Coach Wade Calls Out Shaq
During his first game of the ‘07-’08 season, D-Wade took over the coaching duties from Pat Riley during one of the timeouts, and he tore into his starry-eyed teammates. Coach Riley was impressed:
“I was angry, yeah,” Wade said, adding, “I was just really trying to express to everybody if there’s a loose ball, stop letting guys beat us to loose balls. That’s how we’re losing ballgames.”
“In order to sharpen a saw you have to use iron,” Riley said. “Iron sharpens iron. And then in this situation men will sharpen other men. And that’s it.
Speaking of Riley, he was talking tough a few days ago about possibly benching Shaquille O’Neal, but he hasn’t found the testicular fortitude to follow through. Wade, for his part, is lobbing verbal salvos towards the Big Irrelevant.
“Probably this year more so than any year I have been more vocal with Shaq, talking to him and trying to motivate him,” Wade said Thursday before the Heat left for a game at Boston tonight. “But the main thing is Shaq has got to be self-motivated. He has got to be willing and ready to do it.”
I haven’t watched The Godfather in ages, so I’m not exactly sure how this ties into Shaq’s legendary Corleone family analogy, but I doubt this will be well received by O’Neal.
74 Responses to “Coach Wade Calls Out Shaq”
Nov.16 at 4:32 pm
Myles Brown says:
This sounds familiar. Very familiar.
Nov.16 at 4:39 pm
Sam Mitchell's Conscience says:
oh boy
Nov.16 at 4:40 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Pat Riley is turning into the RZA.
Nov.16 at 4:46 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
In Godfather lore this would make Wade Don Vito and Shaq Johnny Fontaine, and this is Wade smacking Shaq around with the “Be a man!” speech, that kind of thing.
Nov.16 at 4:47 pm
Cheryl says:
Michael’s son, the one who watched his father slap his mother in Godfather II? He tells his father that if he’s not going to contribute, then sit the f*k down. Michael offs him on the way to a steak dinner at Prime 112.
Nov.16 at 4:56 pm
white hot eboy says:
Mutoni, on a Friday afternoon, late in the day? Cute, man.
Nov.16 at 4:58 pm
nadav says:
Sam, he tells him to “act” like a man. wait. so fredo and michael or on the same team. cool.
Nov.16 at 5:00 pm
white hot eboy says:
I’ve posted about three comments that didn’t make it on here. Mutoni and Sam are both lucky, lucky men right now.
Nov.16 at 5:01 pm
white hot eboy says:
And Cheryl, why are you feeding into their bullsh*t? When I see you this year, you’re getting a spanking or something.
Nov.16 at 5:03 pm
Silky Slim says:
In Shaq’s defense, he has a lot of mileage on his legs. The fact that he’s over 350 pounds doesn’t help. Father Time is standing around the corner waiting for Shaq to join him! I don’t think its an issue of Shaq not playing hard, I think its an issue of Shaq slowing down, as he gets older.
Nov.16 at 5:04 pm
Cheryl says:
or something?? as you can tell by my verbal presence here today, i’m in a feisty mood. don’t make promises you won’t keep…
Nov.16 at 5:06 pm
white hot eboy says:
Don’t make me quote mid-90’s R Kelly lyrics, Cheryl.
Nov.16 at 5:07 pm
Cheryl says:
oooooh…
Nov.16 at 5:11 pm
white hot eboy says:
I sometimes think the commentors/page viewers from across the globe that just swing by periodically and read some of these things really must think American’s are the most sorrid group of people the world over.
Nov.16 at 5:13 pm
Cheryl says:
yeah, but if they catch it all, they realize that we’re a bunch of really smart, really insightful, really committed sports fans with sometimes crude sense of humor.
Nov.16 at 5:13 pm
jdubbs says:
Having played ball for a long time and being about the same age as Snaq, I can’t imagine trying to compete on an NBA level with 21 year olds who can run you out of the gym. I get crossed over by punks i used to do the same to when i was younger. Then again, I’m not being paid $20M a year.
Nov.16 at 5:14 pm
white hot eboy says:
*sordid
Nov.16 at 5:15 pm
white hot eboy says:
jdubbs, I’m about the same age and have played for 25 years+. And neither one of us is 330 lbs. Imagine that bulk being pushed to compete every game?
