Shaq-early season observation

[TXSun]

I've been keeping track of Shaq's free throws so far in this early season and he has shot an incredible 15 of 23 for 65% in the first 4 games!! These are by far Shaq's best career FT numbers, I know it's early and all but still this is a positive sign. One thing I've noticed is that everytime he shoots a FT he expects to make rather than hoping he makes it. I could live with 65% however if he can some how get these numbers up to 70%, it would be amazing at this point in his career and it would be a great boost for us come playoff time. SHAQ KEEP WORKING ON THOSE FTs!!!

[Mr. Sun]

I've noticed he looks more of his old-self this year then he did last season. If he keeps improving this will be bad news for other teams.

[pidi]

Damn Shaq looks very mobile this year- didn´t expect that.
He makes it clear he´s in hunt fpr his fourth...

[-SDU-]

definately today was the most athletic ive seen him in ages

however the nets front court are pansies when it comes to defending power players so i wont read a whole lot into it yet haha

[lilfishi22]

No doubt it helps to come into training camp in shape. He's been looking great so far. Not expecting Laker's Shaq but I like his contribution so far.

[BigDaddyPR]

Well, im a hardcore Shaq fan, and i watch basicly every game he plays, wether on reg cable or league pass.... and i got to tell you that this is the best Shaq has looked since his first year in Miami where he came inspired to play...

I didnt expected this, i honestly thought he was done... this is great news for the Suns org... hes on a mission...

[eastsidecrossover]

It is early, but so far he has looked better than the last 2 years. However, it is a long season and he needs to be fresh and im not sure our bench can give enought to keep our key players the rest they need as the season goes on.

His ft looks solid and I hope he can keep it up.

[|||-Abaddon-|||]

This stems back to something I truly didnt get, that everyone was calling Shaq "washed up".

He is a victim of under-utilization. He is still best center in the league when it comes to FG percentage and will always be the easiest options for teams to get the easiest points. He has been playing well, even though I feel he has knee pains, Shaq is a strong dude, so I wouldnt be suprised if he just grinds it out.

The Suns have been playing well, but I really need to see this team knock down a Laker/Celtic/Hornet's team to really get my hopes up.

[rsavaj]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReAbjKkUKxM&fmt=18

Booya..

[DaDragicShow]

I doubt Shaq will shoot 70% from the line, but around 65% is great for him. Come playoff time if he makes 60-65% if his three throws then the hack a shaq will be gone.

[ray ray]

I agree with everyone about Shaqfu. He looks more mobile, athletic and I dare to say he is showing some explosivenes. We need to give Shaq some games off, since he's 330 lbs. If somehow Shaq can get to be around 320-310lbs come playoffs, then watch out West. We do not need Shaq to be playing at the level when he played with the Lakers, it would be nice. What we need is for Shaq to be around 65-75% of his old self in the playoffs.

Amar'e is going explode if this happens! Go Suns!!

Has anybody else notice that Nash is spotting up more than in the last couple of years? Steve Nash is the best spot on shooters in the league.

[Purple Palace]

^Just letting you know, you spelled Amare Stoudemire's name wrong in your signature.

[impulsenine]

IMHO, he's being helped a lot by the fact that we finally have a bunch of good outside shooters again: Barnes and Bell have been lighting it up (41% and 58%, respectively) from the 3, and Barbosa's always a threat. Plus Hill still makes them from time to time (25%). All that extra space in the middle, with Shaq down low gives him some space.

Plus, from the little I've seen, Amare seems to float around the free throw line, where he can take one step to the basket for a jam (which still just blows my mind).

I still have to say though -- is 65% really that great? I shoot ~70-80% from the line and I'm just some schlep who shoots free throws in my back yard when I need to take a break from work (I work at home).

What I would want from the Suns is Nash and Shaq with <4 turnovers a night between the two of them, Shaq at 70% FT, and an unhinged Amare. They do that and we're going to do much better than expected on paper. Don't know if it's championship stuff, but it'd be close with those numbers.

[Mr Smoke Weed]

shaqs biggest impact IMO has been on the defensive end

[b-ball forever]

I've been impressed w/ Shaq's play so far for sure, he better play like this in the playoffs too this time.

One thing Porter's been doing real good so far is keeping Shaq's mins low, sth D'Antoni woulda never done.
Hope he doesn't come out bitchin bout not getting enuf minutes cuz on top of being less of an injury risk with lower playtime, at this stage of his career he also plays much better when he gets to catch a break, sth he was never able to do in Miami since they lacked quality depth.

[asubennett]

How great would a shooter like Mike Miller or Mike Redd look in our new system?

You would not be able to double Amare or Shaq come playoff time with a guys like Miller, Bell and Nash standing on the three point line. Scary....

[TASTIC]

Mike Miller's a guy I've always wanted here...Don't think McHale would take Barbosa for him though, they have enough tweeners there

[BigDaddyPR]

Suns should had traded barbs in the offseason when his value was high... now IMO is going to be harder after the struggles in Porters set offense..... Maybe the Knicks, Clippers and other up tempo teams could be interested.. but he cant do nothing on a half court set.. at least thats whatb it looks like right now...

[Go7enKs]

I agree that Barbosa is not a good player in the half court. He's just born to play with D'Antoni. I believe though that he can be useful in the half court if he learns how to become more of a spot up shooter and less a slasher (something he does well only in transition).

[The Diesel]

For those who have watched all the Suns games so far this season...

1) Is Porter using Shaq better than D'Antoni did? If so, what is he doing differently?