Shaq coming back soon...this begs discussion

[TerryTate]

Udonis Haslem - 9.7ppg, 8 rebs/game
Alonzo Mourning - 11.6 ppg, 8.2 rebs/game, 4.1 blocks per game.

The diesel may even play Wednesday, but it's more likely he returns for an upcoming home game. This bears discussion. We all remember last year when Van Gundy tried to put Zo and Shaq out on the floor at the same time. It worked at times, and other times it didn't. However Zo is finally putting in a full season and is having a resurgent year, and if he continues to play consistent minutes at even one-step back of where he's at now, he can even win defensive player of the year. The Heat need this guy's defense, and can't throw him back to the bench. The team's defense other than Zo has been awful this year.

I think Stan Van Gundy should REALLY consider starting Zo at the 4 and Shaq at the 5. He can still cut back Zo's minutes so he doesn't burn out, rotating him with Udonis Haslem, Doleac, and Simien.

Without old man Zo, this team wouldn't even be near .500 without shaq right now. He's gotta continue to play a BIG role with this team, even in his twilight years. What do you guys think?

 

[UCFinfan86]

that could work, but dont forget that Walker plays teh 4 alot of times too. I think he should start Haslem but play Zo about 10 minutes a game at C and liek 17 at PF. Idk its tough, but its atleast a good problem to have. It sucks for me though cuz i have Haslem and Walker on my fantasy team though.

 

[phunwin]

Actually, given Mourning's strong play, the thing to do is to avoid rushing Shaq back to action. I think Shaq hurried back last year and was never quite right.

 

[TerryTate]

The thing is, he's not being rushed back into action. Originally, he was supposed to be back a few weeks ago. They've been taking their time with him.

O'Neal said he has been doing rehabilitation work on his ankle twice a day and reiterated that the Heat's "powers"  President Pat Riley and General Manager Randy Pfund  don't want him on the court until he's healthy.

"They told me not to come back until I'm 100 percent," O'Neal said.

 

[Section126]

I disagree.

Having ZO come off the bench will give us a great second unit....and if you have followed the heat this year....you know that our second unit has consistently let other teams into games....

 

[Caps]

I'd rather have Shaq play about 30 min a game or less, and play Mourning 15+ min. as the backup C, and spot min. at the 4 spot. This would keep them both fresh for the postseason and we would lose little to no production in the middle. Besides, we have too much talent at the 4 spot to insert Mourning in there as well.

 

[phunwin]

The thing is, he's not being rushed back into action. Originally, he was supposed to be back a few weeks ago. They've been taking their time with him.

Okay, fair enough, but the recent word that I heard was that he wouldn't be back until Christmas or thereabouts, hence my caution against rushing him back.

 

[UCFinfan86]

I'd rather have Shaq play about 30 min a game or less, and play Mourning 15+ min. as the backup C, and spot min. at the 4 spot. This would keep them both fresh for the postseason and we would lose little to no production in the middle. Besides, we have too much talent at the 4 spot to insert Mourning in there as well.

yes, that would work will good as well, IF zo would be happy with 15 minute a game and IF shaq wouldnt mind only playing 30. If zo really wants a championship i hope he wouldn't mind.

 

[Noodle Arm]

It is a good question Terry...I guess I'd go with Caps idea of splitting time between them 30/15.

Just a quick observation...I was watching the news and they showed Shaq practicing...he seems to be going through his "chunky" phase again. I hope it's just because he hasn't played much and isn't in game shape right now.

 

[Section126]

It is a good question Terry...I guess I'd go with Caps idea of splitting time between them 30/15.

Just a quick observation...I was watching the news and they showed Shaq practicing...he seems to be going through his "chunky" phase again. I hope it's just because he hasn't played much and isn't in game shape right now.

He's not chunky.

 

[Section126]

Okay, fair enough, but the recent word that I heard was that he wouldn't be back until Christmas or thereabouts, hence my caution against rushing him back.

Christmas?!!!!!!!!!!!

No....he is set to return on Friday.....

and he was ready to return two weeks ago......

More proof that the regualr season in the NBA is a fraud.

 

[Ferretsquig]

I'd rather have Shaq play about 30 min a game or less, and play Mourning 15+ min. as the backup C, and spot min. at the 4 spot. This would keep them both fresh for the postseason and we would lose little to no production in the middle. Besides, we have too much talent at the 4 spot to insert Mourning in there as well.

Shaq will get his 35+ min per game. 35 min a game really isnt all that much. The trouble is fitting Zo into the lineup so he isnt stuck with just being the backup C. You cant have a player whos currently the best shot blocker in the NBA only playing 13 min a game. Hes in great shape and is playing his *** off. Fortunately they will probably have a 10 game period to work it out as Shaq will only be playing 20-30 mpg the first few games.

 

[phunwin]

Christmas?!!!!!!!!!!!

No....he is set to return on Friday.....

and he was ready to return two weeks ago......

More proof that the regualr season in the NBA is a fraud.

Well, I can't find the link and am tired of looking for it. The hell with it, you guys obviously keep up on this more than I do. He's set to return Friday? Good for him.