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Originally Posted by lapiston They are a roadblock. Shaq will round in shape as the season progresses for a playoff run. Wade works well off of Shaq. With this team, the question is how well we contain those two. We don't match up that well with either. On the other hand, the Heat are a team thrown together, not playing at last year's level, Shaq's a year older and at least we know Wade's game now. Wonder if we see Davis on Shaq. How will we guard Wade? |
We saw two things in the last matchup between the two teams. One, Davis could not guard Shaq. Not at all. We will see take two on this tonight.
Next, Evans was suppose to have guarded Wade well for a quarter last season. His claim to fame so to speak. But in that first game this preseason, we saw not one lick of ability on Evan's part to guard Wade. Guess we will see take two on this also.
Now as for the abilities of Ben, Dyess, and Sheed to guard Shaq. Pretty much a given that Shaq will score or end up at the line every time. Occasionally, we might deny Shaq the ball. But too occasionally. We can expect serious foul trouble to set in early.
We play Miami three times yet before the playoffs, so we got not just this game to figure things out. But still, it would be nice to see if Darko can check Shaq at least a tad better than the other 4 bigs. And its not even out of the question we could throw Maxiell on the big fella. Why not. He can foul someone just like Davis can. Heck, I bet Maxiell is stronger. Can't hurt.
On Wade, Rip will guard him quite a bit and do so so at it. Tay will guard him too and do ok again but not that great at all. Rip's a bit quicker and a little better at following Wade vs. Tay.
Once in a while, we will see Wade matchup with Arroyo or Delfino. I do not expect much from either of these two on that matchup, but the more they can do the better.
About our best bet to contain Wade well come the playoffs is to return a healthy Hunter to the team. This past series with Miami, Hunter shut down Wade pretty darn effectively.
Our best bet on containing Shaq is to sign EC for the remainder of the season. However, if Darko can give us 10 to 15 quality minutes on Shaq, that won't be needed. I'd still sign him anyway as depth is grand.
Lets say that as I suspect, Davis is completely ineffective vs. Shaq. Next game we play Miami then, activate Acker who can at least Chase Wade a bit for us.