need to insult Ricky Davis and Chris Quinn while describing how happy he is playing for the Suns. I'm sure playing for the Suns is fantastic, and Ricky Davis is hardly the best teammate on the court, and yes, Chris Quinn is a marginal player at best, but come on Shaq.

The problem with Shaq is that he doesn't really care about anyone but himself. The things he has said about the team are true: yes they stink and maybe it wasn't all that fun playing here these past 2 seasons. But he didn't seem to have a problem playing with players of Quinn's caliber when we won a championship 2 years ago. Remember how he said Michael Doleac was the first true backup center he ever had? Hah. And according to Ira, he wanted Antoine Walker out, got his wish, and still complains about what we got in return. What did he expect, Corey Maggette?

Quinn is a hard working guy who gives his all every time he plays. The same can't be said for Shaq, who weighed down this franchise with 20 minutes a game for 20 million dollars. Look at his mini-Renaissance in Phoenix. It's not that their training staff are miracle workers. He is playing better there because 1) obviously he has better teammates, but more importantly 2) he is actually trying. That proves he is unprofessional. Even in a 10-72 season, I expect men being paid millions of dollars to play a game to at least go out there and try. Granted, losing wears you down, but give the fans the decency to put forth some effort for their money. Shaq didn't always do that.

There is no need to bring down people you used to work with. Even if they take the first shot, it's unprofessional to say anything negative against former employers or co-workers. There's no excuse for what Shaq does. Even if everything he says stems from some locker room strife we don't know about, then one can easily point to his days in Orlando and Los Angeles, where after leaving those two teams, he again had words to say about some of his teammates.

O'Neal is and always has been two-faced. He always has wonderful things to say about his new team, charming the media and the fans into liking him and overlooking his shortcomings. Don't forget how little respect he's had for opponents in the past and then once he is on the same team with them, he loves them.

It's sad because Shaq is one of the best players in NBA history and above all he is concerned about his legacy. The mistake he has made is that he thinks he will only be remembered for his exploits on the court. What he hasn't realized yet is that when people talk about the great players of all-time, they also acknowledge what kind of people they were and what they did off the court. It may be irrelevant to their basketball accomplishments, but I guarantee you that O'Neal will always be held below Bill Russell partially because people will subtly remember what a bad teammate Shaq was at times.

The Difference Between Steve Nash and Shaq

The parting of ways between teammates is rarely an easy thing. Usually it happens for a good reason. The guy who left may have been past his prime or overpaid. There might have been a trade proposal that couldn't be ignored. Or in many cases, the team's chemistry was suffering because of some individuals, so they had to be let go.

In the Shaq deal, all 3 elements were in place. O'Neal's welcome was beginning to wear thin, though reports were that things weren't necessarily hostile. His bloated salary and declining statistics demanded that he be sent elsewhere, and when the possibility of acquiring Shawn Marion came around, Riley had to pull the trigger.

Similarly, Marion had his issues in Phoenix. The team is over the cap and financially strapped. There was no way he was staying past next season, both because of his large salary demands and because of chemistry issues in the locker room. Marion himself wanted out. So the deal went through and both players had new beginnings with new teams.

Those left behind were under a barrage of questions from the media. For the most part, things were kept low-key and courteous. The only exceptions were subtle jabs coming from O'Neal, directed at former teammates. Nothing he said was necessarily a lie, nor was it outright criticism. However, it reeked of unprofessionalism.

Perhaps I should let go of it, but I don't approve of the way he handled the transition. His past remarks when switching teams are consistent with his behavior the past two weeks, so this wasn't a unique situation where Shaq was hurt and felt like lashing out.

In comparison, look at Steve Nash's remarks about Shawn Marion in today's Miami Herald. When asked about the rocky relationship with his former teammate, Nash was adamant about keeping the past in-house. He had nothing but praise for his former teammate, and spoke of how he expected positive contributions from Marion for the Heat.

"'It's all behind us now, and it's unfair to talk about things that are private,' Nash said."

That's how Shaq should have handled his departure. Not by alluding to the struggles of former teammates when complimenting new ones.

Shaq Deal Complete!

FINAL UPDATE: It's done. Shaq is now a Sun. Congrats to everyone involved in the trade.

UPDATE: 2 minutes ago, the Herald reported the Deal is set and Shaq is heading to Phoenix pending a physical.

This thing is heating up, people. ESPN says the move is all but a done deal. All we need is a "yes" from Phoenix and Shaq is gone. There are a number of storylines at work here.

First, Shaq is apparently pleased with the trade. He is surprised that the Heat are shopping him, but apparently his relationship with Riley has been deteriorating. The two have coexisted well together until now, and I have said that Shaq has done all he can for Riles. The problem is that losing amplifies any issues between players and coaches. It just makes everyone less open to compromise.

