The Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O’Neal(The Big Aristotle, The Big Cactus, The Big Asthmatic) has undergone a total personality change. From the troubles of his time in Miami where the team was on a 17 game losing streak, to the Kobe drama in which he performed a rap about how Kobe can’t win without him, to losing in the first round of last years playoffs to the San Antonio Spurs. He’s now noticeably much happier in his tone, and appears to be on the offensive against Spurs coach Greg Popovich.
Here’s an interesting article…..
“Wed Oct 15, 2008 10:00 am EDT
Shaq calls Spurs cowards, rips Nash and Suns’ defense
By J.E. Skeets
As anyone who has ever been around a New York nightclub can attest, Suns center — legend, sheriff, rapper, etc. — Shaquille O’Neal tends to shoot from the hip/lip when he gets in front of a microphone. He’s like Charles Barkley, but with a deeper voice and rhythm.
Well, Sports 620 KTAR had a mic at Suns practice Tuesday, so, naturally, The Big Outspoken did what he does best: talk. The money quote came when he was asked about the Suns’ first-round loss to the Spurs in last year’s playoffs. O’Neal said he didn’t mind that “Hack-a-Shaq” strategy wasn’t changed in the rules during the offseason, but that there is no need to do it when a team is up 10 points. Shaq, via FanHouse:
“When you’re down, I can see using that as a strategy. But when you’re up 10, 15 points, there’s really no need for that. That’s a coward move. And he knows that. I’ll make ‘em pay for that.”
You hear that, Gregg Popovich? You’re a coward! A coward hiding behind a beard!
And the fun/embarrassment didn’t stop there. Later in the media scrum — earmuffs, Nash and Raja! — Shaq asks how he’s supposed to stay in front Tony Parker and company if the Phoenix guards can’t, and then notes a blown defensive rotation on Tim Duncan’s [fudge'n] three in Game 1. He also takes credit for James Posey and Jason Kapono’s fat free agent contracts. <a “
I’m a fan of Shaq. I think the guy is one big goofy guy who doesn’t take too much seriously unless you tell him he can’t. This will be an interesting year as the Suns vs. Spurs heat seems to be turning up once again.
BTW, Shaq is responsible for leading the efforts to world peace if anyone hasn’t noticed.