Nov.16 at 5:17 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is 7-4, and he played until he was 67 years old.
Nov.16 at 5:18 pm
albie1kenobi says:
eboy and Cheryl are way too funny. and since i don’t have anything to contribute to this topic specifically, here’s an interesting thought exercise: who from the famed class of 2003 will get the next ring? i don’t see wade getting another one with shaq on board. carmelo may have the best chance if nuggets learn to play defense. chris bosh may get one with TO but well, it’s TO. lebron, although he was in the finals last year, is the furthest away from a champ than the other 3. i think josh howard has the best chance.
Nov.16 at 5:20 pm
Cheryl says:
Y’all keep thinking it’s physical and I don’t agree. Shaq’s physical gifts have diminished, but he’s in decent shape right now (in fact, he and Riles claims that youga classes this summer have increased his flexibility) so it’s not about being in or out of shape. And it’s also not about his new teammates. There were new players in’06 too. He is not mentally into the game right now. If you watch him closely, he seems like he’s not even focused on what’s going on on the floor. When he fouls, he doesn’t even complain to the refs. He just looks over at Riles to see if ‘Zo’s coming in. It’s easy to say it’s his declining abilities, but that’s not it.
Nov.16 at 5:21 pm
Cheryl says:
Josh Howard, albie. And it may be this year, if they can avoid the Warriors.
Nov.16 at 5:21 pm
albie1kenobi says:
kareem was that tall? no wonder his sky hook was impossible to defend.
Nov.16 at 5:25 pm
albie1kenobi says:
i’m with Cheryl on Shaq. last i heard, half the game is 90% mental (forgot which genius said that), and i don’t think shaq got dumber recently. it just doesn’t even seem like he wants to be on the court. coach wade is gonna have a hard time getting Big Unmotivated to play for real.
Nov.16 at 5:25 pm
white hot eboy says:
I would like to see the Heat win tonight against the C’s and then wait patiently for Monday morning to see what all my fellow basketball scientists have to say about the result. Not expecting it, but would like to see it.
Nov.16 at 5:26 pm
Silky Slim says:
Again, Shaq is tipping the scale at 350+. That type of weight takes its toll on a person’s body that’s jumping and running for extended periods of time. There’s no question Shaq could be in much better shape than he is, but his knees has to be gone, at this point in his career.
Nov.16 at 5:27 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
He was listed at 7-2, but a lot of people he played against claimed he was taller than that.
Nov.16 at 5:28 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I’d like to see it rain hundred-dollar bills tonight.
Nov.16 at 5:29 pm
Bryan says:
Wake up eboy.You must be past your nap time.
Nov.16 at 5:30 pm
white hot eboy says:
Your fruitty screen name has been missing for hours and then you show up with that weak bullsh*t. Sell your Sidekick, bitch.
Nov.16 at 5:31 pm
baker's dozen (12-13) says:
What is there to motivate the Big Aristotle anymore? He’s made more $$$ than any of us can comprehend, he’s won rings upon rings…done everything anybody ever could in the game, and is a surefire lock for a first ballot HOF’er. I’m with eBoy and JDubbs here…we’re all in the same boat (age wise) and I know what it’s like to get older on the court. The desire slips a bit as the skills naturally fade and change. The game changes dramatically when your knees go. I’m 6′3″ and used to weigh upwards of 240. Now I’m down to 195 (college playing weight) JUST cause my knees were hurting too much. I’m sure Shaq is having a tough time with his knees at his size. Poor guy.
Nov.16 at 5:32 pm
albie1kenobi says:
maybe if the C’s spot them 50 points to begin the game and have shaq fall on KG/PP/RA and broke their ankles all at the same time right after the tip off.
Nov.16 at 5:33 pm
Cheryl says:
I hope they win, E. I hope you know I’m not down on my team. But the team should not be losing like they do and if they are looking to Shaq for leadership and guidance as to what to do, they’re looking to the wrong person. And if they win, it’ll be DWade’s leadership. And ‘Zo’s and UD’s relentlessness.
Nov.16 at 5:33 pm
Bryan says:
If the Heat beat Celts tonight I’ll give the f*cking thing away.
Nov.16 at 5:36 pm
Cheryl says:
what thing you giving away, Shia?
