Shaq's Resurgence

Shaquille O'Neal (a.k.a. Shaq, Superman, The Big Diesel, Shaq-a-clause, The Big Aristotle, Shaqtus etc.) looks like he's playing in his prime again. It's true that he has lost a step and is not as explosive as in his earlier years, the man is still showing that he knows how to play the game of basketball better than almost anyone at his position. Despite the fact that he's less of an athlete than he used to be, he continues to show that his footwork and skill are second to none. He's using the same moves he used to dominate the Kings in the early 2000s. And the scariest part? He's shooting free throws better than he ever has.

With Amar'e Stoudomire out with a freak eye injury and Steve Nash missing several games with a sprained ankle, the aged Shaq is suddenly the best player on the team. He has more than delivered with 45 points the other night and 33 just now. All while facing above average defenders such as Chris Bosh and Pau Gasol. After the Suns beat the Lakers, Shaq said: "the only time I don't play well is when I'm injured...I've been doing the same thing since 1992."

Along with helping his team win key games, Shaq has all but solidified his spot in the hall of fame. There is almost nothing this guy has not done in his illustrious career. He has now proved his dominance with 3 different teams over more than a decade of work. He is a guaranteed double-double every night, and is still one of the smartest players in the NBA.

The only concern I have about the high level of Shaq's play is that as a result he is getting extended minutes. At his age, Shaq can only sustain this amount of minutes for a limited amount of time. With Amar'e out for nearly the rest of the season, there is little doubt that Shaq will continue to post this amount of playing time. If the Suns are going to make a serious playoff push they need a well-rested and well-playing Shaquille O'Neal.

-Bryce B