Let’s just settle the MVP debate right now…in my house, it’s my wife. When it comes to our team, I play sidekick. I talk a lot, put up some solid numbers and take over for a little while—but in the stretch run, I defer to my wife when it comes to our newborn daughter—our daily opponent, who right now has a record like the ’96 Bulls. In other words, in our house, I’m Shaquille O’Neal and my wife is Dwyane Wade.
That worries me, because with Shaq Daddy, you don’t know what you’re getting anymore.
As I watched a Rocky marathon last weekend, I realized that Shaq is in the Rocky V stage of his career.
Long ago, O’Neal reserved his spot as one of the best NBA centers ever—his career 26.3 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game are a lock for the Hall of Fame. Off the court, Diesel has always been a fan favorite. He gives us good quotes, has a sense of humor and has a love of life we don’t often see from professional athletes. After all, Shaq is the person who gave us Blue Chips, six rap albums and of course, the Reebok “Don’t Fake the Funk on a Nasty Dunk” campaign.
But on the court, the inevitable is here—Shaq lacks the hunger, the skills and the attack to be as dominate as he once was. Basically, he’s every Rocky Balboa before the cool “regaining the hunger/turning point/training hard” montage.
O’Neal doesn’t impose fear anymore—in opposing centers, in opposing teams, or the refs. As expected, this is hard for Shaq (and us) to rationalize. When he’s sent to the bench for early foul trouble, as he often has throughout the playoffs this year, he can only be thinking something like this:
“But I’ve been doing the same moves my entire career—what’s different now? They’re all just floppers and the refs have it out for me.”
He sees every opposing center as a new version of Vlade Divac--massive jokes as defensive players, who fall down and don’t move their feet; praying to draw the charge.
In reality, Shaq’s a big man who can’t move his feet very good—his reaction times have slowed with age, and he really is committing fouls. Case in point: In the past five seasons, his personal fouls per game have gone from 3.0 in 2001-2002 to 3.9 this year.
The refs aren’t calling Shaq differently. Shaq is playing differently.
It goes much deeper than that. O’Neal needs extra time to recuperate—it’s clearly obvious he’s much better on an extra day's rest. When the playoffs come around, he always steps it up a notch—but now, even that’s getting to be a challenge. If Jason Collins (who isn’t exactly Ivan Drago out there) is giving you problems, you know you’re in your twilight.
The last few years of his run with the Lakers, Shaq openly admitted to using the regular season as preparation for the playoffs. When you’re an athlete in your 20’s physical prime, that mindset works. When you’re in your 30’s…eh, not so much.
In fourteen NBA seasons, Shaq has only missed the playoffs once—his rookie year with Orlando. But he’s playing fewer and fewer regular season games—for the first time since an injury plagued 1996-1997 season (excluding the ’99 lockout), Shaq played less than 60 games. Allen Iverson used to ask about the importance of practice…Shaq seems to be asking about the importance of the regular season.
History and logic tells us that all great centers start a rapid decline around age 30-32. It’s a time-told truth—like the inevitable fall of boy bands. Like most of the greats, one season you have it, then Kazaam!—the next your fighting injuries, age and fatigue.
Like Brett Favre, Randy Johnson and so many before, Shaq shouldn’t be told to quit—that’s his decision (and despite how we like to remember the mega-stars who were nearly as large as the game, it will always be their decision). With that said, he is far removed from his days of dominance and the Shaq-Fu.
Another case in point: for ten seasons, he averaged over 26 points per game. In the past three seasons, his points per game dropped to 21.5, climbed back to 22.9, and then dropped again to 20.9 this year. O’Neal only scored 30 points in a game four times this season. His last 40-point game in the regular season was December of 2003 against Washington.
It doesn’t help when Shaq loses role players like Eddie Jones and Damon Jones—who hit timely shots and played solid defense. Good team defense could hide Shaq’s slower mobility (almost inability) now to block shots. And when O’Neal is forced to help out, he’s moved away from the basket and can’t recover fast enough to hit the boards. For the first time in his career, he’s averaging less than ten total rebounds per game.
I bet my wife is hoping my career doesn’t decline to the point she can only count on me once every three days. She’s putting up Wade-like numbers against the baby: 3 hours sleep, nursing and taking care of the 4 year old. If we’re going to win a championship, I’ve got to step it up—just like Shaq.