Next, the trade is so serious that Shaq has already been talking with Suns players. He had an extensive conversation with Amare Stoudamire (man I wish we were getting him in return, but I'm just being greedy) last night and has been reported to have spoken with other guys as well.

Shaq is already in Phoenix to take a physical. If he passes, then the deal is pretty much set.

According to Chris Broussard at ESPN, Steve Nash and Mike D'Antoni have their reservations about the trade, but the Suns are set on making the deal. GM Steve Kerr doesn't believe that the team can win long term against the bigs in the West. Marion presents a chemistry issue for them, so they feel it's a risk worth taking. Hey, one man's trash is another's treasure, right?

As for Marion, he is all for the deal, so it would be interesting if he were to stay past this season. Supposedly he is to make 17 million next year, but if he agrees to a long term deal with less money per year, that gives the Heat flexibility to add more talent to the Wade-Marion-Top5 pick combo.

Shaq and the All Star Game

The Big Diesel is missing the All-Star game for the first time since his rookie season. The snub is hardly that, as Shaq hasn't done anything to earn a selection in the past two seasons.

In response to the lack of a Shaq Attack in the All-Star game, Pat Riley suggested the NBA invite O'Neal as a special 13th player for all that he has done for the league.

Surprisingly, O'Neal did not agree with him. For once, he is not in denial about the lack of his production or diminished skills. Supposedly, had he been offered a spot, he would have refused it. Shaq might just be playing the PR game or being a class act towards guys like Dwight Howard or Chris Bosh, but if he is being earnest about his situation, then good for him.

Honestly, it will be odd not getting a chance to see Shaq at the All Star festivities. Even if he isn't the dominating presence he once was, he is still a welcome presence in NBA circles. Just look at this video from last year's game and you'll understand.

O'Neal Wants to Play at 70%

Yet another injury related story on Shaquille O'Neal surfaced today, this time about Shaq's desire to return as soon a possible from his hip injury. Rather than take the full 2 weeks-1 month off as previously projected, he intends on returning when he is about 70% healthy.

I've already said my part regarding Shaq and his injury. Hip injuries can quickly turn serious if not properly healed, especially with a man his size. He should be contemplating retirement as is, much less coming back early from a hip injury that renders him nearly immobilized on the court.

I just hope he doesn't seriously injure himself out there, because I still love the guy. He's great for the fans and for the franchise as a celebrity, but his skills aren't where they used to be and that isn't being reflected in his pay.

Shaq and Retirement

Today, Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel wrote a story suggesting that Shaq retire because it is in both his and the franchise's best interest to do so.

What was most intriguing about Ira's article was the confirmation he received from the NBA offices that if Shaq were to send in retirement papers today, then next season his salary would be wiped from the books. Presumably if he were to wait until after the season, then only the 2009 salary would be waived.

This possibility got me excited enough to dream of Elton Brand and Luol Deng signings next season and a Heat resurgence. However, it took less than a day for my hopes to be dashed.

In response to several journalists' suggestions to retire, Shaq told Jack Ramsey on ESPN Radio:

"No, never that. I am the son of an army drill sergeant, and when we enlist, we go full term. So I've got two years left on my term, and after that, I'll be looking to do other things."

So much for that idea. I have to say that Shaq's attitude isdeflating as a Miami Heat fan. I love the guy, and I really do wish he was capable of contributing at the level his salary demands, but he just isn't. And things will only get worse from here. Imagine how creaky Shaq's knees will be in the 2009-2010 season.

Unless they get rid of his salary, this team is going to be stuck in the basement for a while. At some point Pat Riley will have to tell Micky Arison that ticket sales and marketing revenues thanks to Shaq's celebrity won't be outweighing the cost of having that dead weight on the books. Since Shaq clearly refuses to accept defeat (an admirable quality, I'll give him that), only Riley can possibly save this franchise from the horrifying prospect of being a last place team the next 3 years and then have its star leave for greener pastures.

Shaq's Hip to Keep Him Sidelined 2 Weeks

I think enough is enough. I speculated recently that this hip injury would be more serious than previously thought. So far, that prediction is coming true. Despite claims by the Miami Heat that Shaq was healthy enough to return, his 2nd halves of games of late proved otherwise. Now he is out another two weeks with inflammation in his hip, and some are suggesting he shut it down for good.

Frankly, these minor injuries flaring up into serious issues for O'Neal are becoming tiresome. He is getting paid $20 million a year to basically play 45-55 games and contribute what Udonis Haslem does on a pretty good night. He can still go out there and give you the occasional half of dominant Shaq, but never has enough gas left in the tank (or fouls to give) to finish the game.

For a guy who is ultimately concerned with his legacy, I would seriously advise him to retire. There's no way this team is winning a title in the next 2 seasons and that was his goal, to add more rings before hanging them up. His production is in severe decline even now. People are doubting him more and more every day and he is proving them wrong less and less. Eventually, all these nagging injuries are going to prevent him from playing at all.

