Will Shaq be magic for the Cavs?

[cleaveland]

Could he possibly be the difference in a Magic-Cavs series? John Hollinger wrote this before the season started: "Over the summer, the Suns traded O'Neal to Cleveland, where his primary responsibility will be to keep himself ready to defend Dwight Howard in the conference finals."

When I read that I thought Shaq's still a superstar and making $21 million a year, no way that could be right.

Everything's played out exactly as Hollinger said. Now it looks like the first two rounds of the playoffs will be Shaq's preseason and the season for Shaq will start in the third round. His entire reason for existing on the Cavs roster and making $21 million is seemingly for one purpose: to neutralize Howard in the conference finals.

Will Shaq be magic for the Cavs?

[Domestic]

Would be nice to see the big man dominate one last time!

[canon714]

I hope not... I have the lakers to win it all. And the way they have been playing it looks scary

[oiler]

think the shaq days have been over for awhile but i think he could give some strong minutes in little spurts but if cleveland going to win it all.it wont be because shaq

[cleaveland]

think the shaq days have been over for awhile but i think he could give some strong minutes in little spurts but if cleveland going to win it all.it wont be because shaq

Shaq's player efficiency rating last year was 22.33 and a respectable 17.94 this year. He's still capable of ranging from excellent to very good.

[cleaveland]

Shaq played great today, he's ready to win championship #5!

[Mac4Lyfe]

Cav's would have cut the nets down last year if Ferry got off his thumbs and made the Shaq deal last year. Shaq is still an unmovable force in the low post and his value will be neutralizing Howard. He's been fairly even every time he's gone up against Howard. That's all the Cav's need.

[yisman]

I think Cleveland would win the series, but not necessarily because of Shaq.

Jamison makes an even bigger difference, and Vince Carter instead of Turkoglu on the other side is significant. I would be very concerned having VC be maybe even my primary playmaker in the playoffs.

I think Atlanta would beat Orlando in a series right now.

My East rankings:

1)Cleveland
2)Atlanta
3)Orlando

rest not really a major threat.

[GRUMPERZ]

He was playin possum all year. He is lox.

[LarryF]

Shaq played very well yesterday, a lot of heart. If he can continue his play, the Cavs will be extremely dangerous.

[G's pks]

teams are going to foul Shaq down the stretch...should be interesting watching him shoot FT's.

[OmgUrMom]

will be interesting to see, not really sure to be honest!

[Mantis]

He looks good since dropping some pounds.