Shaq, love him or hate him?

I have never cared for him. I guess it goes back to his days in Orlando when they were the Hornet's rival. He was always a little better than Zo and it irritated me. I also thought he was arrogant with his comments like "maybe I am too strong for this game". I always hated the Lakers and him and Kobe cemented that.

All that being said I find myself pulling for him this year. The way he left LA makes me want to see him do well I guess.

 

I lean toward liking him.

 

I was never a fan of his in Orlando, and I admit being somewhat pleased when the Magic went from a strong lead in game 1 of that Finals, to being swept - but that said, he was obviously a dominant player there, with the Lakers, and now. He's easily one of the best players of his era, and I enjoy watching him.

 

Shacky is whacky.

 

When he was young and dumb and said things like "I've won at every level except college and the pros", he got on my nerves.

But now? Yeah, I hope he does well. At this point I'm rooting for him just so I don't have to hear another talking head hype Wade.

 

I have liked him and still do, sure he has said some dumb things, but most players do. He for the most part hasn't done stupid shit like Kobe.

He speaks his mind whether right or wrong and I like that.

Not sure there has ever been a player with his skill set and size. I do think there have been times when he hasn't given his all, if he had the mindset of Jordan, Bird, or Magic, then you would probably have the greatest player ever in the game.

 

I love Shaq. I love his humor. He is the shit. I love Zo too.


I hope the Heat win it all. That's tough to say since the Heat was our rival for so many years. I like to see Eddie Jones win a championship too.


That being said- I wonder how big Shaq's turds are. He must shit out babies.

 

What's not to like. He is made for TV with his humor and great talent. That and he can't stand that prick Kobe

 

What he said.

I hated Shaq in college. I remember when Laettner went to LSU and lit him up for around 23 and 10. I hated his smug seeming attitude in "Blue Chips." I was actually happy that the Hornets got the second pick and Zo (even though I hated Zo too, I at least respected his game). Of course Shaq going to Orlando, another expansion team, made him an easy target in this area. I remember when Zo broke his thumb and went on a shot-blocking MISSION. For about 10 games his rookie year, 5 blocks was a down game. I thought then he had a shot at ROY, but it wasn't meant to be.

Over the years though, Shaq has learned how to play basketball. It's true that he didn't take care of himself, but no one can accuse Shaq of not adding to his game over the years. In his peak in LA, he had 3 or 4 post moves that were near go-to, only his FT shooting held them down. He was a dominant presence and rebounder, and a more than adequate shot blocker (although not even close to the best in his era). His sheer force probably allowed him to influence more shots than any other player though. He always had speed, but he developed court vision and patience over the years. He became the second best passing center of his era, in addition to all the other things he did. He seems to be a genuine guy on and off the court, which I wasn't sure of when he was young. I thought he was fake, but I don't think that anymore. I love Shaq.

That said, Fuck Miami. They've gone far enough

 

I hope the Heat win it all. I like the Spurs too though so that would not bother me either.

It is funny last year I really wanted to see Detroit beat Shaq and this year I want him to beat them.