2007-2008 NBA: Does Shaquille O'Neal Still Have It?

Four NBA Championships. Some say he is the greatest center to ever play the game. He has been a regular at the NBA all-star game, and he even has his own reality show. Despite all of this, when you hear people speaking about Shaquille O'Neal most people are under the impression that he is not the player he once was. His stats are not what they used to be and some are even saying you no longer have to double team the star.

During his prime Shaquille was a force to be reckoned with. With the exception of free-throw shooting, he would totally dominate a game. Whether on defense blocking shots, or on offense dunking over people, Shaquille O'Neal could not be stopped. His dominance led to three NBA championships as a L.A. Laker. Many thought he would get four championships as a Laker when the Lakers added Karl Malone and Gary Payton. After losing to the Pistons in the Finals Shaq parted ways with the Lakers and Kobe Bryant.

Arriving in Miami Shaq promised a championship and did not disappoint. His first season he showed up in great shape and the Heat went all the way through the NBA Finals, defeating the Dallas Mavericks. Despite his presence though, many thought it was young superstar Dwayne Wade who was the leader of the team, not Shaquille. Wade dominated the Finals appearing to put the team on his back. Shaq later refereed to Wade as the greatest player in the NBA.

The Next season would not be as great for Shaq. With Wade Battling an injury the Heat would not repeat as champions. They didn't even get out of the first round of the playoffs. Their struggles have continued into this seaon. With Wade still out Shaq has been asked to carry the load of the team. The Heat have started out 0-5 and Shaq has struggled. The critics are out in full force. They are saying Shaq is a step slower than he used to be. Now at 35, many feel he doesn't require a double team anymore because he is not the dominant inside force he once was.

Pat Riley, Miami's coach has come to Shaquille's defense. He has said it's not fair to judge O'Neal without Wade and his full complement of players. Riley feels Shaquille can still play at a high level and that once Wade is back Shaquille will play even better. But even Riley knows that Shaquille is not the player he once was. The Miami Heat have made a number of off season moves to get rid of some of their older players and bring in younger talent. Last year they even drafted a young center to add to their roster.

Hopefully for Miami Heat fans Riley is correct. Hopefully when Dwayne Wade returns Shaquille will be a much better player. If he is not, Shaq may finally have to face the music that his playing days may be coming to an end.