By Michael Cunningham
Posted October 8 2004
Miami -- The big man isn't quite as big as before, and that should only help Shaquille O'Neal play the Heat's style of defense.
O'Neal will be required to move away from the basket to chase dribblers off picks and set traps for the Heat. After three days of practice, including an intensive defensive session Thursday, O'Neal's teammates say he can do it.
"It is not easy for any big guy to do, [especially] the biggest guy in the league," Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. "I give a lot of credit to him, coming in and wanting to do it and getting his weight down so he can do it."