Is Shaq a problem in Cleveland?

[twinbree]

I think they got Shaq to help them in the playoffs so it's a long time to wait but until then it's hard to tell what his presence ultimately means. For the regular season though, I'd give them some more games while they go through the chemistry-building process. In the meantime I wonder if FO panics and pulls off an ill-advised trade or fires the reigning COY?

[crownsy]

I think they got Shaq to help them in the playoffs so it's a long time to wait but until then it's hard to tell what his presence ultimately means. For the regular season though, I'd give them some more games while they go through the chemistry-building process. In the meantime I wonder if FO panics and pulls off an ill-advised trade or fires the reigning COY?

That's the point though. they make that claim, but what does shaq provide them in the playoffs that helps them against us and orlando?

Orlando destroyed them because they don't have a PF that could defend lewis to the three point line when they had to double Howard.

They had the EXACT same problem against us the year before when we had KG.

I'm not sure how getting shaq helps them with the glaring flaw that they don't have a good defensive PF with the foot speed to cover opposing PF's who can shoot. Lebron could play the 4, but they aren't deep at the 3 either.

In my mind, they would have been better served targeting someone with ariza/posey's skill set, freeing up lebron to play the 4.

[BballTim]

I agree that Clevelands problems are the PF position. 

Can't space the floor.


Can't stop the pick and roll of the other two best teams in the East



And seem to have the wrong priorities in trade wants.

Does Jackson, a SF, really add that much more then the combo of West, Parker and Moon?

Wouldn't a trade for a PF like Boozer make a bigger impact? 

Yes. Agree 100% and lets hope Danny Ferry doesn't read Celticsblog. TPwd

  I don't know that Boozer and Shaq are a great match.

  Maybe they can pull Antoine out of retirement (and out of the Big House...).

[nickagneta]

I thought I would bump this thread. Should make for an interesting read.

[greg683x]

You gotta wonder how much of a difference having Amare Stoudamire would have made them.

Correct me if Im wrong, the only thing that stopped them from landing Amare was giving up Hickson and the fact that Amare's deal was gonna be up after this year??

[the_Bird]

You gotta wonder how much of a difference having Amare Stoudamire would have made them.

Correct me if Im wrong, the only thing that stopped them from landing Amare was giving up Hickson and the fact that Amare's deal was gonna be up after this year??

The latter part of that is absurd.  Sure, Amare's a free agent...   so you'd rather have Jamison locked up another what, two or three seasons now? 

[Witch-King]

I don't see how he could be - the Cavs finished first place this season and while Shaquille O'Neal played for the Suns they couldn't even manage to make the playoffs that season. Shaq clearly thrives under a half-court style of offense cuz Nash and the Suns have made it to the Western Semis...