• Changing RCF's index page, please click on "Forums" to access the forums.

Shaq had successful surgery on thumb -- out approx. 8 weeks (post #586)

Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Status
Not open for further replies.
Re: Shaq had successful surgery on thumb - out 8 weeks (post #586)

Benedict_Boozer said:
Could be worse. In a way we are fortunate it happened now, would have been a disaster for example if this happened in the 1st round or later in the season.

A little adversity sometimes only makes you stronger.
Click to expand...

Yup, he could have had the surgery at Cleveland Clinic and be subjected to Staph...:eek::eek::chuckles:
 
8 weeks from today is april 26th. The playoffs start April 17th. So if things stay on schedule, he'd be back for the 2nd round, which could be any of Orlando, Boston or Atlanta. Only 1 loss separates the 3 teams.
 
It's on Shaq to stay in shape through this period, or even take this as an oppurtunity to get in better shape for the playoffs.

Something tells me we don't gotta worry about him losing his shooting stroke through this period, so doing as much cardio, leg and core work as he possibly can would show his dedication to winning ring number four.

The rest will theoretically do him some good too as he's been doing more than we need him to the last few weeks. I definitely think Shaq is the kind of player who benefits visibly from being given time to rest and recuperate during the season, as opposed to a guy like Z, whose offensive game is totally focused around his jumper, doesn't really seem to benefit from it.
 
LJ4MVP said:
8 weeks from today is april 26th. The playoffs start April 17th. So if things stay on schedule, he'd be back for the 2nd round, which could be any of Orlando, Boston or Atlanta. Only 1 loss separates the 3 teams.
Click to expand...

I think that, as of now, Boston is the most likely candidate for us in the second round (assuming we hold on to the first seed, which I certainly see happening). Orlando will probably create a little separation between the three teams because their schedule is favorable for this month. That leaves Atlanta and Boston. Atlanta is currently healthy and Boston is in the midst of falling apart. If it comes down to a tie, obviously Atlanta would grab that three seed because of their dominance over the Celts this year. Bringing Shaq against Boston would be ideal because we could limit Shaq's minutes, allowing us to play small and still allow him to get back in the swing of things.
 
Big difference between being in shape and being in game shape. Last year the Cavs had a long break betweent he first and second round. Hopefully the team can get some hard practices in and help get Shaq back up to speed.

For all the Magic talk, I'm still not convinced they're going to get by Boston if that's their second round opponent.
 
I know Shaq has a history of not keeping in shape during time off, but I get a different sense from him today. Call it ESP or something, but I kinda think I can think similar to Shaq since he practically raised me (a fan since I was 5, 22 now).

I get that his "win a ring for the king" is real but at the same time he WANTS another sing, to just solidify his big man resume. With that in mind, you most likely will see a Shaq light on his feet, jumping for blocks and dunking when its the time to come back.

Also keep in mind he does what seems impossible to do by many players, he turns it on come playoff time....he can smell the ring already and this is the most talented team he has been on since his Laker days, could even be better.
 
Re: Shaq had successful surgery on thumb - out 8 weeks (post #586)

texascavsfan said:
Yup, he could have had the surgery at Cleveland Clinic and be subjected to Staph...:eek::eek::chuckles:
Click to expand...

Except he's not a member of the Browns.
 
As long as he doesn't hit the buffet too hard I think this will be fine,

It's not like Jameer Nelson last year where we'll be expecting him to come back and run offense and be the main ball handler. The things we'll need from him are really just individual things. man to man defense and post scoring.

Also, I still think that 8 weeks is a conservative estimate. If he's not back by game 1 of the first round, I'll be surprised.

I am looking forward to seeing a "new look" team for the next couple weeks. The decrease in defense will undoubtably be frustrating but it should still be fun.

And one last thing, when Z returns, do we start him? Or do we continue to use Varejao in the starting role so that we can keep that inside/outside PF/C dynamic with Jamison/Varejao and Hickson/Ilgauskas. I think I would like to continue starting Varejao at the 5 alongside Jamison.
 
I'm much less worried about Shaq staying in shape, than losing his touch around the basket.

Here is his shooting breakdown:

October/November/December - 50.9% FG
January/February - 62.4% FG

It took Shaq quite awhile to get get going this year and that wasn't just finding him in the right spots as the announcers like to say. His close hooks had little rotation and arc early, as he has taken huge offensive steps as the season has progressed and clearly shaken off some early rust.

Hopefully when he does return, he is already the Shaq of 2010 that showed soft touch around the rim because we won't have the margin of error that we had early on.
 
The team will be fine, what we want to do is make sure we stay #1 on the east and hope Orlando gets tired and or loses games in the long run.
 
Josh Criiiiibbs said:
I'm much less worried about Shaq staying in shape, than losing his touch around the basket.

Here is his shooting breakdown:

October/November/December - 50.9% FG
January/February - 62.4% FG

It took Shaq quite awhile to get get going this year and that wasn't just finding him in the right spots as the announcers like to say. His close hooks had little rotation and arc early, as he has taken huge offensive steps as the season has progressed and clearly shaken off some early rust.

Hopefully when he does return, he is already the Shaq of 2010 that showed soft touch around the rim because we won't have the margin of error that we had early on.
Click to expand...

A reasonable concern, but I personally think it was more about learning where his shots come in this system & how he has to play as a Cavalier than it was about him being rusty with his shot. The guy's been playing for 18 years, he didn't suddenly forget how to shoot and play.

Shaq knows this system inside and out now though, and remember, it's not like he's just going to kick it on the couch for two months and then show up in April. He'll be with the team at practices and games. He's not going to need the adjustment that he needed early on because this is a totally different scenario.
 
I like how Shaq said , "ITS ON" when he gets back , hope he smack Glen Davis UpSide His DAm Head Too !!!
 
From what I could see Shaq's offensive problems earlier in the season were from a lack of elevation and lift, making all of his shots flat and low trajectory. When he started making them it was because he got his legs in shape, and started elevating much better. His release came from a higher point, giving him a better trajectory.

So it will be critical for him to keep his legs in condition and his weight down so he can get off the floor. If he does that he'll find the range on his shots.
 
theSTEREO. said:
A reasonable concern, but I personally think it was more about learning where his shots come in this system & how he has to play as a Cavalier than it was about him being rusty with his shot. The guy's been playing for 18 years, he didn't suddenly forget how to shoot and play.

Shaq knows this system inside and out now though, and remember, it's not like he's just going to kick it on the couch for two months and then show up in April. He'll be with the team at practices and games. He's not going to need the adjustment that he needed early on because this is a totally different scenario.
Click to expand...

I don't think this will be the case, I just think the idea of rust is way more of a concern than conditioning.

Will Shaq go Stanley Roberts on us? No.
Will Shaq/Cavs need a few games to adjust? Hopefully not.

I just can't understand the people who are concerned about Shaq staying in shape. He WILL stay in shape. His thumb is injured, not his knees.

The only legitimate concern for me is how well he adjusts back into the lineup, which will ultimately decide whether we win a championship or not.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Rubber Rim Job Podcast Video

Episode 3-15: "Cavs Survive and Advance"

Rubber Rim Job Podcast Spotify

Episode 3:15: Cavs Survive and Advance
Top