If Shaquile O'Neal was 32, this would be blockbuster trade. But He's older than that and appears slowing down. Cleveland's effort to get a big man for LeBron won't pay off and may hasten his exit from the team when he is a free-agent. The problem is you have two big men who will clog up the middle of the post. Lebron can rebound, dunk, block shots, post up, drive for layups...Shaq can do some of those things and then you have to sit him down for a rest.
Who will demand the ball. Sometimes Shaq will. He has the rings. Some nights he may be effective. But not on back to back games. Not on the 4th night of a 6 game road trip. These will be losses for Cleveland and may not earn them the top seed in the East. And, if they don't get the top seed they are toast.
It's a big PR move made by the team, and sure to get Cleveland Cav fans excited. But it won't payoff. The Pro Game is about spacing, having men go a spot on the court to act as a decoy for a player who will get the ball. To do this, a player needs the dexterity of a dancer. Shaq can show his moves, but it won't be enough and may hinder Lebron's ability to get the ball precisely where he needs to. The Cavs already have a player who could play big--his name is Lebron James.
How this will play out will make for a interesting season for the Cavs.