If we are to witness a “Shaqaissance”, then Carl Weathers needs to get down to South Beach and whisper into O’Neal’s ear: “There IS no tomorrow…got to get it back, man—the eye of the tiger!”
And if neither Shaq nor I start contributing more to our respective teams, we’ll both be out of jobs.
Very good post Moore. Shaq is very inconsistant, hell the entire Heat team is. When at their best, they can beat the Pistons. But half of the time they stink and they lose. Shaq is stil good, but as you said, he's not the best player in the league anymore.
Another home run...now with Rocky references? Wow!
It's like your TV displays the exact same programs that mine does...
I've always thought that every crisis in the world that could be fixed with a well-timed training montage. Girls have their trying on clothes montage, and guys have their Rocky training montage.
And this is another good "beneath the numbers" type of topic. Shaq isn't as dominant. If you didn't look closely, you may not notice that closely. He's still a great center, but is no longer the best player on his own team. His moves look the same, but they are slower...which is why he's getting called for more awkward fouls. I remember the old Shaq spin move used to be too quick for any defender.
You're right. If Collins is giving you trouble, then something isn't quite right.
One of the great movie line motivators. Get in someone's face, and tell them not once...but twice..."THERE IS NO TOMORROW!"
ShooterB: Thanks for the compliments. We do seem to watch a lot of the same stuff. Great analogy, by the way, with the clothes changing montage. The Rocky montages are just part of being a guy, really. At least for those of us who get chills when we see those scenes and secretly get choked up at the "Missing Apollo Driving Sequence" in Rocky IV.
That's all I'm saying: Shaq's still good, but he has proven the old adage about the centers all fall off after age 30-32. It's statiscally being backed up in Shaq's case, but we don't see it because we want him to succeed so much, since we like him and all.
Mean, it is becoming quite cliche. Which means I'm probably not contributing to the non-cliche side of it. But it's interesting how athletes and fans react to each individual superstar on the downside of their career. Do we owe them the pleasure of going out the way they want, or do we cringe as they embarass themselves and their legacy. Because whatever way you think, it does hinder how the star athlete is remembered. No one will forget Rice in a Seahawks uniform, Jordan with the Wiz, etc.
Maybe he wasn't the fastest, or the prettiest, or the most talented. OK, maybe he was the least talented. But he WAS a center dagnabbit...no denying that!!!
Do you have a better obscure reference? Too funny...
Abdul-Jabbar is the only guy I can think of off the top of my head that didn't have that expected drop-off. I won't go near Mark Eaton with a basketball--he'd never catch it, anyway.
Shooter, I talked about The Office finale in the "King George" post's comment thread.
Brad Lohaus...just a few of the studs the bucks put out on the court in the 80's and early 90's.....man, they were so lousy they made frank brickowski, jack sickma and danny schayes look GOOD.
excellent work moore....hey, you could have a cult-like following, and you could call your worshipers the "moore-ons". kinda like the redsox had the "idiots" a few years back. j/k man...blog on my friend.
Hey Bri, excellent post as always. I like Cuz's idea. In fact, my wife must have known about you long before I did, she's been calling me a "moore-on" for years. I always thought it was an insult, but now I know better....
Great topic, good to have some solid info on the Shaq decline. One thing on the refs: When Shaq was in his prime, people would hammer him all game and it wouldn't get called. Granted, he's not the best foul shooter but 1 point is better than no points.
You guys are cracking me up...we're all right about the same level. It's not the first time I've heard about or been called a "Moore-on". If I ever get a fan base, I should only be so lucky to have them called as such. Good work, Cuz...
Half, our wives must be sisters...
Panda...classic line, nice combo of names there.
Crabman--I remember thinking and believing that about Shaq too, especially in the early part of this decade when he was with the Lakers. I always said it wasn't his fault he was that big and that good and everyone leaned on him. Well, they may be doing some of that still, but he's less mobile and not as quick--and it shows.
Last edited by MooreSports on May 12th at 12:00 PM.
