While many of you may say Yao or Brooks, I'm gonna say Battier and here's why. 1. Battier is the veteran of this team, plain and simple. He's been here the longest, and has proved himself worthy on and off the court. This isn't the only reason though. 2. Shane has the attitude of a leader and a captain. If you're not doing something right, more than likely you're gonna hear something from Shane, but not about what you did wrong, he'll tell you something that will help you to improve on your mistake, like a good leader should. 3. Battier will outhustle everyone on the court. Not taking anything away from our other players here though, cause trust me, I know they hustle too. But simply put, Battier will outwork everyone. Loose ball, he's after it, defense, he locks you up, anything you need, Battier will get it done. He's truly Mr. Intangibles. 4. Two years ago in the series against the Lakers, who was giving the pregame speeches? You guessed it, Battier (along with Hayes), but with Hayes fighting for a spot on the active roster, which I do think he'll get, I still believe that Battier will be that guy. He can motivate other players and let them know they're gonna get it done, even though he knows he'll see less playing time than them. 5. He will do whatever it takes to win!!! I love having Shane on this team for his D, his leadership qualities, and the 110% effort he gives every game. While I would be willing to trade him were we to get a "star" player in return, I wouldn't be trading him just to trade anytime soon.
Has it ever been Yao? I think it was always McGrady and Battier. Yao would be auto-team captain, but his English (although probably sufficient enough to hold a conversation, now) might still be questionable.
Although still young and on a teamed stacked with leaders, I'd like to see Brooks step into that role. He is the quarterback of the squad.
Thanks for correcting me,however there was no doubt that he was a leader. IMO,his experience of playing and having a big part in the NBA finals unlike anyone else,made a big difference. Deke even made that very point of having going though it all.
