Shaq blames lockout (in part) on Joe Johnson

[hawkfan]

http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-bl...for-nbas-mess/

Shaq talks about how JJ's contract was too big for his talent and the money the Hawks have to spend.

Of course, Shaq wanted to play in Atlanta last year; don't know if JJ was against it or not.

[cteach111]

i wonder if Shaq has made any friends throughout his NBA career... hes right about JJ's contract though so..

[DirtySanchez]

He is right...but it's not Joe Johnson fault....it's the owners for paying him that much.

[HylianNightmare]

[Legends66NBA7]

+1. Would also add this guy:

[QuebecBaller]

He is right...but it's not Joe Johnson fault....it's the owners for paying him that much.

This. No player would say " please i want a smaller contract please"

[Crown&Coke]

JJ brought ATL back into the NBA, before that nobody knew the Hawks even played basketball.

JJ earned that contract.

[HEAT111]

JJ brought ATL back into the NBA, before that nobody knew the Hawks even played basketball.

JJ earned that contract.

It was still crazy...

[Crown&Coke]

It was still crazy...

I can agree to that.

But so was Drew Gooden, Hakeem Warrick, Jared Dudley, David Lee... on it goes. Shaq singling out Joe is just wrong.

[GOBB]

And Shaq was worth the $20mil he made the last 2-3 seasons?

Same Shaq who said "I'm not KG, I dont take paycuts." in regards to the whole drama about who L.A should keep and Shaq contract extension was too much. And how Shaq wasnt going to work with L.A on taking less.

But Joe Johnson gets offered a max deal and its his fault we're in the lockout? No. You can make a good argument to why you feel the wreckless nature of contracts being given out if you want to Shaq. But to single out one player is wrong. What a jackass.

[PowerGlove]

JJ is a franchise player and the third best SG in the league.

People criticizing his contract when Bosh got a 110 million is just ridiculous. He was worth more to the Hawks than people realize. Without him they win 35 games max. go back to losing and even worse attendance numbers, no playoff revenue.

the hawks were a dleague team before his arrival, he's earned this deal.

[Rowe]

JJ is a franchise player and the third best SG in the league.

People criticizing his contract when Bosh got a 110 million is just ridiculous. He was worth more to the Hawks than people realize. Without him they win 35 games max. go back to losing and even worse attendance numbers, no playoff revenue.

the hawks were a dleague team before his arrival, he's earned this deal.

This.

Atlanta had to do that deal, but they should've let Joe Johnson come back with offers elsewhere before going to $120 Million. I dont think Johnson's market was that big elsewhere, I'm sure New Jersey would've gone to $90 Million but I dont see any team going to $100 Million for him.

[Bigsmoke]

Shaq was making 20,000,000 while putting up 12/6

http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2010.html

[Sawbucks23]

Shaq? The same guy who stated in his book that a player should never accept less money and try to make as much money as he can? The same guy who was overpaid the last few seasons for playing half a season. Yes, Joe Johnson's contract is too much, but who would have said no to that contract?

[hawksdogsbraves]

Shaq putting his foot in his mouth, not really a surprise. You can't blame the players in this situation, blame the GM's who are giving out these contracts. Not to mention that Shaq was JUST as overpaid if not moreso toward the end of his career.