Shaq: Knicks Need Two Superstars To Thrive In Triangle
Shaquille O’Neal was part of a dynasty with Phil Jackson and the Los Angeles Lakers. Jackson’s triangle offense, which is currently being integrated into his New York Knicks via head coach Derek Fisher, was the structure surrounding the superstar duo of Shaq and rising star Kobe Bryant.
According to Shaq’s understanding of the triangle, it takes two superstars for it to function successfully, from Mitch Lawrence at NBC New York:
For the triangle to work, you need to have two superstars. It’s been proven over time. Look at what Phil needed to win his championships in Chicago. Then look what he had in L.A., with me and Kobe. You have to have two superstars playing in the triangle to win championships.
Of course, Phil’s formula in Chicago consisted of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Shaq failed to reference Jackson’s last two championships with the Lakers, in which Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol would be the two superstars in that case (depending on who you talk to with Gasol). The point is, having at least two primary options, preferably that can post up, is beneficial to the triangle.
The Knicks have Carmelo Anthony as their proverbial centerpiece and a flurry of perimeter shooting guards. They could be hoping Amar’e Stoudemire can find his production in the post-oriented system, and perhaps even Andrea Bargnani.
If Shaq’s proclamation on the triangle is in fact correct, the Knicks could be in for a rough outing.