A guy his size simply doesn't have the shelf life of a Sam Cassell. It was inevitable that his body wear down. What Shaq should do (but he won't for any number of reasons) is retire at the end of the season, preferably with the consent of some favorable doctors who will contend he is physically incapable of playing. With those waivers, we could get the cap charge back for 2009 at least (since you need to either wait a year or the waiver is applied the following year, I forget which) and perhaps for 2008. Otherwise, retiring doesn't do us any good either. Still counts against the cap.

A buy out or trade is probably unlikely, though the former is about a million times as likely as the latter. I can't fathom any reason why a team would want to take on Shaq's contract. It's a sad situation, because Shaq has been the model teammate since he's been on this team. He has embraced the 1a/1b role, even allowing himself to become the 2nd option recently behind Wade. He helped bring us the title he promised and kept himself in good shape more for Pat Riley than for any other previous coach.

The reality though, is that his contract really holds this team back from improving in the next couple of seasons. Granted, the contract came with the reward of an NBA title, so both the deal and the trade that brought Shaq to Miami paid off. We're just taking our lumps now. Unfortunately, the window is closed.

Shaq Leaves Team for Medical Attention

Might this be the beginning of the end? Or is it just a routine medical examination? Shaquille O'Neal did not travel with the team today and is in Los Angeles checking up on his injured hip with a hip specialist. The injury has kept him out of the last five games.

Pat Riley and the Heat insist it's not a big deal and that Shaq should be back in 7-10 days with an optimistic timetable. However, if it was just some average hip pointer or other hip-related injury, then why is Shaq flying across the country for specialized treatment?

It's no secret that O'Neal's game has deteriorated substantially over the past 2 seasons. His effectiveness is extremely limited by his worn down body. At his age and his size, it should be expected that his legs, knees and hips begin to show the effects of wear and tear. His 320+ pound frame puts a huge load of pressure on his lower body, so an average hip injury might easily become a serious issue.

Now, this is all speculation. For all I know, he'll be back to his average self in the near future. However, don't discount the potential problems this might present in the future. I know this is absolutely jumping the gun, but if Shaq were to retire for some reason due to this injury, the Heat could apply for a waiver and receive the cap exemption for his salary next season. Normally, retired players don't need to be paid but still count against the cap until their contract expires.

Retiring Numbers

Last night's injury to Alonzo Mourning probably spells the end of his career. In all likelihood, Zo's #33 will be hung from the rafters at the AAA as the first Heat player to have his jersey retired by the franchise. Many of you may know that he won't be the first NBA player to have his jersey retired by the Heat, as Michael Jordan owns that distinction.

My question is, after Alonzo's number is retired for good, what next for the Miami Heat? Is there anyone on this roster who will have that same opportunity? I believe franchises build their image through consistent rosters of good players who stick around for several years. Miami has been unfortunate in that most of the players we've celebrated around here haven't stayed very long. Rice, Smith, Caron, Odom, etc.

Shaquille O'Neal only has 3 years left on his contract and likely his career. Barring some major injury or a trade that we just can't turn down, he will have finished his last 6 years of his career with the Miami Heat. Considering he has been past his prime, it is unlikely he will do anything notable other than have helped bring us a title in 05-06. When he retires, will he have done enough to earn his #32 being retired from this team? I'd say not, but it's a difficult decision that the organization must make. I don't think you ever want to burn a bridge with a guy like Shaq, though obviously by then the impact of a rocky relationship with him won't be as big as it would be now.

Finally, we've got the future Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade leading our team. There is no doubt that if he sticks around for his entire career, or at least most of it, Dwyane will get his number retired. He is clearly the best player the franchise has ever had and has brought us one title and with the right moves, has the potential to bring us a couple more. However, it is not a sure bet that he will stay after his contract is up. This team is a mess and is strapped for cap space with O'Neal's massive contract hindering us from making any moves to help Wade out. Hopefully this draft can provide some talent and maybe Riles can swindle someone into taking our trash.

Heat Wastes Wade's Performance

The Heat gave us a nice showing tonight after Zo's injury, but lost 117-111 to the Hawks in Atlanta. Wade dominated in the 4th and overtime, and again benefited from a slew of FTs (topping the most made by any player this season with 20). His final stat line showed a near triple double with 36 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds, but even that didn't take his clutch defense in the 4th and OT into account. Brilliant close to the game by Wade.

However, Ricky Davis missed the open 3 to win it in regulation and was generally anti-clutch the entire end of the game, allowing the Hawks to stay in it and eventually win. Tough to blame a loss on any one player but he certainly didn't do much to help our cause. Absolutely deflating night overall.

