Is it me or does Shaq look like he’s back in his prime? After dropping 29 points Friday night against Sacramento, his second 29 point performance in his last four games, Shaq is looking better and better in his Phoenix Suns uni.
After averaging just 12.9 points per game in 28 games with Phoenix last season, Shaq is now averaging 16.1 points and 9 boards per game while shooting the second best percentage from the field in the league at .651. His 16 points a game are still well below his career average of 25, but the big fella actually appears to be improving, growing more and more comfortable in his role and turning from a third or fourth option back into a number one or two option for the Suns.
This might not be too surprising to some because of Terry Porter’s new inside-out offensive approach however, so far in 9 games Shaq is shooting the best FG percentage of his career. Not only is he making his shots, but he’s hitting his free-throws. The Diesel is shooting .617 from the line, well above his career average of .525, and second only to the .622 percentage he shot with the 2002-03 Lakers.
In his last four games O’Neil is averaging 21.3 points per game. While he was brought in to help guard the bucket and grab boards he now appears to be the Suns offensive leader. Shaq was voted one of the Suns three team captains along with Grant Hill and Steve Nash two weeks ago, and sure looked like one Friday night, throwing his short-handed team on his back and carrying them to victory in Sacramento.
Shaq is emerging as the focal point of his team, in typical Diesel style. However, his prominence on offense may be irritating teammates who are seeing their shot attempts decline. Both Raja Bell and Steve Nash have complained recently about not running enough.
Although the Suns still need to find a balance on offensive and continue to improve defensively, one thing is clear; a healthy, motivated Shaq is helping this team.
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