By Chris Burrows

The Shaq show (or is it Shaq-fu, Shaq-attaq, or Shaq-man?) is packing his bags and heading north to nestle in alongside LeBron James and the Cavs who fell just short of a championship in their 2009 playoff run. Cav-a-shaq may well be what Cleveland needs to put them over the top and bring the Championship to the Cavs (afterall Shaq has 4 rings already) but is Shaq still a viable fantasy starter?

In recent years Shaq’s stock has fallen with fantasy owners as his age and bulk have increased but he was still owned by 98.9% of owners last season according to ESPN.com. With the June deal that sent Shaq to notably cooler climes in return for center Ben Wallace and guard Sasha Pavlovic, the 17 year, 325 lb. veteran may no longer be worth it to owners.

Last season Shaq put up respectable numbers in Phoenix: 17.8 points per game, 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks over a healthy span of 75 games which should be more than enough to relegate current Cavs center Zydrunas Ilgauskas to the bench. Shaq also managed to lead the league in effective field goal percentage demonstrating that his skills aren’t yet eroding with age. But Shaq has clearly already hit his peak—he hasn’t had a season with a ppg average over 25 since 2002-3 afterwhich his rebound, block and steal averages have also trailed off.

Of course, post-peak Shaq numbers are still better than the league average if unable to communicate his true worth on the court as the bulkiest center under the hoop in basketball. Shaq is an invaluable part of Cleveland’s run to a ring that is centered around LeBron James—who’ll be doing most of the point-making and theatrics. This has obvious implications on O’Neal’s fantasy potential—he’ll be counted on for blocks and assists now and not making baskets especially if the Cavs can come up with a power forward to fill another void in their roster. Shaq even told reporters at the press conference, “”[LeBron James]’s the captain. This is the time in my career where I can fit in. I’m now in the security business. My job is to protect the King, and that’s what I’m here to do.”

Shaq has never played for a cold-weather team (which has prompted the new nickname: the Big Freeze) which may impact his game if only psychologically. He’s played in LA, Orlando, Miami and Phoenix—the bitter Ohio cold may be a shock to Shaq.

Cav-a-shaq will be central to the progression of the Cavs. If the team can secure a performing power forward to complement James and O’Neal they have a very real chance for a crown. Shaq’s new role as the self-described protector of the king makes him a less viable though still possible starter for fantasy owners in the years to come.