Based on the season so far, has Shaq been a good acquisition for Cleveland?

I'm curious, because I thought it was a bad deal for the Cavs, though I understood their reasoning. However, I've only really been able to see the Cavs play the Celtics on opening night, so I'm largely in the dark about how his play has affected them. Opinions?

Seriously, Shaquille O'Neal deserved his All-Star spot last season in PHX. The rejuvenated O'Neal posted a solid line of 17.8 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 60.9 FG%, 11.2 FGA at age 36 mind have you. However, this season the 37 year old C that has captivated NBA fans for a career that spans nearly 2 decades with his sheer dominant presence and power, is obviously not what he used to be. Even if he is and has a lot left in the tank his acquisition really hasn't helped Cleveland all that much and his stats are indicative of that. That is why if he as so much makes the All-Star team on his legacy alone leaving behind a worthy All-Star caliber player, like David Lee in the dust then I would be beside myself in anger.

If anything Shaq's acquisition has made Cleveland obviosly vulnerable to run n gun teams. Cleveland is a lot slower than what they were before. Shaq's presence clogs the middle, which makes it difficult for James to finish in the paint (something he's always done well). His presence may work against DH12 in the paint, but that remains to be seen. The fact of the matter is that the way it looks now Shaq's presence won't get Cleveland over the hump against teams that fit the mold of a running style.

I honestluy have no problem with shaq. He is the one who can get us through the plyoffs. The teams Cleveland lost were mainly young and fast teams. In the playoffs we are going to meet teams with veterans and defensive players. He is a serious threat because he can get anybody in an early foul trouble.

No,he's good for them.His game will be shown in the playoffs most

So far shaq hasnt been playing that well, he is bricking too many layups

At least he is better than Z

The Cavs are 15-7, maybe not quite where they want to be, but they're in good hands right now.

Yes, Shaq is a good pickup. You'll need his savvy in the playoffs. A big man is supposed to clog the lane anyway, so that can't possibly make LeBron look worse. I think only LeBron himself can make himself look worse. Anyone who wants to blame Shaq only 25% of the way into the season is just making an excuse as to why they are 15-7 instead of 22-0. LeBron is averaging 8.2 dimes this year, a CAREER HIGH, and he's been passing the love his entire career averaging at least 6 apg every year except his first when he was just under it by a tad.

I would kill for a 15-7 Wizards start right now, and we're better than last year at least, to say the least...

Shaq has been a good pickup, certainly better than Ben Wallace/Pavlovic were last year, but he hasn't lived up to all the hype he got with playing alongside LeBron. Can't blame him though, he's 37.

Maybe it's just me, but Shaq doesn't look as happy or spry as he did last year.

I'm curious to how well the chemistry is between LeBron and O'neal.

Ultimately the Cavs made this move to counter Dwight Howard and the Celtics, Spurs and Lakers frontline down the line.

Nick C wrote:

Maybe it's just me, but Shaq doesn't look as happy or spry as he did last year.

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its the cold weather man... He has played in Orlando, Miami, L.A. and Arizona.... the cold weather is getting to him

He is bricking easy layups and IMO he isnt getting alot of minutes

Those are both valid points.

tbh, i dont think shaq is helping or hurting the Cavs.

i think Anthony Parker is having a bigger impact on the team... in a not so good way.

Shaq missed a few games this year and the Cavs looked fine without him. With him, they look the same. The only reason why they got him was because Howard owned them in the Playoffs. But now, athletic centers that can shoot from the outside are killing Shaq. So the Cavs are almost in the same position

He's actually doing good