HT: 7-1 | WT: 315 | AGE: 27 | YR: 8
PTS: 26.9 | REB: 14.4 | BLK: 3.2
By Kevin Loughery
Special to ESPN.com
I think Shaquille O'Neal is working on the MVP award this season. A lot of credit has to be given to Phil Jackson and his coaching staff because they have him playing winning basketball.
In the past, Shaq has had injuries and missed several games, but he entered this season in top physical condition. He is rebounding and blocking shots as well as scoring. Shaq is doing everything to win games. If he continues at the current pace without getting injured, he will probably be the MVP. Shaq has bought into Jackson's system. Jackson came to the Lakers with a lot of power and a strong reputation, one Shaq has really respected.
Shaq has made a lot of improvements since entering the league. I coached against him in his first NBA exhibition game, and I believe he had 10-12 turnovers in the game. He couldn't pass the ball at all, but he is a pretty good passer now. Poor foul shooting in key spots remains his one Achilles heel, and that will be important when the Lakers get to the playoffs.
People tend to think he just dunks a lot, but Shaq has developed solid footwork and nice post-up moves, ones he didn't have his rookie year because he was so powerful. He is in an offensive situation now where he can be more than just a power player.
In a one-on-one situation, nobody can match up with Shaq. The other night, Atlanta's Dikembe Mutombo played him extremely well, but the Lakers won the game -- and that's what matters most. The Lakers are the best team in the West, mainly because of Shaq. |
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HT: 7-0 | WT: 255 | AGE: 23 | YR: 3
PTS: 24.0 | REB: 13.1 | BLK: 2.5
By Dr. Jack Ramsay
Special to ESPN.com
Shaquille O'Neal is a dominator, especially this season, but Tim Duncan is a more complete player and arguably the best player in the NBA.
Shaq is the current Wilt Chamberlain in the basket area; nobody can stop him. He also resembles Chamberlain with his free-throw shooting. But I can't remember a big forward as versatile as Duncan -- one who could shoot from long range, plus drive, post-up, run the floor, rebound and defend.
Duncan has great control of his bank shot off the glass and has a quick release. He can put it on the floor in either direction and can finish with either hand at the basket. He has a solid turnaround jumper and nice footwork. Because he is so well balanced and gets his shot under such good control, Duncan is in a position to rebound his own miss, if that happens. You will see him frequently tap in his own missed shot. He is developing as a passer; he is not as good as he will be and should be, but that will come with experience.
For a player who doesn't have great quickness, Duncan gets up and down the floor well and has good stamina. He runs the floor hard so he can participate in the fast break, usually as a trailer coming through to get the scoring pass in transition.
As a defender, he has guarded players at every position on the floor. In his rookie year, Gregg Popovich would use him to defend the opposing team's point guard on occasion. Duncan has always excelled as a defender against everyone, from point guards to centers.
Most importantly, Duncan has a great team attitude. He is only concerned with winning and how to improve his game to help his team win. It may only be his third year in the league, but he had four years of college and is a mature, intelligent player and person. Nothing seems to surprise him. |