Shaq had another OK game considering his main backup was out. Too many turnovers and again a disappointing lack of lift on what few shots he took. He did have a rare good game from the charity stripe though. Daequan provided a nice clutch shot in the 4th when the game seemed to be slipping away, and Haslem had another nice performance. The Heat were without J-Will who sat out the game with a hyper-extended knee.

Now that they have to play without Zo, it'll be interesting to see what the rotation will look like, specifically at the 4 and 5 positions. Blount theoretically should be more effective in an offense that leaves him open, so maybe he'll take advantage of his extended minutes. Regardless, the team needs production from other players now with Zo going down. They won't be getting 50 FTs too often.

Disappointing Loss for the Heat (104-91)

For some reason, the Heat simply can't seem to get on track. After a brutal 6-game 9 day West Coast trip where they showed some signs of life, they come home to face an extremely beatable Washington Wizards team and lay a huge egg. Our leading scorer was Chris Quinn for Christ's sake! I mean, gotta give it up to the guy for a great performance from the 3 point line, but might someone tell me why Wade is only taking 11 shots and Shaq taking only 6?

I know Shaq is a crybaby when it comes to getting his touches, but seriously, 6? He's past his prime and probably is closer to a 3rd option and a 2nd option right now, but he still needs to be taking 12-15 shots a game. To do this he needs to stay out of foul trouble, a seemingly impossible task these days.

Dwyane Wade worries me with his turnovers. He is averaging a career high in that category and had 8 tonight. Either he is being reckless or is trying to do too much. This is where the jumpshot needs to come into play. We all know his skills are defined by his driving ability, but he won't be able to do this forever. Sooner or later he will need to develop a consistent long-range shot and incorporate a 3 point shot into his game. Otherwise he will flame out by age 30.

Finally, I'm baffled by the disappearance of Dorell Wright and Daequan Cook. Cook is a rookie and is bound to be inconsistent. However, usually he has proven he is not afraid to take the shot so why only one attempt in 11 minutes? Dorell started but did not do much and the majority of the minutes were given to Ricky Davis who had a nice game. Luke Jackson made an appearance in his first game as a member of the Heat and missed all of his 3-point shot attempts despite his ability to hit those being the reason he is on the team. It's a forgivable performance though. Jason Williams had a disappointing night, but that too is forgivable. However, it is pretty clear to anyone at this point that he is probably going to be traded, as is Smush Parker.

Heat? Win?

Somehow the Heat didn't completely blow their latest game, pulling out a 100-94 victory vs the Clippers on the West Coast. Wade had one of his better games of the season, but again the team blew big leads and nearly choked this one away like they had the Golden State game.

Daequan Cook and Dorell Wright didn't really do much, and Cook struggled from the field in his playing time. However, I think both these guys need to play as much as possible. Cook's offensive game is up there with the best of the rookies and he will be a great complementary player to Wade's game over the years. Dorell is maddeningly inconsistent, but his hustle and athleticism is much appreciated on this dinosaur roster.

Shaq again didn't really get too many touches, but if we win games I doubt he will mind much. As far as his lack of touches, I really don't think it is a huge deal. For over a year now he hasn't been able to get more than 2 inches off the ground on those creaky knees and simply doesn't have the agility to avoid plowing his elbow into people's faces anymore. I for one wouldn't be devastated if the Heat missed the playoffs and got say, Roy Hibbert out of Georgetown to fill the 5 slot.

Heat-Warriors

Though this is my first post, I figure I'll keep the introductions to a minimum. Most likely it will take some time (if ever) for any considerable amount of people to have exposure to the blog, so I'll just roll with it as if the blog has been around. I hope this to be an enjoyable experiment for all of us. My purpose is to provide a voice for which the fans of Miami sports can connect with, unfiltered and unbiased, and without an ax to grind. Too often do we see journalists and mainstream media spew out nonsense, primarily those who cover a national topic yet consider themselves (erroneously) knowledgeable about local sports at every level.

Anyway, I'm catching the end of the Heat-Warriors game tonight and for once I actually like what I see. Not sure if Shaq playing on 20 minutes through 3.5 quarters has anything to do with his earlier demands for the ball (only taken 6 shots as of this being written). It's probably got more to do with the small ball working well with Dorell hustling like a maniac for loose balls and tips, with Wade finally showing some of his old prowess.

Riles seems to finally get it: Cook NEEDS playing time, and as disappointing as Wright has been, games like tonight show why we can't give up on him yet. And frankly, at 4-14 what else do you have to lose. I mean really, does starting Penny freakin Hardaway make us any more or less formidable? Hopefully the Heat don't blow this as they've been prone to do of late thanks to awful FT shooting.

EDIT: Well they blew it. Shaq played 21 minutes in a small ball game, but perhaps his presence would have slowed down the pace a bit and forced the Warriors to play at our tempo. Tough loss.