http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/29/sports/basketball/29knicks.html

[...]

REBOUNDS

Shaquille O'Neal is in his 14th season and still has no obvious heir as the N.B.A.'s most dominant big man. But EDDY CURRY, once dubbed Baby Shaq, at least resembles the prototype. "He has to go through the trials and tribulations of a big man," O'Neal said. "He's only 22, so he has time. Because there aren't that many guys that came in at 22 and have the 'dominant' next to their names. He has plenty of time to get to the Shogun level. By that time, I'll be done." Two years ago, Curry (then with Chicago) outscored O'Neal (then with the Lakers), 20-13, earning his respect. "He plays like a real big man," O'Neal said. "He has a lot of work and a lot of guys to go up against before he can get the title of dominant, but he's a good, solid, double-respectable big man." O'Neal said he was worried for Curry's well-being after seeing him shut down last spring amid heart concerns. "I thought it was over for him," O'Neal said. "He's a brave and courageous guy for coming back. Hopefully, everything goes well. Hopefully, nothing bad happens." ...

Shogun level, loll, i love shaq

http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/58113.htm

CURRY GETS THUMBS UP FROM SHAQ

By MARC BERMAN

KNICK NOTES MIAMI — Shaquille O'Neal believes Knicks center Eddy Curry will one day emerge as a dominating center.

The beefy 6-11 Curry sat out last night's 107-94 blowout loss to the Heat, but says he's "confident" he'll be ready for his Bulls reunion at the Garden tomorrow. Shaq also didn't play, due to a sprained ankle.

"He's a good player, plays hard, plays aggressive," O'Neal said of Curry. "He has plenty of time to get to the Shogun level. By that time I'll be done.

"He has to go through the trials and tribulations of a big man. Not many guys came in at 22 and dominated."

Curry looks like Shaq when he gets the ball low, but he has been turnover-prone. "No, impossible," Shaq said when told Curry shows flashes of Shaq's low-post power. "There's only certain moves a big, strong man can do. He plays like a real big man. He has a lot of work, a lot of guys to go up against before getting the title of 'dominant.' He's a real solid, double-respectable, big man."

Curry missed his third straight game with a strained calf but hopes to practice today. "I'll be ready (tomorrow)," Curry said. "I'm feeling confident about it."

*

Could there be a Knicks return of the newly banished Tim Thomas? Larry Brown has lamented the team doesn't have a legitimate starting small forward after Thomas was traded to Chicago in the Curry deal, and has used four different starters there. Yesterday, Bulls GM John Paxson said Thomas will stay away from the team and the Bulls will attempt to trade him. The Knicks' best chance of getting Thomas back is if the Bulls buy him out, but Chicago feels it can get value for him.

Paxson reportedly was asked yesterday if he had spoken to the Knicks about swapping Knicks forward Antonio Davis for Thomas. As both were part of the Curry trade, Paxson said league rules prohibit it. Both players have identical contracts worth over $14M that expire this summer, and the Knicks could live without Davis now that Channing Frye has emerged as a starter.