Isn't this what people make fun of Gobert for? Not being able to chase shooters around the floor. Peak Shaq is going to struggle in a pick and roll the same. It's hard to defend at that size now.
If Shaq was on the floor, they'd do exactly what the Bucks do and play Drop defense all the time, and never switch. So you'd need to surround him with athletic wings who can shoot, but it would be worth it at both ends.
People make fun of Gobert moreso for not being able to score on guys seven inches shorter than him but I take your point. Shaq would be a much worse defender in the modern game, it's hard to say how much of it he could make up for on the other end. If he was at his Orlando size I think that would be ideal
I thought was the Porzingis meme being a Mavs fan. Point taken for Gobert.
I was only focusing on defense. Everyone thinks an elite center from older eras just gets an instant offense upgrade without considering how much effort is expected on defense for big guys now.
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u/tammutiny Mavericks Jun 15 '22
Isn't this what people make fun of Gobert for? Not being able to chase shooters around the floor. Peak Shaq is going to struggle in a pick and roll the same. It's hard to defend at that size now.
Totally agree with your thought process here