Shaq or Jermaine to start at 5?

[Roy H.]

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

I wouldn't just go off of last year's playoffs. What about the regular season?

[Fafnir]

I'm not a fan of Shaq and Rondo's game combined.

O'Neal is a better fit with the starters in his game anyways.

[Assassin70]

JO is a hell of an offensive upgrade (he can catch the ball lol)from Perk and just as good as a shot blocker.

While JO is not as good overall defensively I could see JO playing better against the more mobile centers Perk has trouble with.

For instance I could see JO playing Bogut better then Perk does.

But I think their games compliment each other together they can be a 2 headed monster.  If Perk comes back 80% and JO and Shaq stay healthy it is going to be a great year for us.  

[Change]

JO.

Rondo+jumpshooting Center=lord have mercy.

1st unit becomes much more danger. And unlike Sheed & to a large extend ShaQ, JO can actually defend & grab a rebound or two. If JO remains healthy, Perk ain't getting that job back this season.

[pearljammer10]

JO definitely... Name one second string center in the league that can stop Shaq on the block...

[ImShakHeIsShaq]

JO definitely... Name one second string center in the league that can stop Shaq on the block...

Agreed. Now you name a starter. (They had trouble w/ Shaq coming off an injury)

[GreenFaith1819]

J.O as a starter, for many of the same reasons listed in the thread.

What I'm looking forward to next season is the fact that Shaq, J.O, and Perk have collectively had good success against Dwight and Bynum/Gasol.

[Bahku]

As far as what Doc will do, I think he'll start the year with JO in the starting lineup. However, I have an idea things may change after Shaq demonstrates a more effective ability to work with the other starters. I guess it's nice to conjecture, but I really think we need to see how this team develops chemistry-wise before we can really make these calls.

This team has changed in many ways over the off-season, and I don't think anyone really has a clue as to how these new rotations/combinations are going to meld. It's going to be a heckuva lot of fun to watch things develop, but I think it's way too early to make these kinds of assumptions. We'll see soon enough.

[twinbree]

Yeah will probably be it. Offensively and defensively he seems a better choice than Shaq. And it allows Doc to keep Shaq's minutes low and let him work against the 2nd string centers.

[incoherent]

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

I wouldn't just go off of last year's playoffs. What about the regular season?

Their points and rebounds are very similar for last season.  I hope Jermaine plays well all season and carries more of the load so Shaq can save himself for playoffs. 

[xmuscularghandix]

I wish this was a poll. That being said... Jermaine O’Neal

[LilRip]

Jermaine O'Neal because he was promised a starting job while Perk is out.

But on a skill-based analysis, i'd still choose Jermaine O'Neal. he's a more mobile defender who can block a lot of shots. Plus, he's got that 15-ft jumper which helps open up the lane for Rondo.

Shaq isn't as slow as many of you believe but his pick-n-roll D is absolutely terrible. That said, I wouldn't want him pitted against fast starting-caliber PG's such as CP3, Deron and the like.



- LilRip

[Vermont Green]

I guess I am in the minority here but I see Shaq as the better starting option and I like the athlete formally known as Baby and JO playing together on the second unit.

Unfortunately though, I think that JO is going to get time starting as well because I don't think KG will start 82 games due to injury (is it realistic to expect even 70 starts?).

Shaq can play the Perk role better than JO I think.  I think Shaq will defend well enough (even the over analysed pick and role defense will be good enough).  Shaq will be happy with that role and JO will be happy to be featured more on the second unit.

JO will still play with the first unit as Shaq isn't going to play 32-36 minutes like the rest of the starters; JO just won't start in my opinion.

[Bankshot]

As far as what Doc will do, I think he'll start the year with JO in the starting lineup. However, I have an idea things may change after Shaq demonstrates a more effective ability to work with the other starters. I guess it's nice to conjecture, but I really think we need to see how this team develops chemistry-wise before we can really make these calls.

This team has changed in many ways over the off-season, and I don't think anyone really has a clue as to how these new rotations/combinations are going to meld. It's going to be a heckuva lot of fun to watch things develop, but I think it's way too early to make these kinds of assumptions. We'll see soon enough.

I agree.  Start of with Jermaine and switch to Shaq if Shaq proves to work better with the starters.

[moiso]

I'd like JO to start and focus on defense like Perk does.  No need for him to force his offense on this team.  He'll get points simply by being able to catch and finish much better than Perk.