Shaq not quick fix for Heat
By MATT YOUMANS
REVIEW-JOURNAL
Even at 340 pounds, which might be a conservative estimate, Shaquille O'Neal doesn't carry enough weight to tip the scales in favor of the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference.
O'Neal's trade from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Heat was finalized Wednesday, but when word of the deal leaked last week oddsmakers adjusted Miami to 10-1 to win next season's NBA title.
That makes the Heat the third choice in the East behind Detroit (9-2) and Indiana (8-1).
The Pistons won the championship in five games over the Lakers last season, and the Pacers eliminated Miami in the second round.
"Shaq's the most dominant player there is right now," Stardust sports book director Bob Scucci said. "I'm still not sure it's a slam dunk for them in the East. They have to get by Detroit and Indiana, and the Pistons have already shown they can handle Shaq."
The Heat was at 18-1 after the playoffs, and although a few bettors placed futures wagers the first day the O'Neal deal was apparent, Scucci said it was "no real serious money."
O'Neal's supporting cast in Miami doesn't compare to what he had with the Lakers. Dwyane Wade averaged 18 points as a rookie and veteran Eddie Jones fills out a strong backcourt, but the Heat has little else at the moment.
Scucci said O'Neal's injury history, the adjustment he'll have to make to new teammates and the opinion that he's on the downside of his career will work against Miami. But he is clearly the biggest inside force in the East.
The Lakers were still 9-5 favorites to win the title, but Scucci said those odds might soon rise to 5-1 or more. Kobe Bryant is expected to announce today whether he will leave for the Clippers as a free agent or re-sign with the Lakers.
"We're just waiting to see what moves the Lakers make," Scucci said. "Their number could fluctuate more than any team."
The San Antonio Spurs, who could sign Karl Malone from the Lakers, return almost their entire team and will replace the Lakers as the top pick in the Western Conference at 9-2.
If Bryant stays with the Lakers, Scucci said he thinks they will be weaker than Minnesota (4-1), Sacramento (7-1), Dallas (8-1) and Houston (8-1). The Rockets recently traded for Tracy McGrady, making them instant contenders.
The Lakers received forwards Lamar Odom and Caron Butler and center Brian Grant for O'Neal.
"They are basically rebuilding the team around Kobe. Unless they make a blockbuster deal, it will be tough for them to be considered a serious contender again," Scucci said.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jul-15-Thu-2004/sports/24317490.html
By MATT YOUMANS
REVIEW-JOURNAL
Even at 340 pounds, which might be a conservative estimate, Shaquille O'Neal doesn't carry enough weight to tip the scales in favor of the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference.
O'Neal's trade from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Heat was finalized Wednesday, but when word of the deal leaked last week oddsmakers adjusted Miami to 10-1 to win next season's NBA title.
That makes the Heat the third choice in the East behind Detroit (9-2) and Indiana (8-1).
The Pistons won the championship in five games over the Lakers last season, and the Pacers eliminated Miami in the second round.
"Shaq's the most dominant player there is right now," Stardust sports book director Bob Scucci said. "I'm still not sure it's a slam dunk for them in the East. They have to get by Detroit and Indiana, and the Pistons have already shown they can handle Shaq."
The Heat was at 18-1 after the playoffs, and although a few bettors placed futures wagers the first day the O'Neal deal was apparent, Scucci said it was "no real serious money."
O'Neal's supporting cast in Miami doesn't compare to what he had with the Lakers. Dwyane Wade averaged 18 points as a rookie and veteran Eddie Jones fills out a strong backcourt, but the Heat has little else at the moment.
Scucci said O'Neal's injury history, the adjustment he'll have to make to new teammates and the opinion that he's on the downside of his career will work against Miami. But he is clearly the biggest inside force in the East.
The Lakers were still 9-5 favorites to win the title, but Scucci said those odds might soon rise to 5-1 or more. Kobe Bryant is expected to announce today whether he will leave for the Clippers as a free agent or re-sign with the Lakers.
"We're just waiting to see what moves the Lakers make," Scucci said. "Their number could fluctuate more than any team."
The San Antonio Spurs, who could sign Karl Malone from the Lakers, return almost their entire team and will replace the Lakers as the top pick in the Western Conference at 9-2.
If Bryant stays with the Lakers, Scucci said he thinks they will be weaker than Minnesota (4-1), Sacramento (7-1), Dallas (8-1) and Houston (8-1). The Rockets recently traded for Tracy McGrady, making them instant contenders.
The Lakers received forwards Lamar Odom and Caron Butler and center Brian Grant for O'Neal.
"They are basically rebuilding the team around Kobe. Unless they make a blockbuster deal, it will be tough for them to be considered a serious contender again," Scucci said.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jul-15-Thu-2004/sports/24317490.html
