Behind the Scenes: The Shaq hand signals
Behind the Scenes: The Shaq hand signals
Shaq: Ok guys, here's what we're going to do to freezeout Kobe.
If I miss a free throw to the left, that means give me the ball on the
left block no matter what. If I miss on the right, give it to me on the
right. Got that? If I throw up an airball, then we're going with the
Shaw-Shaq redemption. I want a dunk that'll make the crowd forget all
about the airball.
Fox: But Shaq, what if you make the free throw?
Shaq: Uh....I'm not sure. I'll get back to you. Besides, what are the odds
of that happening?
Next, inbetween when Kobe is shooting free throws. If you touch fists
with Kobe, that means you're just making Kobe think everything's fine
and you don't want him to be suspicious before we start to freeze him
out of the offense.
Harper: But Shaq, you never touch fists with Kobe when he's on the line.
Shaq: I don't want to touch him so one of you guys will have to do it.
I've already had more physical contact with him than I wanted when he
jumped into my arms last June.
Ok, next, during the tipoff, if I tap the ball to Kobe, that means I'm
being nice to to Kobe and I'm letting him touch the ball at the
beginning of the game. But that will be the only time he touches the
ball for the rest of the game, got that everybody?
Rider: So does that mean I get to have more shot attempts?
Shaq: Yeah if you're in the game. (everyone laughs) No, it means the
ball goes to me. I'll decide if you get shot attempts or not. When I'm
posting up and I raise my right hand, that means you swing the ball
around to me and away from Kobe. Got that guys? If I raise my left hand
(chuckles), you can go ahead and give the ball to JR. (chuckles)
Rider: What's so funny?
Shaq: Nothing man. Ok, now listen up. When I open and close my fist
twice, you guys can go ahead and cut to the basket. If I stick out two
fingers, that means on defense, you don't give any help to Kobe, got
that?
(Kobe walks in)
Kobe: What's this, a team meeting?
Shaq: Uh no, uh....we're just wondering where we're going to go party
tonight. Uh... want to come along?
Kobe: No thanks. What's this? (looking at the chalkboard full of
handsignals)
Shaq: We're just teaching Medvedenko how to use handsignals. We have to
be able to communicate with him, you know? Right Med!
Mevedenko: Da! (Medvedenko puts up two fingers)
Shaq: See? He learns quickly!