Shaq or Jermaine to start at 5?

[KobeGotRondoD]

This topic is of great debate. With Perkins sidelined until who knows when, the starting 5 position is up for grabs. 

Jermaine O'Neal or Shaq?

[KobeGotRondoD]

I'll start off- Jermaine O'Neal

And this is why. This is a defense oriented team, and Shaq isn't the defender he used to be. JO's defensive numbers are not far from those of his prime, so to me, JO is the clear choice to start at 5. Shaq would come off the bench and provide an offensive jolt down low, and would hack the best players on the opposing team whenever they drive to the hoop

[Roy H.]

I'd say start J.O., as well.  Shaq can be the focal point of the second units defense, and his post play can open things up for Nate, Delonte, Wafer, etc.

Shaq's defense would probably be hidden better with the starters, but playing Shaq off the bench would allow the starters to maintain their strong defensive cohesion, while allowing the bench to be a more offense-oriented unit.

[lon3lytoaster]

Jermaine will start, no doubt in my mind, at least.

Shaq will be used to come in for 15-20 and beat up on second string centers. Probably will be used to defend Dwight at times, too.

[Assassin70]

I'd say start J.O., as well.  Shaq can be the focal point of the second units defense, and his post play can open things up for Nate, Delonte, Wafer, etc.

Shaq's defense would probably be hidden better with the starters, but playing Shaq off the bench would allow the starters to maintain their strong defensive cohesion, while allowing the bench to be a more offense-oriented unit.

/co sign

Man sometimes I think Roy reads my mind.  Or what is the saying great minds think alike?

[LB3533]

If anyone plays more like Perk, it's Shaq.

That being said...having a center capable of some kind of offense from 2 feet and out might be nice change of pace.

[csfansince60s]

My original inclination was JO. However, given Shaq's notoriously poor pick and roll D, I would rather have him on the floor with KG than Baby. He can also give some hard fouls early to set the tone and making anyone who comes into the lane pay. Are you listening, Bron/Wade/Kobe/Pau/Dwight et al?

[Tai]

My original inclination was JO. However, given Shaq's notoriously poor pick and roll D, I would rather have him on the floor with KG than Baby. He can also give some hard fouls early to set the tone and making anyone who comes into the lane pay. Are you listening, Bron/Wade/Kobe/Pau/Dwight et al?

Why would we want a worse defender starting at the 5 for us?

The answer is JO, if for no other reason than that. But, JO does bring an offensive game that Perk doesn't. It's a no brainer to me.

[gpap]

I would start Jermaine and have Shaq be our primary big off the bench.

[jr_3421]

JO. Shaq is more effective when the offense runs through him and that is only possible on the second unit.

[apc]

I say Shaq should go after the 6th man award.
It will look great on his resume.

[2short]

My original inclination was JO. However, given Shaq's notoriously poor pick and roll D, I would rather have him on the floor with KG than Baby. He can also give some hard fouls early to set the tone and making anyone who comes into the lane pay. Are you listening, Bron/Wade/Kobe/Pau/Dwight et al?

my thoughts exactly, Jermaine is the better player at this point but with a 2nd unit he would be a very good #1 option and can handle himself on d
shaq doesn't have the footspeed to handle pick and rolls without kg on his side
but on a second thought we are thinking about who to start shaq or jermaine oneill while our starting center perk is injured...good job danny

[incoherent]

It's probably smarter to start Jermaine but going off last years playoffs Shaq is the better player. 

[KobeGotRondoD]

Starting Shaq would allow JO to get used to his role coming off the bench when Perk returns. Shaq is more similar to Perk BUT I'm just afraid it would slow down the offense too much especially when Rondo is out on the court with Shaq.

The team plays best when it is running out on the court (because of Rondo). Shaq doesn't suit that bill but JO does.

[billysan]

My original inclination was JO. However, given Shaq's notoriously poor pick and roll D, I would rather have him on the floor with KG than Baby. He can also give some hard fouls early to set the tone and making anyone who comes into the lane pay. Are you listening, Bron/Wade/Kobe/Pau/Dwight et al?

my thoughts exactly, Jermaine is the better player at this point but with a 2nd unit he would be a very good #1 option and can handle himself on d
shaq doesn't have the footspeed to handle pick and rolls without kg on his side
but on a second thought we are thinking about who to start shaq or jermaine oneill while our starting center perk is injured...good job danny

I also agree with Shaq starting mainly because he and Baby together are a scary second unit combo from an athletic standpoint. I think JO and Baby compliment each other better off the bench.

Shaq starting and taking the opposing center down low on our first 2-3 possessions would be a nice way to start the game and even pick up a foul or three. This is a weapon we must use frequently IMO to get the most out of Shaq whether he starts or not.

When Perk comes back, no doubt he will want to start. I think he will need to play himself back into shape and maybe by then Shaq will not mind resting a couple of games. My fear is that Shaq or JO will be on the injured list before the All Star break and the point over which O'Neal starts will be answered for us.