Shaquille O'Neal, Cleveland's Big Acquisition, returned to the lineup Friday night as the Cavaliers faced Charlotte. And the Bobcats won 94-87, with the Cavs' offense coming out awful in the box score (94 points per 100 possessions), even when you account for Charlotte's league-leading (!) defense. A team with that much offensive talent (including, you know, The Chosen One) can't be limited to 87 points against anyone.An early, pre-injury criticism of these new Cavaliers was that Shaq "clogged the lane" on offense, rendering LeBron James and Mo Williams less efficient by throwing the halfcourt off-balance. Is that real, or just a facile excuse that makes intuitive sense but isn't backed up by data?
Well, the numbers do say Shaq is doing something bad to Cleveland's offense.
According to 82games.com, the Cleveland offense is more than eight points per 48 minutes worse when Shaq is on the floor. What in particular is the problem? Well, Cleveland's shooting is worse with Shaq playing (even though Shaq tends to be a high-efficiency player) and the team's offensive rebounding is worse. The biggest deal, though, might be in drawing fouls: the Cavs average four free throws per 48 minutes fewer with Shaq on the court. Of course, a huge part of LeBron's game is drawing fouls -- Shaq seems to hamper that part of the offense, according to the numbers.
According to data provided by BasketballValue.com, the most frequently used line-up which includes Shaq -- that'd be O'Neal-James-Anthony Parker-Mo Williams-Anderson Varejao -- has an awful Offensive Rating, 96.6 points per 100 possessions. The team's most-used Shaqless line-up (James-Parker-Williams-Zydrunas Ilgauskas-J.J. Hickson)? An Offensive Rating of 113.7. In fact, of the team's 10 most frequently used line-ups which feature LeBron, the only two units which have scored less than 107 per 100 possessions both feature O'Neal.
Data analysis -- especially line-up data -- is limited by sample size concerns. But this is a case where the easiest explanation for the intermittent offensive woes for Cleveland -- it's Shaq's fault -- seem to fit the numbers.
Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Shaq came to Cleveland to help the Cavs with bigger stronger teams like Orlando and Boston. Against smaller quicker teams like Atlanta, he should play less minutes. Mike Brown still does'nt have a clue on how to use him and seems really confused outside of going to Lebron. Cleveland will be really good, when the talent is used properly.
can we finally admit that mike brown is a bad coach?
Why do you think Steve Nash wanted him gone?
Look how Phoenix did last year versus this.
He does clog the lane, and they are definitely worse with Shaq. I like the guy, but it's time to go.
By the way, Cleveland is one of the worst teams in basketball without LeBron, Shaq or no Shaq.
Shaq was supposed to improve the defense. Your analysis doesn't look at whether he is doing that, and if so whether it is sufficient to compensate for the loss of offense. For an accurate analysis, you need to look at the opposing teams' offensive numbers when Shaq is in versus when he is out.
LIKE....DUH ! WHY DO YOU THINK THE SUNS LET HIM GO?????????? BECAUSE HE HELPED THEM???
HE NEEDS TO RETIRE
I said at the time of the Shaq trade (to Cleveland fans who didn't like it--go figure) that Shaq would have the same detrimental effect on LeBron that he did on Amare TZ.
Both players get the majority of their offense by taking the ball 20 feet away, and either going to the cup or using their immense offensive skills to get shots for others (more LeBron).
With LeBron, and I said this back in June, is that if he doesn't develop a consistent mid range game (which he doesn't have now) to work with Shaq, that pairing will never work because LeBron will have to dance around Shaq, and possibly vice versa.
Why Danny Ferry didn't understand this I have no idea. Then again, Cleveland was desperate to make LeBron happy, and that is no easy task.
Let me sort of also add this. I based this off an article in February about why Amare was less effective that TZ put out.
But, it seems to me the same logic applies even though Amare and LeBron don't technically play the same positions.
Brown needs to adjust. Shaq is still great in the center. Adapt your game and Lebron will last longer and have fewer injuries. They will start winning.
C`mon stop blaming Shaq, LeBron is good but has the ball too much.
Yea go butch i agree with you! Its not shaq's fault at all!Mo Williams misses shots and LeBron has the ball way to much! LeBron is a ball hog like Kobe Bryant and Carmelo! Just admit it guys\gals. The real players are the ones who pass like Chris Paul and Dwayne Wade! All of the best players are gone!
Lebron's ball hog ?? maybe
Kobe, same ?? but at least
kobe is sharing the ball
especially with Gasol, lately.
One question ? Mike Brown ????
time to go , sorry mike.
shaq sucks pirod he needs to retired from baskketball and go play fooootball look how big he hie he should be a linebacker
He's bigger than any Linebacker I've heard of
In my opinion the problem never was at the center position but at the powerforward spot. Charles Barlkley finally said something right and that is that Cleveland has too many one trick ponies on the team; players that can only rebound or play defense and on the offensice end its like playing 4 on 5 basketball. Z has put up the same numbers and stats that shaq has.
the perfect line-up
Zlidrunas/Varajeo
Anthony Parker/Moon
Lebron James
Delonte West
Mo Williams
Shag should only be in when playing against Howard type center. This line-up won 66 games last year and is now battle tested. The key additions of Parker, Moon and Shaq need to be utilized on a "as needed" basis. For all of you that think Mike Brown should be fired should take notice. Brown promotes the defensive mindset, the offensive coordinator is running the the sets. You could say the Cavs have two head coaches which may prove to be a good thing.
They ARE winning. They tend to fall asleep at the wheel but make no mistake Cleveland will be in the Finals. There is so much talent here and if West puts his problems behind him they will be a nightmare for any team in this league
Wade??????????????????????? That guy is the biggest ball hog I have ever seen. I think he is overated too. I would like to know what is numbers are against .500+ teams? There are soooooo many great players in this league but it's proven that defense and hustle are what make champions.
Defense, hustle and chemistry.
Mike Brown doesn't have a damn clue on how to use Shaq effectively. He thinks because Shaq is who he is, he can give him unlimited minutes against every team. Shaq was good in LA and Miami because Phil Jackson and Pat Riley are not idiot coaches. He was terrible in Phoenix because his play style is not compatible with Amare and Nash.
He's terrible in Cleveland because LeBron is the ultimate ballhog and Mike Brown has no idea how to coach a center. You want to know how to make Shaq lift your team? Make LeBron pass the damn ball to Shaq. If I wake up tomorrow and LeBron is averaging 20 points a game and Shaq is averaging 30, I'll know they finally did something correct. The only reason Mike Brown hasn't been fired yet is because LeBron continues to give Cleveland winning seasons. When LeBron leaves, Brown will be fired when they lose to the Nets.