Shaq A Shell Of His Former Self

[Sweets]

Source: Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports [ Full Article ]

When the Miami Heat actually get around to passing the ball to Shaquille O'Neal, not much happens. There is usually a quick double team, or a plodding post move that no longer scares anyone, or a hack that sends the big guy to the line for some further embarrassment. Shaquille O'Neal, who's playing in his sixth NBA Finals appearance with his third team and trying to secure his legacy as one of the greatest of all time, is struggling mightily. It's a sign, perhaps, that he is officially a shell of his former dominating, domineering self. This was supposed to be a career capper for O'Neal – his last best chance at another title – just two seasons after leaving Los Angeles and guaranteeing he would lift Miami to the top. But on Sunday, he spent the second half on the bench, brooding over another non-factor night (just five points on 2-for-5 shooting and a mere six rebounds) while the Heat went small in a futile comeback attempt. Dallas, not surprisingly, cruised to a 99-85 victory to take a 2-0 series lead. "Five shots is not what we want," said Dwyane Wade of Shaq's quiet night. "Playing 27 minutes, we want him to play more than that."

[Maximus]

He certainly slowed down, but he delivered that Championship as promised. If only Kobe would have recognized who made the Lakers Go!

[Sweets]

I have been a Heat fan since 1995, and I have seen a lot of disappointments along the way. Shaq has lost a step or two, but anyone who is truly passionate about basketball would see that without Shaq and no one close to him to take his place, Kobe will continue to put up 81 points and still not see the finals. God I love it!!!! Just like LeBron James, he'll continue to grow and get better and better but he's the bulk of the money on that team and without any money to pick up players to help LJ...well he's not going to sniff a ring in a long time, too bad...

Hey Kobe, Shaq won another one without ya pal!!!!