Shaq in "fantastic shape" according to G. Dickerson

[vinnie]

Didn't Dickerson guarantee that Tony Allen would re-sign with the Celtics?

I hope Shaq is in great shape. However, I put no faith in what Greg Dickerson, the king of Celtics toadies, says or writes.

[35Lewis]

I'm not considered with Shaq's weight.  I thought he was in great shape when he showed up this year and I think the only reason Greg tweets this is to let people know that Shaq hasn't been sitting around doing nothing since he got hurt.

He's a big dude and that is part of what makes him successful at his age.

[Birdbrain]

I say play Shaq 10-15 games and then hold him for the playoffs.  Or wait another 2-3 weeks and then work him back in.  I don't see a need to play him the remianing 25.  I hold my breath every time he or Jermaine are in a game.  We NEED at least one of them healthy throughout the playoffs (hopefully Shaq).  Even if Troy signs, we still need an O'Neal.

I agree although I would do like 1 week on 1 week off type of scenario after they get back from the west coast trip.  But something like you posted would be nice as well.

[MBz]

Great.  But Shaq decides he should lose some weight about as often as Jermaine decides that he should strengthen his legs.

It's kind of annoying that he has to have weight related injuries to inspire him to get in better shape.

Dude has been in the league since '92 making the vet min we should be worshiping at this feet for him even being here.

I agree!  I don't think it's annoying at all.  I wouldn't even really call him fat, it's not like he's Oliver Miller.  He's just a very large man.  There's not much he can do about it.  I would be surprised if he lost that much weight, that's a tough thing to do, but if he did all the better!  I have no issue giving him a month off.  He's an older player who needs that time off to be successful in the playoffs.  When we signed him, we all knew he was going to be taking some time off like this to get healthy for the stretch run.  I like the idea of Shaq playing 15 games, but I wouldn't have him sit for long periods of time.  Let him play 15 of the remaining 25.  Sit him on back to backs first off.  We have 5 games remaining which are the 2nd night of a back to back where we could sit him.  Now we're at 20 games. I'm sure you could pick another 5 games randomly throughout those 20 to get Shaq some rest.  I just think you want to keep his legs moving and you want him to develop some rhythm.

[ForexPirate]

are you guys saying that his reported injury is really a phantom injury and the time off is to get him ready and in shape for the long post-season?  If so, that is genius!

[fairweatherfan]

are you guys saying that his reported injury is really a phantom injury and the time off is to get him ready and in shape for the long post-season?  If so, that is genius!

I doubt it's a phantom injury but I also doubt that Shaq would've missed 3 weeks if this was playoff time.  Resting Shaq periodically to keep him fresh for the playoffs has been part of our strategy all along, as it should be.  I'm sure the staff just took the injury as an opportunity to help address the cumulative effects of the season on his body too.

[makaveli]

are you guys saying that his reported injury is really a phantom injury and the time off is to get him ready and in shape for the long post-season?  If so, that is genius!

They didn't even have to "fake" his injury, I would be fine with them sayin':hey, we need to get him into a better shape, see ya'll in a month or two. IMO Shaw has been a perfect 10 for us this year(when playing) and I didn't notice any part of his game suffering due to problems with his conditioning, so I think the injury was real, but maybe not that serious.

[MBz]

are you guys saying that his reported injury is really a phantom injury and the time off is to get him ready and in shape for the long post-season?  If so, that is genius!

We aren't the first team to do this with Shaq.  I'd have to guess this was in Doc and Danny's plans all along.

[BudweiserCeltic]

Can we take off our tin-foil hats please? Didn't we see in-game when he actually got hurt? Didn't we see in a game afterwards when he tried to give it a go but was visibly hurt so they took him out?

This is no phantom injury. Now, I think they've been extra cautious with him, and maybe his injury has been healed now but he's still not playing for X reason. But the injury wasn't a phantom one.

[Birdbrain]

Can we take off our tin-foil hats please? Didn't we see in-game when he actually got hurt? Didn't we see in a game afterwards when he tried to give it a go but was visibly hurt so they took him out?

This is no phantom injury. Now, I think they've been extra cautious with him, and maybe his injury has been healed now but he's still not playing for X reason. But the injury wasn't a phantom one.

I agree with your take there was an injury probably a bit more serious than they originally thought (lingered due to miles) but, that they are being overly cautious as well.

< tin foil hat firmly placed on head >

[minijericho29]

The C's should rest Shaq as much as possible.  They will still get a great shot at the #1 seed regardless. The Heat will probably lose some games down the stretch as they rest their big 3 and let their horrendous bench get some run.

[guava_wrench]

Great.  But Shaq decides he should lose some weight about as often as Jermaine decides that he should strengthen his legs.

It's kind of annoying that he has to have weight related injuries to inspire him to get in better shape.

Dude has been in the league since '92 making the vet min we should be worshiping at this feet for him even being here.

Amen. We are in no position to complain.

He also still gives big effort in games. He still runs the court.

[Evantime34]

If he really did lose 15 lbs I think it will make a difference with Shaq finishing dunks. He has missed some this season that he made last season.

[footey]

It's too bad Shaq does not have KG's intensity and dedication. He could still be dominant 5, an all star, even today.

[alley oop]

...
It's kind of annoying that he has to have weight related injuries to inspire him to get in better shape.

He was out for a month last year around this time (and dropped 20 pounds) do to a thumb injury.