Good stuff -- he's the diesel -- takes a long time to get up that hill but once he's moving ain't no stopping -- I think he'll kick it into another gear -- he's getting old but he's still only one year removed from the whole nba world calling him the most dominant player -- albeit this is getting to be his last years so if he wants to have all of south beach celebrating better do it this year i think
Mav, no doubt Shaq's an intimidating presence physically. But statistically, in a seven game series, you have only a few games to worry about. Home games, games after a two day rest, etc. He's just not that same...and that's ok--I just hope we stop pretending the Heat-Lakers trade (which is always going to appear one-sided) was somehow a HUGE win for the Heat. Neither team has won the conference finals or appeared in the NBA Finals. Neither Shaq nor Kobe has won an MVP. It's a wash, in my opinion.
Moore, My good man I wouldn't want for you to fall from the good graces of your wife. So I'm going to say this to you only once..."get back in that saddle and ride...". I've all the faith in you and Shaq, that you'll both survive and persevere through the monumental tasks that present themselves ahead of you in the future. If not then everything will have fallen of its axis and throw us into turmoil.
I know this part of the discussion is over, but had to mention these 2 wonderful centers. Kevin Duckworth, and Bill Cartwright...
I'm gonna test the waters with something, I know we've paid tribute to Rocky. But is it OK to mention some of the not-so-great moments of the Rocky movies? For starters, after they finish that beach foot race that you have pictured...is it really OK for 2 grown men in short shorts to dance around in the ocean spray while hugging? If it were after a major sporting accomplishment like winning a championship, I wouldn't mention it. But did they do that after every completed training exercise?
Maybe I'm not allowed to mention such things. Just testing.
I agree that he is not what he used to be, but teams don't fear him, that I take exception with. Shaq can still turn it on when he needs to and when his teammates give him the ball, he can dominate. It is scary to think what his average would have been if he had not played on teams with "me" first guards like Penny Hardaway and Kobe. He played the bulk of his career with these type players and now he needs Dwyane to play that way to be successful. If his team mates know what is good, they will give him the ball against the pistons. No one can stop him on the Pistons team.
Moore, another great post per usual, but this one is among one of my top favorites that you have authored, A swell run down with great usage of Shaq pop culture.
Shaq has aged and is nowhere near to being as dominant as he was at the dawn of the 21st century with the Lakers, but can still be a major force to be reckoned with. When you can still score 30 points and pull down 20 boards in a series clinching playoff game you still have enough left in the tank to continue on without giving it a second thought. He still has some good ball in him for sure, just not spectacular MVP level like he used to.
By the way Moore, and everyone else for that matter, part two of the Kobe vs. LeBron debate between Belle and I is now up and accumulating comments as we speak. Come check it and Belle's blog out when you get the chance.
Thanks for the comments, Mustang, Shooter and Socal.
ShooterB: oh yeah, it's completely fine to mention that awkward man-crush scene in Rocky III. I was waiting for someone to do so. I think there are moments like that throughout the later stages of the Rocky-Apollo relationship, but we just try to ignore them--like the entire Rocky V.
Socal...thanks for the comments. To rebuke your argument, if Shaq is still so dominant, why did he have such trouble with Michael Sweetney and the Bulls in Rd. 1? He hasn't taken over a playoff game, I mean really taken one over in 2-3 years. What's he waiting for, if this admittedly, his "main" season? And I wouldn't agree that Kobe and Penny were "me" first point guards (that title belongs to Stephon Marbury and Steve Francis). They were the go to guys in the clutch, when the team needed a jumper or some foul shots. Fact is, on every successful Shaq-led team, there has always been a good shooting guard. And as I recall, the Pistons may not have stopped him completely, but they won the East over the Heat. In the past, with the Lakers, dominant Shaq would have had 45 and 16 in Game 7. Just my opinion...
GBrent, I will be checking that out tomorrow, as soon as I get some spare time to devote to it.
Thanks for the nice words and I'm glad you liked this piece. It isn't a "trash" Shaq piece, it's merely an affirmation that Shaq isn't the same force he was. And yes, he did put up the 30-20 in the clinching game, but he disappears a lot more throughout a given series than he used to. Good points and again, I'll comment tomorrow on your piece--looking forward to reading your rebuttals.
True story. I watched Rocky V in the theater and then went to work out. Yes, I am that guy.
There were serious arguments in my household over which star had to go (Shaq & Kobe for those just returning from Pluto). I insisted Diesel was the right move, and I can't agree more with your assessment. For goodness sake I still remember where I was when I got the news he had signed that 7/$123 (if memory serves) deal coming over from Orlando, but people should have seen this coming.
This is an outstanding piece, and extremely well executed. I may have mentioned elsewhere that I shared grammar school with "Apollo's" kids back in the day. That dude is built.
