The Superhero returns

Thursday, January 15, 2009 -- In the previous two seasons in the NBA (National Basketball Association), Shaquille O’Neal was bothered by injuries, off court controversies and weight issues. In the 2008-09 season, he has experienced a rebirth and returned back to superhero form.

Reasons for revival

O’Neal, now 37, has been successful in preventing injuries due to the following three reasons. First, is he joined the training camp in a proper state. Second is that his team, Phoenix Suns has been using him very shrewdly. During back to back games, they have wisely rested him on nights and they have limited his minutes. The last is that the trainers of this club have a record of preserving old players like Shaquille.

In the past, when O’Neal was a part of the Miami Heat roster, he was the second star and there were high expectations from him of displaying big numbers each night for the team to be victorious. At present, he has to play along with Amar’e Stoudemire (the superstar), Steve Nash (who is a two time Most Valuable Player) and Jason Richardson. There is considerably less pressure on O’Neal and the Phoenix Suns have realistic expectations from the big man. In this way, the team has in a way helped O’Neal.

As a result of enhanced health condition and a novel role to perform, O’Neal is looking forward for a return in the All-Star game. Phoenix Suns has a record of 21-13 this season and O’Neal has been averaging 2 assists, 9 rebounds and 17 points per game. His elder statesman image and charm justifies his selection for this game.