Back to the Basketball Court

I watched the NBA finals this year, but I was quite surprised at how the skill level of the game has declined. Case in point is Shaquille O’Neal. He is considered the most dominant player in the NBA. However, Shaq doesn’t even have the basic skills to make a simple jump shot. His points come from within four to six feet of the basket on easy layups and dunks after he’s allowed to use his size and bulk to push defenders in close to the basket. Put Shaq at the free-throw line 15 feet away and he can’t make a basket, even when unencumbered by a defender.

Also, what happened to calling violations for traveling, carrying over/palming the ball and three seconds in the key?

ROSS M. SMITH, Las Vegas

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Kobe Bryant is only human. Could it be that the average fan understands this, but the media is responsible for the premature anointing?

BOB THERRIEN, Mission Beach