I watched all of those games, especially the Lakers Pistons series and Shaq was never given the ball in the end. LIke G said above, 30 points and 20 rebounds in Bulls game is nothing to sneeze about. A center relies on guards to give him the ball. He can not get shots unless he gets touches, and they have to be close to the rim, not when he posts outside to help out dribbling guards. I politely disagree.
Socal, I like the friendly debate here. Agreed that a center needs touches, that is clear--and used to be, when the team needed a game in the playoffs, they made a concerted effort to throw the ball into Shaq. I'm certainly not sneezing at 30 and 20--it's impressive and they got the job done in a clinching game. But Shaq isn't the focus anymore of the offense. Wade is, as evidenced by his performances on a nightly basis (see the 30, 10 and 10 triple double last night). Shaq? 19 and 9--which is what he has become because of all the factors I mentioned in the post. He's not the guy anymore, because you can't count on him EVERY game. Against the Bulls, he averaged 19 and 10, against the Nets so far, it's 20 and 8. That's not dominate Shaq...it's serviceable center Shaq.
It's not that they aren't getting him the ball all the time either, he's on the bench with foul trouble or doesn't score with it every time. Thanks for the comments, I just still believe Shaq isn't dominate anymore on a consistent basis, just my humble opinion.
Last edited by MooreSports on May 13th at 5:47 AM.
Centers are hard to come by. Robert Parrish was a handy commodity (oldest player at the time)as well as of course, Kareem, and I don't rememeber how old Hakeem was when he hung up his high tops.
My point: Even if Shaq only averages 15 pts a game, he is still an active force because of his position.
As long as he is surrounded by talent, he's a weapon, but not like the old days, of course.
If Miami wins it all this year, there will be no argument...
The history of the NBA is replete with:
1) aging battle tested big men
2) pure shooters with ice in their veins
3) savvy guards/ scoring forwards who know how to contribute in the fourth quarter
Good post Moore. Have you read A Passage to India? Any relation?
And now the nominess for the most likely to create controversy blog . . . .
Really. Shaq lacks the desire? Maybe. Shaq is older? Yes.
Shaq lacks the skills and his feet "don't move very good". Get outta dodge!
I've never seen a guy of his size with anything close to the footwork Shaq demonstrates. And he demonstrated it last night.
Shaq may not be taking over games anymore, maybe because he's old, maybe because he's already done it all or maybe because that's not what this team needs from him. But his footwork, when he chooses, is nothing short of outstanding.
Ed--I'm not saying Shaq is no longer a "contributer" or a player or anything--just not dominate, and he's seemed really unmotivated since winning his titles with the Lakers. Last year, somewhat more desire, but that "eye of the tiger" is missing.
Christopher--I'm not going for "controversy"...and if it's so obvious, all that we're talking about, why don't we hear about it from the networks? Why not from other professional sports writers? His footwork is outstanding, Shaq is great...not the point. It's not the footwork we're used to. It's not the speed he's used to, so he is committing fouls and turnovers, because he's now "mortal" down low. He's a beast, but only every three days. And when he's tired he doesn't move his feet as well. I didn't say he never did, but Shaq isn't the same player he once was, not even in the playoffs. That was the point of this post. Thanks for your comments
Norcal, I am so sorry...I just missed it completely. I can't believe I just skimmed over it....
Anyway, I read your comment just now and I appreciate the kind words...and I agree, the Lakers did make the right move two years ago, I thought it then too. Shaq still hasn't done any better than Kobe since they split. My bad about missing your comments...
LOL...yeah right. The only way I'm blowing up is if I'm with Jack Bauer with explosives surrounding me. I like to respond to everyone, but it ticks me off when I miss people like you, GBrent, Half, etc. who we always read each others stuff. Not cool--I'll try not to let it happen again. If I do, you have my permission hit my typing fingers with cinder blocks, kind of ala Misery.
GBrent, I used to think the same thing, but rooster is right, there is no coorelation. We aren't exactly the curse of Sports Illustrated around here. I'll check out your Braves post, just keep on keeping on.
Thanks Jon, I really appreciate the advice. I learned a lot the first time by watching you and Ty deal with the pressure. I'm just going to have some fun, nothing is ever certain. Good luck to you, The Gunn Show should have another shot at this thing, too.
