Shaq OK's Deal to Heat

TheFunkMonkey · Jul 10, 2004

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by OMNIVOROUS FROG:
No, I think Shaq going to the East/Miami, will make them favored to win the East. I am not saying they will, just who will be favored. Best wishes...OF<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I knew what you were saying, and I still think Detroit will be favored (if they sign Rasheed).

The Miami futures would certainly be over-inflated with Shaq, but not enough to place them ahead of Detroit.

If Miami gets Shaq, I think Detroit will be the Eastern Conf favorite, closely followed by Miami and Indy.

TheFunkMonkey · Jul 10, 2004

However, one factor in Miami's favor is the division re-alignment. They've got a VERY weak division next year, so this should make it easier for the Heat to get a better record (and secure a high seed in the playoffs).

Meanwhile, Indy and Detroit will be forced to battle each other in a relatively tough division (Milwaukee, Cleveland, Chicago).

OMNIVOROUS FROG · Jul 10, 2004

Weak division is an understatement. It is a walkover. That was part of my thinking. Motown was never embraced as a favorite, nor a champion. They easily could have been bounced by Nets, or Indy, if either were healthy. Yes, the Heat should be favored to win the East. Huge Shaq bias. Garbage division, no clear cut fave in East. We shall soon see...Best wishes...OF

SpaciousK · Jul 10, 2004

Everyone's always wondered if Kobe could succeed on a crappy team. Guess now we'll find out...

FYI Kobe has the same agent as Carlos Boozer. UH OH

FairWarning · Jul 10, 2004

I hope all of the Kobe apologists are happy now. Now Kobe can shoot all the time. Feel sorry for Tomjanovich since LA is no better than Portland now.

<Jordanwannabe>

wilheim · Jul 10, 2004

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Shaquille O'Neal would be happy to be traded to the Miami Heat.

That word came Saturday from O'Neal's agent, Perry Rogers, who told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that O'Neal has given his blessing to a deal that would send him to Miami.

''We've said that we would agree to a trade,'' Rogers said in a story posted Saturday night on the newspaper's Web site. ''I think that's going to happen. I'd be very surprised if it didn't happen.''

The deal, expected to include Lamar Odom, Caron Butler and Brian Grant going to Los Angeles, cannot be completed until Wednesday when a two-week leaguewide moratorium on trades and free agent signings expires.

''It's very serious. I think it's very close to getting done,'' said Grant's agent, Mark Bartelstein.

Greeted by reporters as he was leaving a gym near his Orlando mansion, O'Neal said he had not yet met with Heat president Pat Riley and declined to comment on a possible trade.

''I can't say anything about that today,'' said O'Neal, flashing a big smile.

But ESPN and the Sun-Sentinel reported that O'Neal joined his representatives for a three-hour meeting that included Riley and Heat general manager Randy Pfund.

Associated Press