Shaq’s Talking About Touches

From Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic:

“I could average 27 and 10 in this league easily,” O’Neal said. “Easily. In this conference, in this league, easily. Eyes closed.

“I can but I’ve got to get the opportunities. I’m not really the first option on this team but when I get it down there, I’ll do what I do. Like I told everybody, ‘You want me to be Shaq?’ Then I’ve got to get the Shaq touches and Shaq opportunities. I just can’t be taking five shots . . . and then you look at me like I’m old. I could average 27 and 10 until I’m 50.”

O’Neal has connected on 59.7% of his shot attempts this season. O’Neal’s shooting percentage is second only to Nene’s league leading 60.6% from the field so it’s easy to see why Shaq believes he could average 27 and 10.

Even at 36 years of age, there isn’t a player in the NBA that can stop Shaq one-on-one. But it’s not a matter of touches, it’s a matter of minutes. O’Neal is no longer capable of playing the minutes required to reach such lofty plateaus.

O’Neal averaged 38 minutes per game over his last five seasons in LA, including a career-high 40 minutes per contest during his MVP season. Shaq’s minutes have decreased every season since he left the Lakers.

Shaq conditioning has deteriorated over the years, and as result, The Diesel has difficulty staying out of foul trouble. Shaq averaged 3.3 fouls per 38 minutes with the Lakers. O’Neal has exceeded that average (3.5) in only 28 minutes per game with the Suns.

O’Neal’s whine is nothing new. Shaq’s complained about touches in Orlando, Los Angeles, Miami, and now Phoenix. His statement bears some truth. With increased opportunities, Shaq could easily average 27 and 10. But as I pointed out, it’s not matter of making him the focal point of Phoenix’ offense. Shaq is averaging 15.8 pgg on 10.1 shots per game.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar averaged 15.5 shot attempts in 33 minutes per game at the age of 36. Jabbar averaged 21.5 ppg and shot 57.8% from the field that season. If O’Neal wants “Shaq touches,” he should devote himself to his offseason conditioning so he’s capable of playing Shaq minutes.