The Most Offensively Underused Player

[magius]

shaq wasn't always this huge though, and he still managed to put up great numbers. size is a part of it, but it takes talent and quickness to utilize that size. for every shaq there are a million diop's, etc..

i am sure he has more moves to his game than 2 or 3, but at such high percentage, theres really no need to use anything else.

[el badman]

shaq wasn't always this huge though, and he still managed to put up great numbers. size is a part of it, but it takes talent and quickness to utilize that size. for every shaq there are a million diop's, etc..

That's true.

Getting back to the topic, I think Croshere still has some good stuff to bring. He didn't have a memorable season, but with more minutes he can certainly grab a bunch of rebounds and score some 3s.

[Indy]

I'll throw out a surprising name. Ben Wallace. I know he's not an amazing talent offensively, but he's a big man, and he can finish dunks. He wouldn't be the "black hole" he is offensively if the Bulls utilized him at least a little bit on offense to keep the defense honest.

Not really that surprising, considering it was already discussed in this thread.

[Matt]

Gerald Wallace comes to mind as another player that can do it all and should get more touches.

[Laxation]

I'll throw out a surprising name. Ben Wallace. I know he's not an amazing talent offensively, but he's a big man, and he can finish dunks. He wouldn't be the "black hole" he is offensively if the Bulls utilized him at least a little bit on offense to keep the defense honest.

On the contrary, he doesnt finish dunks that well. He fucked up A LOT of dunks in Detroit because of his small hands. When given the ball outside, the defence can sag and clog the lane. He has no offensive moves to speak of.

But you know, aside from that...

[Sauru]

lets not forget that you could just send him to the line, thats almost like him missing or turning it over

[Silas]

With shaq, if it ain't broke don't fix it. The only thing close to broke with shaq is the fact that he's in his mid 30's and the heat don't run every play through him.

He certainly shouldn't take every shot, but virtually every time he gets the ball, good things happen. Defenses collapse on him and he has the passing skills to see the open man. And usually even when the defense collapses he's able to get around/through them and score. I can't imagine a more underused player than him, except for perhaps Zydrunas Ilgauskus (except he's really running the show in the opening game of the eastern conference finals). It kills me to see Dwayne Wade or Jason Williams dribble up the court and jack up a 20 foot fade away when they can run the same play through shaq and get an open shot.

[shadowgrin]

^ Ditto.
That's why it pains me to watch Heat games because Shaq spends most of his time waving his hands to teammates to pass him the ball.

Shawn Marion should be high among those under utilized. Diaw this year as well. Elton Brand doesn't get nearly enough shots for his talent.

Diaw became lazy during offseason and became a fat-ass. Marion doesn't have the handles to penetrate the lane and not enough post moves down low. Plus, he has that ugly shot from his waist which could be easily blocked/stolen if he shoots off the dribble.
Brand just has jack-happy teammates.