Hawks should cruise past Shaq

By Bud L. Ellis

He turns 39 years old in March. He’s not exactly the swiftest player in the world. He’s been known to slow teams down in the clubhouse with injuries and drama.

So if you are the Atlanta Hawks, why exactly are you interested in Shaquille O’Neal?

This isn’t the Shaq Daddy who led the Lakers to three NBA titles and captured a fourth ring with the Heat, the dominant big man who could be counted on for 20 points, 12 rebounds and a few “ah-ha” moments each night.

No, this O’Neal is a guy who played just 53 games last season for Cleveland, averaging 12 points and 6.7 boards while shooting 56.6 percent from the floor (third-lowest percentage of his career).

I just don’t see the Hawks – a team that thrives on pushing the tempo; a team that needs chemistry after coming apart at the seams in the playoffs – benefiting from signing Shaq. With Joe Johnson already garnering max money, there isn’t much financial wiggle room left for Atlanta.

What cash is left for 2010-11 would be better spent on somebody other than the relic once known as the Big Diesel.

—30—

Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 8:02 pm by bud

Tags: Atlanta Hawks news, Atlanta Hawks schedule, Atlanta Hawks tickets, Joe Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Shaquille O’Neal