Nov.16 at 5:36 pm
Bryan says:
My sidekick that I’ve been trying to sell for about a week and a half on myspace.
Nov.16 at 5:37 pm
white hot eboy says:
Shia, if they win, I’ll send you my address.
Nov.16 at 5:38 pm
Cheryl says:
text me when you get it, eboy…
Nov.16 at 5:38 pm
Cheryl says:
I gotta go, it’s been a fun one today. See ya, Fellas!
Nov.16 at 5:39 pm
white hot eboy says:
Have a good weekend Cheryl.
Nov.16 at 5:40 pm
Bryan says:
Buy it if they don’t win EBoy…It’s even a Dwade sidekick.
Nov.16 at 5:40 pm
white hot eboy says:
Depends on how much you’d gouge me.
Nov.16 at 5:46 pm
Bryan says:
180
Nov.16 at 5:46 pm
baker's dozen (12-13) says:
Honestly, I think the Heat DO win tonight. They’re ready to play, and the C’s can’t stay hot forever. Wade will help out, and I would not doubt it if Shaq plays better tonight than he has in a long time….but posey is now on the C’s, and that doesn’t help out Miami’s situation.
Nov.16 at 5:47 pm
BETCATS says:
kobe kobe kobe kobe kobe kobe kobe kobe kobe kobe
Nov.16 at 5:51 pm
baker's dozen (12-13) says:
Did you know: Shaq is averaging LESS THAN 10 MINUTES PER GAME now than he did when he was with the Lakers? This shows the reason why his numbers are dipping, and probably shows that his injuries ARE mounting.
Nov.16 at 5:52 pm
The Best Yet says:
Shaq has alot on his plate right now. Going thru a divorce and all that jazz. It aint the easiest thing in the world. On the other hand I think he’s taking his age and decline in ability the wrong way. He can still post 20-10 games if he gives half the effort, but not even that he does. I’ve been disapointed at Shaq for years. Every fall he comes in overweight and uses the season to get into shape for the playoffs. Flexibility might be better as he says, but his a$$ still 20-30lbs too heavy.
Dude has made $230+M in earnings…excluding endorsements and his lame movies, 4 championship rings, MVP awards, Olympic gold…u name it.
All media outlets are making him out to look like a fool, coach and team are all calling him out. We all know the type of ego he has and to try and hold onto that along with “the most dominant” title there’s only one thing for dude to do.
Shaq needs to retire NOW, either effective immediately or at season’s end.
Nov.16 at 6:04 pm
Perez Hilton says:
if shaq had taken care of himself more when he was younger, like kobe was saying, he wouldn’t be in this predicament.
Nov.16 at 6:05 pm
TonyG says:
he’s still a good player when he’s motivated..he’s also getting doubled and nobody else on his team can do anything feeding off him, so it isn’t completely his fault.. Shaq can do whatever he wants..he’s a top 8 player of all-time, and is one of the most recognizable players in sports history..
Nov.16 at 6:17 pm
The Best Yet says:
TonyG: being top 8 aint got nuttin to do with the present situation. actually it does and being a top 8 (as you say) he should play with a sense of pride. Shaq needs to remember that its the fans that pay his large salary. By signing and/or extending his contracts he says “okay, i’ll produce for such and such a time”. Paying fans expect a Shaquille O’Neal performance, not bits and pieces of what once was. $20mil should be enough motivation to lose 20LBS.
Nov.16 at 6:46 pm
Allenp says:
I’m with Myles. This sounds very, very familiar. I’m surprised nobody else has mentioned this.
Nov.16 at 7:08 pm
ROYSKI says:
Zing! here we go again!
told u so…
Nov.16 at 7:24 pm
SeanO says:
ESPN Reports: In the latest interview with Miami heat Center, Shaquille O’Neal wanted to make the following announcement, that he has changed his favorite color from red, to cheeseburger.
Nov.16 at 7:58 pm
white hot eboy says:
The difference is Kobe did it while Shaq will still in his prime. Shaq really needs the motivation now. Whether he takes it or not is a different story.
Nov.16 at 8:03 pm
Gumdrop says:
Aristotle needs to produce a sequel to Shaq-Fu on X-Box 360, that will get him in shape.
