[HKF]

I'm annoyed, because a few years ago, I posted that after the age of 32, almost like on cue, all NBA great big men, take a drastic turn in production and it almost always has to do with their ability to move (and of course I was ripped by most after forming that hypothesis). The same thing is going to happen to Dwight Howard, unless he takes the Tim Duncan approach to improving his basketball skills (although we don't have work ethic issues with Howard).

Shaq simply is old now.

[ehmunro]

It was bound to happen with someone Shaq's size. Eventually you get to the point of illumination and wake up one morning to the realisation that gravity sucks.

[Mr. Basketball]

Originally Posted by HKF

I'm annoyed, because a few years ago, I posted that after the age of 32, almost like on cue, all NBA great big men, take a drastic turn in production and it almost always has to do with their ability to move (and of course I was ripped by most after forming that hypothesis). The same thing is going to happen to Dwight Howard, unless he takes the Tim Duncan approach to improving his basketball skills (although we don't have work ethic issues with Howard).

Shaq simply is old now.

I agree with that. Shaq never really was a gym rat like Howard.

[roux2dope]

I am always amazed at how fast people turn on players, he is getting older and isnt the focal point of the offense anymore, the same thing happened to Patrick Ewing. I guess if he wasnt making such a ridiculous amount money this year i would tell you all to back off but when you make 20 million dollars a season you better produce more then a couple laughs with the media after another below average performance.

[Oldmangrouch]

Ben Wallace is 2.5 years younger than Shaq, has 4 fewer seasons of wear-and-tear, and is (supposedly) a dedicated gymn rat. Look how fast Wallace's career has gone south.

I doubt the problem is one of laziness. Pro Jocks simply break down with age.

[NewAgeBaller]

Originally Posted by Oldmangrouch

Ben Wallace is 2.5 years younger than Shaq, has 4 fewer seasons of wear-and-tear, and is (supposedly) a dedicated gymn rat. Look how fast Wallace's career has gone south.

I doubt the problem is one of laziness. Pro Jocks simply break down with age.

but ben wallace's problem IS laziness. if he was still playing at the palace i guarantee he'd be much better than he is now.
not near as gud as he used to be but still effective.

he just cant be ****ed playing for the bulls.

[roux2dope]

Originally Posted by NewAgeBaller

but ben wallace's problem IS laziness. if he was still playing at the palace i guarantee he'd be much better than he is now.
not near as gud as he used to be but still effective.

he just cant be ****ed playing for the bulls.

That shouldnt matter, he signed a massive contract to leave the pistons, he should be ultra motivated with the money he is getting... i just think Ben is the classic example of someone who came from nothing, earned his money and is going to take the next 4 years off. Money destroyed everything good that Ben Wallace used to embody.

[KennethTo]

shaq is a bum, why are you guys surprised

This is the same guy who said I got injured on company time so I'll heal on company time (and ended up missing up the early regular season bc of it)

[IceMan23and3]

Originally Posted by roux2dope

That shouldnt matter, he signed a massive contract to leave the pistons, he should be ultra motivated with the money he is getting... i just think Ben is the classic example of someone who came from nothing, earned his money and is going to take the next 4 years off. Money destroyed everything good that Ben Wallace used to embody.

Or age did. You had to see it coming. They hired a guy that is getting up there in age and survives off of athleticism. Not exactly a great combination for a key player.

[S2theONIC]

Originally Posted by Dynasty Raider

Wow ... I expected this from Laker fans who have been waiting since Kobe fired Shaq and Shaq won a ring for MIami to dump all over him, BUT, I never expected it from Miami fans who wouldn't even have the ONE championship they have without him.


Seems to me, Heat fans would be more understanding of a man that lost the woman he loved and trusted with everything, who had to divorce her for stealing from him, and for the first time having to spend Christmas without a complete family and for all we know without his children.


I contend that at this moment in time, basketball is the farthest thing from Shaq' mind. IF he had players that could even get them close to the playoffs, he would be there for the run.


But, you Heat fans continue to allow the Lakers fans to talk you into getting rid of Shaq. They haven't done a damn thing without him and you won't either.


I'm just saying. Be a grown man and put yourself in his place. If you've never been in love and are less than 20 years old, then you don't understand so don't comment.

First of all get your facts straight about the Lakers, Laker fans, and who got who fired.

Second, Laker fans hated Shaq for his laziness and work ethic as well. His nagging toe and foot problems which by the way were most likely due to his over weight issues, so that has been going on way before his divorce.

Third Shaq ha been known to have cheated o his wife, so all that poor guy goes out the window because his divorce is much of his fault as it is hers. Not only that but these guys are paid professionals who should be out there performing to their best abilities. Just like in last playoffs when Fisher came into the game in the second half and contributed to every game he played. I remember him hitting shot after shot. Just like Kobe during his trials when he was still performing well. Just like many other athletes have dealt with tragedies and have still performed to their best abilities, so Shaq doesn't have an exception.