NBA: Shaq critical of Reilly, Heat

At 36, with diminishing skills, Pat Reilly traded Shaquille O’Neal to a contender and another shot at a title rather than let him sit in the basement with the Heat.  The gesture was not appreciated as Shaq is bitter about his stay in Miami. 

Shaq used to call his head coach ”the Great Pat Reilly” but apparently he didn’t mean it as the former all star is complaining about not getting enough touches/shot per game with the Heat.  He also didn’t appreciate the talent that he was forced to play with as Shaq took shots at teammates Chris Quinn and Ricky Davis, claiming that defenses laid off them to play Shaq.  Psst…Shaq…that is called strategy.  Even more pathetic, Shaq took shots at the Heat training staff. 

Shaq says he wasn’t getting enough touches but he is averaging less attempts per game 10 v. 8 after the trade and it is not because he is passing to the open man because his assist numbers are practically the same.  He is, however, grabbing roughly three more rebounds per game but on the defensive side.

Now, maybe he isn’t getting the touches as he learns the new system (or catches his breath from the up-tempo style the Suns play).  No matter how you look at it, Shaq needs to shut his mouth and play ball.  Let the Heat lick their wounds from a miserable season as you, Shaq, go on to another title run with your new team.