More Thoughts From Egypt: Should Shaq Come off the Bench?
November 22, 2009 by Salma Mahmoud
When Shaq joined the Cavs, he announced that his motto is “Win a Ring for the King”. Now, as we are in the fourth week of the post-season, is it too early to analyze if this is going to work? I’m not saying that I, or anyone else, knows if the Cavs are going to win the championship this year, I’m just thinking out loud about whether Shaq is the missing link that will assist LeBron in his pursuit of a title.
After 14 games the Cavs are 10-4, three of their 4 losses were with Shaq in the line-up and only one with him out injured. So far this season, the Cavs have looked their best, for the longest stretches of games, when the core of last year’s team was on the floor: King James, Anderson Varejao, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Mo Williams, and Delonte West.
No doubt, the main reason behind Shaq’s trade was because of the struggles the Cavs faced in the 2009 Eastern-Conference Finals against Orlando Magic. Of course, Shaq proved his ability to counter Dwight Howard in their recent win against the Magic. However, that hasn’t worked out against smaller, more athletic-offensive minded players such as, Chris Bosh because Shaq isn’t as fast as he used to be. If Shaq is guarding a smaller player who can run fast and hit medium jump shots, it’s clear he will struggle defending them.
Regarding defending Shaq, as a BIG MAN, he demands double coverage from many teams. In theory, this should help his teammates by exploiting Shaq’s passing abilities out of the double and finding open shooters. However, a team like the Boston Celtics shouldn’t have a problem in that. Perkins has shown the ability to guard the league’s dominant big men, including Shaq, straight up. In the last two seasons, Perkins has held Shaq under 20 points and 9 rebounds.
Moreover, LeBron James is known for his tremendous skills in the open court. He plays in a masterful and powerful manner, and excels when attacking the rim. But with Shaq’s lack of speed and hampering of the lanes, the Cavs offense becomes slower. Their offensive system allows opponent’s to get set and put five defenders between LeBron and the hoop, an area of frustration for the King.
With Shaquille’s injury it has provided a chance for JJ Hickson to become a starter. James and Hickson created a bond this summer, working together to improve J.J.’s game. It was clear that after couple of games, Hickson became able to
play comfortably and it’s spilled over to his teammates. His free style of play has been contridictory of the methodical, slow-it-down style that has infringed on the Cavs natural ebb while Shaq is in the line-up. Hickson has hit shots and held his own on the defensive boards. His game has not completely matured yet and he needs to continue to improve his field goal percentage, while continuing to augment his on-court concentration.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that Shaq doesn’t fit in with the Cavs or that he won’t help James to win a ring. I’m just saying that right now, Coach Brown should consider Shaq as a 6th man option. Starter or not, Shaq will continue to help the Cavs guard big centers, like Dwight Howard. He will teach the younger players like Hickson and Darnel Jackson how to improve their skills, and of course, his experience, he will prove valuable in the playoffs.
Am I correct in saying that the main objective of bringing Shaq to Cleveland was to win a title? So,what I suggest, from my humble point of view, is to bring Shaq off the bench. Start Ilgauskas or Varejao at the post with JJ Hikson at power forward.
“Play for the Present,While Building for the Future.”
Salma Mahmoud covers the NBA for North Station Sports. Mahmoud is a Cavs fan (ouch) and offers a unique perspective of our rival from her home country of Egypt.
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November 22, 2009 at 11:11 am | Celticsfanatic
Bravo, bravo. It’s great to see we have intelligent NBA fans all across the world. I look forward to seeing more of your work.
November 22, 2009 at 8:52 pm | Karl
Absolutely fascinating. I’m trying to get my head around the picture of an Egyptian woman somehow following the Cleveland Cavaliers from, what?, Cairo? Alexandria? But you know what–your observations are pretty spot on. Strictly from an analytical point of view, you make a lot of sense. My only worry is the trouble it might cause in the locker room if Shaq doesn’t like the move and starts complaining. Z seems fine with coming off the bench (although his shooting hasn’t been fine). Team harmony is something that will have to be taken account of.
November 24, 2009 at 9:07 am | Bob
What games has this guy been watching. First of all you can throw out the Cavs first two losses . . . they just weren’t together yet. Secondly, Delonte West has hardly played this year and when he has he hasn’t looked all that good. Certainly, Anthony Parker has played better and has been one of the top three point shooters in the league. Also, Andy is Andy . . . a good histler at all times, but Hickson has looked better and better each game. So to ascert that the best starting five is the starting five of last year is just wrong. Also Shaq was looking better and better before his injury. The jury may still be out, but lets give Shaq a little more time. Certainly Z has looked horrible in several of the games he’s played, although he has looked better of late.
November 24, 2009 at 8:09 pm | salma mahmoud
I’m not saying that Shaq is a bad player,I like the guy.What I mean is that the players of the previous year have a better chemistry including Boobie & JJ.Also Parker & Moon were able to fit in with the team before Shaq.For me, all I want is for the players to play in the best shap & to win.After all I’m a Cavs fan.