Posted by MS:
O'Neal told teammates that Jordan has left him several messages, and O'Neal was convinced Jordan wants to play for the Heat this year. O'Neal told teammates he was not interested in having Jordan join the Heat, and others agreed, the sources said. O'Neal even asked whether one of the players should go to management and express the desire not to add Jordan, one of the sources said.
If this is true, it is a bigtime insult to Jordan and proof that Shaq cares more about his own selfish goals and publicity than winning a title. If true, it means Shaq wants the spotlight & the headlines to be about Shaq, not about another Jordan comeback. I can't figure another reason why he wouldn't want to have an all time great on a team that obviously has issues with depth.
Adding a talent like MJ, who, while just a shell of his former self was still a very good player and an all star during his last go-around with the wizards would signifcantly upgrade a team that currently has Rasual Butler as its starting SF.
Shaq would still be asked to carry the scoring load, and Wade as the second option is good. Jordan, even if limited to 25 min or so, would still draw defenders out of the lane to contest the jumper and will make defenses pay for ignoring him. Even in his old age is better than Eddie Jones is at this point. (offensivley at least)
As far as Jordan goes, he should come into the situation knowing this is Shaq's team and expecting a lesser role. At 41 yrs old, who knows what he has left. But I wouldn't underestimate him. Shaq should grow up, realize his team could use the help, and gladly welcome MJ inot the fold if he wants to come back.
That said, I hope it doesn't happen. Like a lot of Knick fans, I don't like the heat going back to the rivalry days in the late 90s. I don't know if Jordan puts them over the top, but I like their chances better with him than without.
[Edited by - ctknicksfan on 09/23/2004 14:35:17]
9/23/2004 1:01 PM
