Cleveland rec with Shaq: 7-4
Cleveland rec without Shaq: 5-1
This is a small sample size, and it's early in the season. However, the Cavs definitely seem better without Shaq. Even when he does play, they are better off when he plays limited minutes (e.g. 21 minutes in their win against Orlando).
Do you think the Cavs are really better without Shaq, or is it just circumstance? Do the Cavs just need some time to adjust, or is Shaq turning out to be something of a bust for them?
I'm inclined to believe the latter. Shaq has already been injured, showing his age. Cleveland is not Phoenix. Shaq is only averaging 11 pts and 7 rebounds per game. Not exactly stellar numbers. In fact, Kendrick Perkins has a better stat line than that - and he's far from being the 2nd or 3rd option on the Celtics (whereas Shaq was supposed to be LeBron's #2).
What do you think?