What do you all think about this scenario? Here's the whole article http://probasketballnews.com/story/?storyid=582
I think it would stunt the production of each guy. Shaq is still too productive as a starter to accept an off-the-bench role. And there's no way both guys can be on the court at the same time.
I say bring it on.. We say we need a backup center.. anyone know of anyone better than Shaq that can be had? doesn't even really need to be a backup.. just enough body to limit minutes for Yao
Imagine Yao at center and Shaq at power forward, it would be a slow team but once the ball is thrown in the paint, teams better concede the points. TWIN TOWERS part 2.
Based on everything I've read, Phoenix is looking to save millions, if possible, for next season. Unless they threw in another contract, Shaq for Mac straight up would add payroll and push them further into LT. Plus, I think Shaq is a more movable contract because he actually played and played well last season. My guess is they'll look elsewhere to deal Shaq and probably aren't interested in bringing McGrady in at all. Even if they weren't considering payroll, which doesn't seem to be the case, I think they could get back more usable players than McGrady. In that rumored trade with the Cavs, Phoenix would supposedly take back Wallace and Pavlovic's partially guaranteed contract. That could save them several million immediately as opposed to a deal for McGrady which would send them in the opposite direction.
It may not be the best deal we can get for McGrady, but if that was all that was available, I'd still do it. Yao and Shaq have enough respect for each other to work something out during the Reg Season and will give each other much needed breaks. Come Playoff time, Rick can dictate the minutes depending on the match-up, not to mention a solid insurance policy on each other. Shaq and Artest would make a nasty combo as well.
Phoenix would receive money from insurance to pay for McGrady's contract until he comes back. They would save money from paying Shaq's salary.
Do you know the exact details of that insurance? I read about it on Feigen's blog but know nothing about the exact numbers. If it's a signficant amount of McGrady's contract that gets covered, then maybe this is plausible enough to meet Phoenix's savings demands. Assuming no other deals, they would be adding twice the difference between McGrady's and Shaq's contracts because of LT so I imagine the insurance would have to cover at least that amount (and likely a lot more since there would be no incentive if the insurance gets them right back where they were with Shaq's contract). Plus, what if McGrady is able to play for some reason to start the season? Phoenix would get screwed royally. It seems like saving money is a big priority for them and I don't think they covet McGrady as a player in any way so they wouldn't take the risk of having to pay big if he is suddenly able to play sooner than expected.
But how does it count towards the full team salary? I believe LT is the major problem here. And I just cant see Shaq playing 2nd fiddle to yao. He is just to proud for that.
i think it's one of the dumbest things i've heard in a while. shaq as yao's backup? the same guy who can't get over the fact that he's not the best anymore? as a 20 mio backup for one of the players he's jealous of? sounds like a great idea...
I'm just dreaming here but, I'd love to see the face of any NBA player looking at a Roster with Yao, Shaq, Artest, and Battier.
Yao and Shaq Championship before the season even starts That temporarily brought joy to my heart We know its not gonna happen unless Shaq takes a pay cut but the thought is nice.
This Twin Towers version would be playing at slow motion. Brooks would have to apply on the breaks for most parts of the game. Waiting for both Yao and Shaq to get back on offense. Unless, they can get the rebound and throw it down court for Brooks and others to do their fast break.
Shaq can still be the starting C. Yao plays 20 min as a backup, which is actually good for Yao's health and the Rockets.
Isn't Shaq a good outlook passer? Either way.... Yao and Shaq? Wow.... Honestly.... Having one back-up another would be amazing. Both play around 24 minutes. This would help their fatigue/injury proneness a lot.
