Bob Hunter commentary: A lighter, motivated O'Neal is bad news ...

The important news in Quicken Loans Arena yesterday didn't have a score attached to it.

[Reality]

Shaq looked real good, but he needs to get in baskeball shape. Luckily we are playing the Bulls in the first round, so he can work into that. Late in the second half the Cavs had a steal and pushed it up the court. When they couldn't get a quick dunk or layup, they pulled it back to set up a play and THEN Shaq came running into the fray from the defensive side of the court. LOL He'll get there though...

[John in Worthington]

At this stage of his career (now in its twilight) Shaq can't be bothered with the regular season. He's a hired gun to help get "The King a Ring" and the playoffs are the stage he wants to be on.

Shaq's free-throw shooting can be a liability and I expect Boston and/or Orlando to employ "Hack-a-Shaq" late in any close game with the Cavs.

[Bewitched]

John in Worthington wrote:

At this stage of his career (now in its twilight) Shaq can't be bothered with the regular season. He's a hired gun to help get "The King a Ring" and the playoffs are the stage he wants to be on.
Shaq's free-throw shooting can be a liability and I expect Boston and/or Orlando to employ "Hack-a-Shaq" late in any close game with the Cavs.

Shaq said earlier this year that he hoped to be around 2 maybe 3 years more. I don't know if he'll still feel like it after this season is over, but what the hey, we could use him.


You're right about those FTs. He shoots them straight like a laser, no arc at all. I'm sure he's been coached about it, but I notice some other centers struggling at the line as well.

You could bet $$ on a return of the 'Hack a Shaq' especially with Orlando.