Lil Red Machine

I’m a little late commenting on this. Been on vacation. However, the Cavaliers certainly haven’t been. The Cavaliers added a major piece to the puzzle by acquiring future hall of famer Shaquille O’Neal last week. How much does Shaq have left in the tank, how will he fit with LeBron James, and can he stay healthy?

Last season, Shaq posted his most productive season in the past several years. He played in 75 games, his highest total since the 99-00 year, and posted his highest scoring average since the 05-06 campaign, 17.8 points per game.

He represents an improvement over Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Big Z, I feel, still has a few seasons left in the tank, but the Cavs need an intimidator, they need a low post scoring presence, and Shaq is the guy who can give them that. Him and Z, the way I’m imagining it, can each play roughly half the game, and even though they are both old, can be one of the best center duos in the league.

Everyone knows Shaq’s style of play. He stays down low, and puts up close range shot attempt. However, will that impede Lebron? King James likes to drive it to the basket. Will they get in each others way?

Getting Shaq doesn’t solve all of their problems, though. They need an athletic power forward and another guard who can create his own shot. Orlando got better by adding Vince Carter (though they may lose Hedo Turkoglu), and Boston will be back and healthy for another run at it. The Cavaliers don’t have much cap room left. It’s a weak free agency class anyway. Next year is probably going to be the most crucial period in the history of the organization. LeBron can opt out if he so chooses. Will he be happy with the direction of the organization? Getting Shaq is a step in the right direction, especially since they basically got him for nothing. If anything else, it gives the organization a shot in the arm, and with the jerseys and shirts that the Big Diesel will sell, a big time money maker.