Ricky Davis and Chris Quinn Are Miami

Shaq's stupid comments have lead to much discussion. I have been putting off commenting on his comments for a reason - others have been doing it while scrambling for a spotlight on the situation.

This is how it is with Shaq. He transcends the sport so much that even a little mumbling on his part can lead to a big "to-do". Well, it really is much ado about nothing.

Of course Shaq is going to bash the Heat. He, believe it or not, has a right to do so. And no, I am not talking about his constitutional right but rather his personal right. As a professional, he definitely overstepped his bounds by singling out Ricky Davis and Chris Quinn. Yet his frustration is nothing unusual here - most Heat fans would agree in a sense that some bad roster decisions were made.

The discussion calls for us to consider Shaq's perspective - what about his promise from Pat Riley and Mickey Arison about making a consistent championship run each year with the roster? The Heat had invested heavily in Shaq in that 2004 offseason by dealing away Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant and a draft pick and Shaq actually could have opted out and not returned to Miami if he so desired.

Miami took a risk. They saw it payoff in 2006. So did Shaq. It was argued that he was too old and fat and lazy and that he was incapable of helping a team win another championship. That is why the Lakers opted for Kobe over Shaq. They were mistaken at the time, but they are winning the war these days with the Lakers rising again and Miami falling back in the pack with Shaq's departure.

It didn't have to end this way. Riley made some bad decisions this past offseason but it was also Arison's fault in not letting Riley spend the money he needed to keep the championship caliber team stitched together for a few more seasons while Shaq's massive contract was on the books.

Maybe that is what Shaq is whining about. Maybe he had a gentlemanly promise with Riley that he thought meant he would be contending every year while in Miami - not trying to skate by on fill-ins.

Yet make no mistake - there is no one more Miami Heat these days than Ricky Davis and Chris Quinn. Both have been playing their hearts out in a season where the rest of the team has found numerous ways to quit - including Shaq. I think Ira Windeman said that best.

Shaq never gave this season a chance. He basically shut it down from the get-go. Wade did his best to try and put a face of effort on this season but you can't blame him for wanting to shut it down with the pain he endures both physically and mentally. His efforts are not adding up to wins which made it worse. And Shaq, meanwhile, was out in LA getting his "alternative treatments".

Shaq may have had an argument and professionally, he may not wish to disclose the entire matter but his criticism is well-noted. Still, when you are past your prime and relying on a young talent like Dwyane Wade to look good, you don't have as much credibility as you think you should to call out players like Davis and Quinn.

Both of them have something Shaq doesn't have anymore - heart, humility and desire. They don't need a giant chip on their shoulder to come out and play motivated each night. They do it because they just do. Shaq needs an adversary to get his big ass moving - he needs a Kobe, a Phil Jackson, a Pat Riley and now a Chris Quinn or Ricky Davis?

It is said that a man is defined by who his adversaries are. If that be the case, let all of mankind oppose Shaq as he has melted into a spoiled, whiny, egotistical has-been.

Too bad, too. Because I really liked the Suns and their style of basketball. I was rooting for the good guys like Nash and Stoudamire. And now I find myself in the same position that Lakers fans were in back in 2004 - they hate on Shaq for being Shaq. Still, to dis players like Quinn and Davis is low and reveals what kind of person Shaq has now become.

Shag Takes a Shot at Jackson

Wow, we must be bored these days. After all, isn't this supposed to be the time of year when everyone forgives and forgets? Well, not for Shaq and Phil Jackson.

Maybe it is because Riley has won a championship and has started to reclaim the greatest living coach tag. Maybe it is because Phil is just bitter than Riley made it look easy doing so with his ex-asset, Shaq.

Shaq was done, wasn't he? Isn't that what Dr. Buss and his braintrust, Phil among them, agreed? Go with Kobe, Shaq is done.

Phil couldn't resist. When asked a question about Kobe's work ethic, he remarked that the only superstar player he coached that didn't like to work hard was Shaq.

Why Phil? Why did he make this comment? To get back at Shaq for something? And what was it for?

It doesn't matter, as it lead to a "Benedict Arnold" comparison from Shaq to his old coach, Phil. If anything, this securely locks Pat Riley into Shaq's mind as the greatest coach he has and will ever play for.

Or is that what Phil is reacting to?

After all, since Riley had to listen to the "Phil Jackson-is-the-greatest" speil for years, it is now his turn. And he actually did it his way, with players he drafted and traded for. Phil has done it with what was given to him. He was given the keys to a Ferrari. All he had to do was drive it.

Pat Riley had to build his own.

Interesting to note was Riley's reaction, who quickly supported O'neal's work ethic while the Diesel has been with the Heat. And anyone watching the Heat of late would notice that Shaq is not slacking. Certainly not as much as when he played for the relaxed Phil Jackson.

Maybe Shaq didn't need a "zen master" but perhaps a drill sergeant. After all, Shaq's dad was one.