Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
During NBA TV's show Tuesday to announce the league's schedule for the 2011-12 season – one jeopardized by a lockout – O'Neal referred to the Heat as having a "Big 2." Since Bosh, Wade and James teamed up in Miami, they've been called the "Big 3" in many circles. "The Miami Heat, they've got a lot of great players, the `Big 2.' They will be back," O'Neal said from Louisiana during the broadcast, when discussing the NBA finals and how Dallas was able to beat Miami for the title. "LeBron James is taking a lot of criticism, but I know LeBron very well. He hears everything that everyone is saying, so I think he's going to come back and have an MVP year this year."
After the discussion turned to O'Neal's health and his decision to retire, the talk was steered back to his "Big 2" comment.
O'Neal laughed off the notion that a controversy was already getting started.
"Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, you know, they're great players, they're probably the greatest backcourt ever assembled," O'Neal said. "And you know, they're going to get back. They're going to get back. They play well, they went through a lot, they put a lot of pressure on themselves. That's how they like it. And they will be back."
This is exactly why TNT and NBA TV hired Shaq. He's not the most articulate guy and he won't dazzle us with analysis of defending the high pick-and-roll, but he will take shots at players.
Shaq has a history of blasting Chris Bosh. He called Bosh the "Rupaul of big men" two years ago. And after signing with the Celtics, he said the Heat "have a great 1-2."
I'm not a fan of Bosh, but if any Heat player deserves a slight following the NBA Finals, it's Lebron James. Shaq wouldn't go there, because he and James are buddies.
If Shaq is going to sling arrows, he can't play favorites.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Rapid Reaction: Cs 2012 schedule | Good in Green: Al Thornton | Herald – No lockout on NBA schedule | Globe – Celtics to open vs Cleveland | Labor: Two sides to meet Friday |
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
