NBA Playoffs thread - Scientists unite

[Hog-train]

For impact on the game, it's even more one-sided in Shaq's favor.

Shaq changed the way teams built their rosters. Teams had no choice but to load up on bigs. They also changed the rules because of him (hack-a-shaq, allowing zone/multiple defenders in the paint...). They also had to improve the equipment because he kept breaking everything.

Jokic has virtually no impact on how teams build their roster, the rules of the game, or the equipment, whereas Shaq literally changed the trajectory of the league on his own.

They would probably have to change the rules again with today's rules.

 

['Rocky']

Well I'm not talking about physicality as obviously in that sense Shaq is unparalleled. Talking about impact on the game.

I agree Shaq would dominate with today's soft ass rules.

I think the fact that the league is soft would make it hard for Shaq to dominate today. He played in a more physical era and used it to his advantage. Physicality is almost frowned upon and you're essentially punished for it now, and Shaq's style of play today would get him fouled out by the halftime. Whereas Jokic is a unicorn. A guy like Curry or Shaq comes in and changes the game a bit (for better or worse) but nobody is going to build their teams around a Jokic style player because they don't exist. This is what puts him in GOAT discussions already.

With that said, they are both perfect for their eras.

 

[Hog-train]

I think the fact that the league is soft would make it hard for Shaq to dominate today. He played in a more physical era and used it to his advantage. Physicality is almost frowned upon and you're essentially punished for it now, so Shaq wouldn't be as prolific particularly defensively imo. Whereas Jokic is a unicorn. A guy like Curry or Shaq comes in and changes the game a bit (for better or worse) but nobody is going to build their teams around a Jokic style player because they don't exist. This is what puts him in GOAT discussions already

Physicality on DEFENSE is frowned upon. So Shaq would be unstoppable.

Look at it this way. Even when they allowed much more rough defense, opposing teams had to have multiple bigs to foul on purpose.

 

['Rocky']

Physicality on DEFENSE is frowned upon. So Shaq would be unstoppable.

Look at it this way. Even when they allowed much more rough defense, opposing teams had to have multiple bugs to foul on purpose.

Yeah. And if Shaq was a 70 or 80% free throw shooter he would make an even stronger case for #1 center all time.

 

[Croaker]

Is prime Jokic more dominant than Shaq?

Hes awful on defense so no. (Era compison)

Offensively he's much more skilled though. He spreads the floor and his much better at facilitating. He's probably the best big overall due to that. Shaq's era he just had to shove his ass into another man, turn around and dunk it. He could do it to everyone else but nobody could do it to him by the time he was on the Lakers. The ability to control the clock like that was a big asset nobody mentions.

I think the fact that the league is soft would make it hard for Shaq to dominate today. He played in a more physical era and used it to his advantage. Physicality is almost frowned upon and you're essentially punished for it now, and Shaq's style of play today would get him fouled out by the halftime. Whereas Jokic is a unicorn. A guy like Curry or Shaq comes in and changes the game a bit (for better or worse) but nobody is going to build their teams around a Jokic style player because they don't exist. This is what puts him in GOAT discussions already.

With that said, they are both perfect for their eras.

Shaq moved like a fucking sloth. If you think Luka made Rudy Gobert look retarded Shaq would literally die of embarrassment. When he was younger he was able to move, but by the time he was on the Lakes? He would be too slow and he would get his shit rocked on the defensive end. His defense was defending post ups and a rim protector (Which he was elite at). He couldn't survive in todays game. In his era though? Monstrous.

Physicality still exists in todays game. Physicality of the past is a myth. Shaq would get baskets in any era.

Shaq also came into the league during expansion era and played much lesser talents/strategy. He was more dominant though as a result.

 

[Sweater of AV]

They would probably have to change the rules again with today's rules.

Undoubtedly they would have to change the rules. Shaq would be much more dominant in today's game.

There's nothing anyone can do to stop any version of Shaq. Orlando/90s Shaq would also be a monster on defense. He moved better than any big in the league today and would have no problem adjusting to any scheme or style.

 

[Unknown Pleasures]

I think reality is in today's game, most every player has to defend the perimeter to some extent against good teams given the quality of shooting. Shaq might not translate too well.

"Rim protection" just might be quite over-rated today. A big rejection often doesn't even result in a change of possession but instead an out of bounds. Apparently some folks have done some deep dive analysis and found that steals typically translate into a lot more benefit -- instant change of possession, and often disorganized defense to score on after the steal is complete, often drawing fouls on fast breaks after the steal that generate FTs, and-1s, and get other teams in the penalty faster.

 

[Hog-train]

I think 7 foot centers like Ewing and Olajuwon would also do well in today's NBA because they had jump shots. Especially Olajuwon - dude literally did everything well and can play defense like a DPOY.

 

['Rocky']

Shaq would get baskets in any era.

You may be forgetting Shaq's biggest weakness.

Spoiler

 

[Croaker]

You may be forgetting Shaq's biggest weakness.

Spoiler

Give that bum the GOAT player of his era and take the credit smdh

 

[Makani]

Pretty sure he's not 17, but yeah, he's been playing well.

Thing is depending on the the defense, busting out foro 25 isn't that big a deal. I mean, if people are gonna double or triple Jokic before he even has a chance to get the ball, the other players really need to take advantage of the space created in those opportunities.

I was kidding, he just looks like such a baby. If there was one frustrating thing about the Nuggets this round, it's how cold they can go. It'll be like 5 possessions (Westbrook losing 3 of them, bless his heart) and they just can't put in a nice easy basket to keep the momentum going. Layups, tip-ins, whatever it takes, just please put points on the board.

 

[Corona]

Prime fat Snaq would dominate but be a liability at the end of close games. If he were Orlando snaq and hit lejuices lab he’d be the goat of all time in any era.

 

[Croaker]

Prime fat Snaq would dominate but be a liability at the end of close games. If he were Orlando snaq and hit lejuices lab he’d be the goat of all time in any era.

Reminder Shaq gianed 30 lbs because he got a toe injury and said he was bulking up lmao

 

[Corona]

Reminder Shaq gianed 30 lbs because he got a toe injury and said he was bulking up lmao

Bulking up like a prime Mac from its always sunny imo

 

[Croaker]

"refs you suck" is such a dog shit chant

"Fuck you refs" is way better

 

[Revolver]

Nuggs are done if it’s a close game. They won’t have their clutch shot maker.

 

[heavyarms21]

Well Tatums ruptured Achilles basically ended the Celtics run this year and next year because he'll be lucky to be ready by preseason 2027.

 

[Crazy Source]

I think 7 foot centers like Ewing and Olajuwon would also do well in today's NBA because they had jump shots. Especially Olajuwon - dude literally did everything well and can play defense like a DPOY.

Watching Olajuwon and the Rockets shine was a nice by-product of Jordan's retirement. Dude was so smooth.

 

[Substance Abuse]

This game has all the makings of Thibs leaving the starters in far too long, and Brunson rolling an ankle or someone getting injured.

I've seen this movie before, lol.

 

[Sweater of AV]

Lmao. RIP Celtics.