http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1169435/3/index.htm Assuming he accepts being Yao's backup. Would you do it if it only takes 2-3 mil a year to sign Shaq?
I think he would accept his role behind Yao but why not just draft a young center we can develop that could probably supply about the same amount of production.
Shaq had a tendency to put teams over the top in the past. (La, Mia) Now he seems to make them worse. (Pho, Cle) At only 3 million though, id consider it.
Who is better Shaq or Brad Miller? They both will be around the same $ range. I would sign Shaq just so that he could teach Yao how to man up.
Shaqs done, how about do a three team deal where we send Battier to Portland and Trevor and D. Andersen to the 76s and we get Iggy Oden and Fernandez. Take the chance on Oden and we get an upgrade with Iggy at the 3 and Rudy backing up Martin and we sign one good FA. May never happen but this is a hypotheticals thread anyways. Ideal team Brooks/Lowry Martin/Fernandez Iggy/Budinger Bosh(or Boozer)/Hill Yao/Oden Hayes and Taylor Rotating
People say he is way past his prime, fat, old, and slow. Though, you put him on a shooter's team like the Rockets, almost every guard on the perimeter is going to be shooting, near or above 50%. All of the attention of opposing defenses are going to be in the paint, Yao and Shaq or even Shaq and Scola. Kevin Martin, Aaron Brooks, Chase, and all, except Ariza will find themselves camping out by themselves at 3 point line. The regular season works out perfectly as well, Shaq can play and start half of the season, while Yao sits out. Yao, then can play other half of season, while Shaq sits out the rest. Hopefully, they are both present in the playoffs. The Lakers' big would no longer worry us, since we'd have real "unstoppable" duo, if one play can stand the test of father time and the other could keep his bones from shattering and mending without pain. Older Shaq/Healing Yao Ming could take Bynum/Gasol, at any points in their career. The only thing bad about this deal is how much Shaq would cost.
For tops 3 million I would give it a shot. No more than that, preferably less, that's more than half the MLE as is.
how is he making them worse??....he is a center not a wing player, he bring toughness, experience, and winning mentality to teams, he is not gonna come every night and lift teams by himself, not to mention he is 38. Have you seen the way he played last night the guy was phenomenal for his age, I would sign this guy immediately if he accept his role.
Shaw seems like a cancer nowadays. He just seems to screw up teams. Look at the Suns without him - WCF. Before, they were just 1st Round fodder. And.. the Cav's aren't so hot recently with him.
Yeah, he only needs to show up for about 35-50 games, Yao or the other guys will do rest. We could save money long term money by signing Shaq.
It's weird, because even at 38, Shaq brings things to the table that Houston is currently lacking. If you took the Suns version of Shaq and put him on our team with Yao (whether he is healthy or not), we win the West. They, especially get past the Lakers (or have solid shot), though beating Orlando or Boston might be a little more difficult, because those teams have solid benches and play well rounded defense.
1. i dont think he would consider being a backup. 2. between him and yao the pick and roll defense would be... well, nonexistent. he's not that all effective anymore. i feel the same about brad miller id rather draft a center this summer. any of the top bigs in the draft will be more athletic, better on defense (with a little effort), and not a chemistry risk.
