I'm not sure if Detroit would have beaten a healthy Miami or not. Like I said, I've been saying all along (going back to the moment the Heat traded for him) that Shaq couldn't be counted on to be healthy anyway, so it seemed moot.
By pinpointing Campbell's accomplishments, you (inadvertently) raise the biggest problem with Shaq. Campbell is a big, strong center who, in a 94 foot sprint, could be timed with a sundial. But he can deliver a hard foul as well as anyone. And he's one of the few centers around who's fairly effective against Shaq. But, in a perfect world, there's no way on God's green earth that Campbell should be able to hang with Shaq, even for the five minute stretches he's assigned to.
Here's the thing that frustrates me about Shaq (alert: tangential rant). Obviously, I'm no great fan of the Heat, nor the Lakers. But I am a fan of well-played basketball. The Shaq of 2000 (maybe 2001, too) was COMPLETELY different than the current version of Shaq. The Old Shaq was a 7-1, 315 lb (or so) big man who had exceptional quickness for his size and still had some serious hops. He was big, powerful and explosive. I remember the Finals where they played Philly, and poor Dikembe Mutombo, the best defensive center in the NBA, was about ready to hang himself in the shower after the series. That's how thoroughly Shaq embarassed Deke. When Shaq called himself "Most Dominant Ever", he had a point.
After that, he got fat on his success. He added bulk and lost his explosiveness, a loser tradeoff if there ever was one. His added body weight contributed to more injuries, and the fact that he was still winning titles only fed the "I can eat what I want, work out when I want and get in shape when I feel like it" line of thought. He didn't care about his in-season injuries, so long as he could get ready for the playoffs. I don't blame him; the guy's got 3 rings and probably has a net worth in the nine digits. But still, it's frustrating as a basketball fan.
Then last year came, when Detroit DESTROYED Shaq and the Lakers in the Finals, in the single most one-sided five game series in recorded history. Shaq got run out of town and realized that he had to get back in shape, but it was too late. That quickness is long gone. Shaq has almost no hops now; relying on his bulk to outmuscle players for rebounds. His knees are probably shot, though (to his credit) he's never complained. He rebounds in a phone booth at this point, healthy or injured. Did he get a single rebound in this series that didn't come right to him? On offense, he's still unstoppable inside 8 feet, but his game is so limited compared to what it used to be, and what it still could be. His defense, save for the occasional highlight reel block, is mediocre. That's why Rasheed and McDyess had so many open jumpers; Shaq won't dare venture outside the paint.
Like I said, it's frustrating to me as a basketball fan. I can't imagine how frustrating that would be to a Heat fan. </rant>
Whatever....if it helps with your grieving process more power to you. :D
