[Lefty Noob]

Just curious about something. We all pretty much seem to be in agreement that, while Shaq's still a force on the court [he's averaging nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds per game], he seems to be losing a step. That's only natural when you're in your 14th season. But I wonder how much longer he can keep playing at an effective level? How much gas is left in Shaq Diesel's tank?

[wvuauthor]

I think that Shaq has plenty left in his tank. If he can maintain his weight I do not see any reason that he cannot go another 3 to 4 years until he is close to 40.

I belive Shaq will be turning 34 this March, so he still has some left.

[victory69]

he can paly as longas he wants to in some shape or form . with his size and ability he can be a force until teh end of time

[wvuauthor]

I am not so sure I agree with that. If he does not maintain his weight, as he gets older he will become injury prone. His weight will start causing issues with his knees and ankles which will eventually hinder his ability to get up and down the floor.

This guy is one of the greatest players of all time, and I cannot see him staying around and embarrassing himself.

[legend]

O'Neal is hard pressed now to control his weight and almost seems bored at times on the court. I do not see him playing beyond next season. As to where his place in NBA history is, I do consider him one of the best centers, certainly the best of his own era, but not even close to the talent levels of Jabbar, Russell, or Chamberlain.

[mcclainbabygirl]

I think Shaq will play 2-3 more years he really wants to bring that championship to Miami that he promised. Through this year I think Shaq has played better basketball, he doesn't score 30-40 pts but he doesn't have to he has Wade and the other guys on the team to help out. I think the Heat will get better with time they had a lot of changes this year.

[Lefty Noob]

Without a doubt, yesterday was one of the best game's I've seen out of Shaq in a long time. He hit his first 14 shots and finished with 31 points and 9 boards as Miami beat Seattle. O'Neal clearly isn't as consistant as he once was, but he proved on Saturday that he can still be a threat at times.

[cjg11582]

Tell me about it, I am in a fantasy basketball dogfight this week and that Shaq game really tipped the scale.
Anyways, back to reality, he should be in full health for the playoffs and they should once again take Detroit to seven games. Assuming both teams are healthy (which is a stretch for Miami), the off season acquisitions for Miami will make the difference, for better or worse.

[Lefty Noob]

Tell me about it, I am in a fantasy basketball dogfight this week and that Shaq game really tipped the scale.

And I assume that those scales weren't exactly tipped in your favor, either, huh?

[cjg11582]

You are spot on Lefty, this is my first year participating in any form of fantasy sports, and I have been decimated by injuries. Frankly its rather agitating. Luckily though, because this was everyone's first year in my league, I was able to snag Kobe in the second round. Hasn't made enough of a difference because I am still in last place, better luck next year I suppose.

[Lefty Noob]

Yeah, I think we've all been there, cjg. For me this year, it was football... but I disgress, because this isn't the time or the place to get into my fantasy football woes.

I wonder just how many games like this Shaq has left in him, especially around playoff time.

[mcclainbabygirl]

How many years do you think he has left? Shaq has been doing well lately so they could be a threat in the Finals just have to get by Detroit and they have showed they can beat them.