Start a new franchise-20years old Shaq or Lebron?

[tsherkin]

I'd definitely take Shaq.

[Baller 24]

Shaq and quite easily, its hard to find great centers out there that can dominant like him.

[RJM]

I'd love to start a team with a 20-yr old Shaquille O'Neal. By starting him from the beginning, we would be able to shave off the horrible habits he had (bad work ethic, weight & fitness issues) and extend his productive career an extra five years. Two good drafts and a few good free agencies (along with a trade or two) and you have an Orlando Magic team destined for a championship. Except this time, with stronger players and a Penny Hardaway that doesn't get injured/come back too early from injury.

[The Main Event]

So why didn't Shaq win a title until he was with the Lakers? Orlando got to develop a franchise around him and it didn't get them a title.

[The Main Event]

I'd love to start a team with a 20-yr old Shaquille O'Neal. By starting him from the beginning, we would be able to shave off the horrible habits he had (bad work ethic, weight & fitness issues) and extend his productive career an extra five years. Two good drafts and a few good free agencies (along with a trade or two) and you have an Orlando Magic team destined for a championship. Except this time, with stronger players and a Penny Hardaway that doesn't get injured/come back too early from injury.

It's good to know that you are well versed in development strategies of professional basketball players. What organization are you working with right now or are you just talking in ridiculous hypotheticals.
Don't you think that when Orlando got Shaq they had all the things you just mentioned in mind? Easier said than done pal.

[Jordan23Forever]

So why didn't Shaq win a title until he was with the Lakers? Orlando got to develop a franchise around him and it didn't get them a title.

Umm, Orlando went to the Finals in '95 and would have likely been favored over Seattle in '96 had they not run into, you know, the greatest player ever and a top 5 team ever. After that Penny got injured and Shaq bolted for LA. Orlando definitely would have had at least a title or two if Jordan never existed and Shaq didn't leave so quickly.

[big3_8_19_21]

lol, vote is 20 to 1 Shaq over LeBron. As it should be.

[tsherkin]

So why didn't Shaq win a title until he was with the Lakers? Orlando got to develop a franchise around him and it didn't get them a title.

Umm, Orlando went to the Finals in '95 and would have likely been favored over Seattle in '96 had they not run into, you know, the greatest player ever and a top 5 team ever. After that Penny got injured and Shaq bolted for LA. Orlando definitely would have had at least a title or two if Jordan never existed and Shaq didn't leave so quickly.

And also if Dennis Scott and Nick Anderson had testicles, that's an important addendum.

[DrunkOnMystery]

So why didn't Shaq win a title until he was with the Lakers? Orlando got to develop a franchise around him and it didn't get them a title.

Umm, Orlando went to the Finals in '95 and would have likely been favored over Seattle in '96 had they not run into, you know, the greatest player ever and a top 5 team ever. After that Penny got injured and Shaq bolted for LA. Orlando definitely would have had at least a title or two if Jordan never existed and Shaq didn't leave so quickly.

And also if Dennis Scott and Nick Anderson had testicles, that's an important addendum.

Oh sweet Bejeebus. I still have nightmares over those damn Nick Anderson freethrows.

[Blame Rasho]

I think any rational person would say Shaq.

[Malinhion]

Yeah, I don't think Nick Anderson ever hit a free throw after those misses.

[Birth of the Cool]

Shaq is the obvious answer.

I lived in Orlando went Shaq was drafted by them. This guy was intimidating a legend like Ewing in his rookie season. Personally I wasn't a fan of his game back then but you had to concede he was dominant from the get go. 3-D and Nick Anderson survived off of Shaq's dominance in the paint.

He had the big body / the superior strength / the athleticism and most importantly he knew how to use/exploit it to his advantage. It was almost comical seeing Shaq run down the floor trying to get early deep position on opposing Centers, you knew something bad was going to happen.

Skiles was a bad mofo back in those days too (guess some might say he still is).

[Farm Raid]

Actually, I wouldn't say "people believe this" . . . most people believe Jordan wins multiple championships with anything resembling a decent supporting cast and regardless of coaching . . . it is one of the most controversial things I've ever said and I always get flamed for it but I do believe it.

But...he had already got farther in the playoffs without those people than you said he would've without them, so...

[T-Spot]

Shaq was basically a ~27/12/2.5/57% behemoth for a decade.

You gotta take him. Everyone can keep saying "this is a guards league now!", but big men are still kings.

[shawngoat23]

Shaq, even though 20 year old Lebron > 20 year old Shaq.