02.21.2010
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Ever since the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic in the last game before the All-Star Break, media coverage has been centered, among many things, on the nickname battle between Shaq and Dwight Howard.
Everyone has their opinions. Either Shaq is being too rash and is being petty, or that he is the original NBA Superman. However, nobody has analyzed, as far as I know, the two players against the Superman persona.So without further ado, I would like to make a final ruling over the nickname battle between the two dominating big men.
Superhuman Strength
Both of these men are ridiculously strong. Howard seems to look stronger because his is more fit and toned, while Shaq, it seems, is just fat. However, when you watch the two play, it is evident that Shaq is the stronger man.
When Shaq plays he imposes his will upon other the players trying to defend him, and, as he said, doesn't double-team anybody.
Howard, while still one of the strongest players in the league, does not live up to Shaq's level. He can use his body, but doesn't always throw it around like a big man of his stature should.
Superman Score: Shaq 1, Howard 0
Super Speed
This one is a no-brainer. Shaq is old and slow, Howard is young and fast (for a big man that is).
Superman Score: Shaq 1, Howard 1
Superstrong Skin
Superman's skin can stop bullets. Dwight Howard's skin can't even take it when Shaq is angry at him.
After Shaq's outburst following the Cavalier-Magic game last week, Howard's response was less than inspiring. When he could have, and maybe should have, stood up and proclaimed the name for himself, he backed down. Howard downplayed the whole thing, and to me came off as upset that one of his childhood heroes was angry at him.
Howard had the opportunity to stand up to Shaq's bullying, yet he recoiled and relinquished the nickname that he is obviously fond of.
Superman Score: Shaq 2, Howard 1
Flying
We all saw Dwight Howard's explosive performance at the dunk contest in the past few years. Anyone is crazy to think that Shaq, at any point in his career, could jump as far as Howard did in his second dunk at the 2008 dunk contest (one that I have dubbed "The Thrunk" )
Superman Score: Shaq 2, Howard 2
Interplanetary Travel
As far as I know, there is only one player in the history of the NBA that was ever capable of traveling to other planets (whether it be real or fake) and that is Darryl Dawkins.
No points awarded for this round.
So, as you can see, this is even more convoluted as before. So as a tiebreaker, we will have to look at head-to-head match-ups. Since Howard entered the league in 2004, Shaq has won eight games where both centers played, Howard has won six.
So, ladies and gentlemen, without further ado I pronounce Shaq your NBA Superman, at least for now.
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