Nov.16 at 8:04 pm
Gumdrop says:
Also, not a lot of coaches drop Biblical references regularly like Riles with the “iron sharpens iron” bit.
Nov.16 at 8:26 pm
Ben Osborne says:
I knew the girls on SLAM’s art staff spent a lot of time on Perez Hilton; I didn’t know til today that the interest was reciprocated.
Nov.16 at 8:48 pm
RV says:
If shaq really cared, he’d drop 40+ pounds so he’d be more mobile ….. being big is not an excuse, he doesnt HAVE to be that big… either way, its sad considering all the motivational speeches he gave those kids on his show, they must be thinking he’s full of it now..
Nov.16 at 10:58 pm
Cheryl says:
Much, much better. Win or lose, a least the fight was there. Somebody got Shaq’s attention.
Nov.16 at 11:25 pm
white hot eboy says:
I tried to tell you, Cheryl. It’s going to start changing. Listen to me. I know what’s up.
Nov.16 at 11:59 pm
kobe says:
shaq to the lakers
Nov.17 at 12:07 am
Cheryl says:
I don’t doubt things will get better; we’ve got DWade. It’s Shaq and his attention span that concerns me.
Nov.17 at 12:10 am
Cheryl says:
Will he play with this intensity and concentration every night? Also, Riley’s a fool if he doesn’t give Cook some burn. I hate to say it, but he seems like a far better player than Dorrell. It’s all about confidence, and Cook has that in abundance.
Nov.17 at 12:23 am
white hot eboy says:
Cook will get more burn. Riles said postgame that it looks like he found a small lineup. We should get the Nets game tomorrow and the Hawks at home Tuesday. Gotta start somewhere.
Oh, and I feel like Dennis Green, “We knew who the Celtics were and we let them off the hook!” Against the better teams in the league their happy green bubble will be burst. Not too impressed.
Nov.17 at 1:23 am
jbn74sb says:
1. 330 pounds? Shaq is pushing 400, easy.
2. Kareem is 7′5″, not 7′4″, and most definitely not 7′2″.
Nov.17 at 5:27 am
ak47 says:
Wasn’t this the same issue tha Kobe had with Shaq? But we all bashed Kobe and blamed him for everything. Now it’s coming up again in Miami. Let’s see what all the Kobe haters have to say about this.
Nov.17 at 9:21 am
Sesa says:
Shaq should pull a Starbury. At some point everybody expects too much off him. The fact that the Heat lost a pure shooter in Jason Kapono doesn’t help either. I’ve seen the way Heat play, defender wont bother on closing the 3 point-line because none of them had a quick release.
You could mention Davis, but he’s a scorer not a shooter.
Nov.17 at 1:49 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Hey, it’s Bodie! Anything you say, Mr. D.A. And I don’t think the Heat beat the Nets in Jersey on the second night of a back-to-back.
Nov.17 at 3:48 pm
Bryan says:
Eboy almost won my sidekick.
Nov.17 at 7:35 pm
Smacks says:
If anything Wade going to the media with this will motivate Shaq. So D-Wade, the leader of the team, knew exactly what he was doin and it was the right thing to do.
Nov.17 at 9:02 pm
Teddy aka Air Haiti says:
Damn who else does Shaq need 2 call him out? Kobe?
Nov.17 at 11:22 pm
Cheryl says:
Wright, Parker, and Blount for Ron Artest? Does it work financially? I’ll take the disgruntled Salmons as well.
Nov.18 at 4:13 am
SeanO says:
if Artest goes to the Heat, you are a mansion away from reality TV. like Ricky in Miami isnt bad enough. Honestly, Shaq, Wade, Riley, Davis and Artest living in the same house? Could you imagine? i am a marketing genius. At least this way we would get something out of the heat this year.
Nov.19 at 10:22 am
SpaceshipJ says:
I’m mad everyone ignored Myles Brown’s first comment. This sounds ODDLY familiar… as a matter of fact, I can recall a certain “egotistical,” “selfish,” “ballhogging Jerk” making those exact statements. Everyone talks about his bad fits with his “Superstar Sidekicks,” but no one talks about the fact that this is Shaq’s THIRD. If your third marraige isn’t working out, it may not be the ex’s that had the problem…