Shaq's surgery 'successful', Out 8 Weeks

by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Mar 1, 2010 9:53 AM CST in Cleveland Cavaliers in the News

Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal had successful surgery to repair his right thumb injury this morning at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. The surgery was performed by Dr. Thomas Graham, Chief of the National Hand Center and attended by Cavaliers Head Team Physician Dr. Richard Parker from The Cleveland Clinic. O’Neal will now undergo a period of rest, treatment and rehabilitation for his right thumb. His return to play is currently estimated to be approximately eight weeks.

That would mean that Shaq is essentially out the rest of the regular season and likely the first round of the playoffs. This isn't concerning IF, and that is a big IF, Shaq stays in shape. It is his thumb, afterall, which means his physical conditioning should remain high - if he takes it seriously.

An in-shape Shaq can help the Cavaliers in the playoffs, even after the lay-off. An out-of-shape Shaq will hurt the Cavs.

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He showed up at the start of the season fitter than anyone expected him. If he could do that in October he can do the same in March and April.

by CavsLebronFan on Mar 1, 2010 10:18 AM CST reply actions

Here's the bothersome thing....

There is no guarantee that he or the thumb will be 100% for the playoffs. He will have to play his way into the 30 some minutes a game. Will he be able to score as well as he was before the injury? Not sure where he is more valuable to the team….. offensively or defensively? Probably both but we could sure use his size in the playoffs when we get to Orlando or the Lakers.

I'm Polish...what's your excuse?

by Juannieboy on Mar 1, 2010 10:49 AM CST reply actions

I disagree

First, the rest of his body will be rested BUT he will be able to solely focus on conditioning w/o having to take a beating for the next 8 weeks. Now it’s up to him in how good of shape he’ll be in when he returns, but I like the odds. We saw how extremely motivated he was last season as the Suns started the year. I think he’ll have the same motivation as A) it’s well known how much he gears up for playoffs and B) he knows they have a REAL chance of winning everything this year.

As far as the thumb affecting the shooting? I doubt it. He’s going to have time to rehab and shoot to get some feel before returning. Besides, his game has never relied on much touch…

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by RedHopeful on Mar 1, 2010 11:19 AM CST up reply actions

I hope you are right

but after what we had to endure with Laura Hughes, I am more than a litttle freaked out by injuries to the digits.

I'm Polish...what's your excuse?

by Juannieboy on Mar 1, 2010 1:46 PM CST up reply actions

Affect his shooting? Have you seen Shaq’s range? It’s not like his free throw shooting could get much worse.

"Nobody ever thinks, 'Hey, maybe I’m actually an idiot.'" - Jay

by woodsmeister on Mar 1, 2010 3:01 PM CST up reply actions

Shaq's Injury...

The timing of the injury is not great but it could be a whole lot worse! Shaq was definitely improving his low post moves at the time of this injury but he also has some big weaknesses that cannot be overlooked. He is a defensive liability when playing teams that can run; slow in transition, poor in pick and roll defense, and allows way too many layups by smaller players driving. His free throw shooting is an abomination but that is a post for another day (I’m thinking when it costs the Cavs a playoff game or two). When he is on the floor the offense becomes basically a sledgehammer. I dont mind this as an option especially when it gets harder to score. However it is just another form of LeBron one on five, which is no guarantee of victory in a series when other teams are prepared for it. My basic point is that during Shaq’s absence the Cavs will be forced to develop some real offense, get some points out of transition, and work the open floor with LeBron setting some screens instead of waiting on them all the time! It might actually be blessing in disguise for this possible season of destiny! It will definitely help the surging Hickson who desperately needs the valuable playing time to continue his development. And Shaq’s return puts him back right around the second playoff series which gives him a few games to be ready for Orlando or Boston in the Conference Final!

by John Colagiovanni on Mar 1, 2010 11:42 AM CST reply actions