All things being equal, Shaq should start

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

There's already been some discussion in the blogosphere about which O'Neal should start in Perk's absence, so I figured I'd chime in with my opinion.

I was under the impression that the Celtics, when signing JO, promised him to the starting job until Perk returns. I believe in keeping your word, so if the Celtics made a promise, they need to keep it.

If they DIDN'T, however, then Shaq should start. JO is slated to be the first big off the bench once Perk returns (at least, that's what I've been hearing), so I think it would be wise to get him acclimated to that situation as soon as possible and have him back up Shaq. This team -- with newcomers Shaq, JO, Wafer, Bradley, probably Harangody and possibly another SF -- will have plenty of acclimating to do without adding more to it.

Though I advocate the C's keeping their word if they indeed made a promise, I also think it would be fine for them to go to JO and say, "Hey, we know we made a promise and we're willing to keep it if you hold us to it, but will you reconsider taking that starting role, since we'd like you to get used to the backup role you'll be taking on eventually anyway?"

I realize that this could cause a problem for Shaq -- being a starter for awhile, then being relegated to no better than the third big off the bench after Perk returns (Perk starting, JO first off the bench) -- but I think it's in the best long-term interests of the second unit to have JO and the rest of the second-stringers fully used to each other.

And there might be a unique opportunity here for Shaq: being the sole member of the 1A unit. Someone (I think it was Chris Forsberg) wrote that Shaq might be better off playing with the starters because they (particularly KG) could do the best job of compensating for Shaq's pick-and-roll-defense deficiencies. Well, Shaq could start, as I've said, until Perk returns, and after that he could be a sort of segue between the starters and second unit: Let's say Perk is gassed or in foul trouble and Doc wants to pull him, but he wants to leave the rest of the starters in for a bit longer, he can put in Shaq with the rest of the first unit, then later bring on the B team, including JO and Baby.

So that's what I think. Chime in. I know you will.

[snively]

Not enough touches for Shaq with the starters.  Shaq is like Al Jefferson at this point.  Lots of post points, lots of rebounds, and not much of anything else.

[dpaps]

I agree with you, I think Shaq should start. And opening night against Miami, I bet he does.

[Celtics4ever]

I think Doc will let whomever earns it to start.

[Green Hell]

I agree. May as well start Shaq. I still think Perkins would be better off the bench upon his return though and I believe that is ultimately where he will end up. Shaq's game fits in better with the vet laden first unit and his post presence rounds out the offensive prowess KG, Ray, Pierce and Rondo bring.

A 2nd unit of youth with Nate/Rondo, Quis, Wafer, BBD/JO and Perk is a much better 2nd unit to play than if Shaq were in there because with Perk there, you keep the speed for running the floor (our first unit's days of doing that are done) with the strong interior defense that Perk brings without Shaq slowing down the pace.

We would essentially launch a two tiered assault, with a half court unit and a running unit and whichever unit is playing better we could ride to victory.

[peazy]

I think Shaq should start only if he dedicates himself starting tomorrow to conditioning himself to regaining his condition five or six years ago.  Otherwise, it's JO all the way. Sure it's sexy to boast Shaq as our starting center but remember, our starting offense runs through Rondo pushing the ball.  I say JO with Shaq as an impact guy off the bench and situational specialist.

[Redz]

at least til Perk's back

[LilRip]

all things being equal, i would rather Shaq come off the bench actually. One is because JO is a better defender and shot blocker and i'd like a stronger defensive unit out there first. Second is because our bench could use another playmaker. Third is because Shaq will almost always outplay the other team's backup big. I think the only backup big that can decently defend Shaq is Gortat.



- LilRip

[GreenFaith1819]

I think J.O. should start. Shaq will more than likely see 20-25 minutes anyway as the center.

JO will more than likely get some minutes at PF as well - depending on matchups, as well as Glen.

Anyone Correct me if my memory is failing me, but I don't think I've ever seen Boston with this number of capable Bigs, even counting the Bird-Parish-McHale-Walton years.

[ballin]

all things being equal, i would rather Shaq come off the bench actually. One is because JO is a better defender and shot blocker and i'd like a stronger defensive unit out there first. Second is because our bench could use another playmaker. Third is because Shaq will almost always outplay the other team's backup big. I think the only backup big that can decently defend Shaq is Gortat.



- LilRip

agreed. by the way, how funny is it that orlando is paying gortat, who should be a starter somewhere, a starter's salary to play backup to dwight, their best player. what a stupid move on their part. should've let him go

[pearljammer10]

Funny, ive been waiting for this thread topic to come up and I almost started it myself. I agree Shaq should start. Even though I think JO will give us more production, I like having him as the 6th man off the bench. He can come in when the other starters are more tired and give them some offense and he also seems that he would be able to run better with the more athletic second unit. Even though Rondo is manning the point, the starters are pretty much a half court basketball team. Let Shaq play the half court offense and let JO come in with the more fast paced second unit.

[ben]

Shaq starting is fine. If Sheed comes back we'll have a great rotation

Shaq/Sheed
KG/JO
Pierce/Daniels
Allen/Wafer
Rondo/Robinson

epic.

[Tai]

I think Doc will let whomever earns it to start.

This is how I see it unless JO was actually promised a starting job with that MLE cash.

If he wasn't, then it's basically open competition.

[Rashi]

Shaq starting is fine. If Sheed comes back we'll have a great rotation

Shaq/Sheed
KG/JO
Pierce/Daniels
Allen/Wafer
Rondo/Robinson

epic.

Where will Baby fit into the rotation?

[Bahku]

I think Doc will let whomever earns it to start.

I think this is correct (TP) ... it's going to depend on pre-season play, who's in the best condition, what Doc feels is the best chemistry, etc. ... time will tell.