Shaq: Wise to be lazy?

Shaquille O'neal was one of the most dominating players in NBA history, but somehow managed only 1 League MVP award (to go with 3 Finals MVPs). Part of this is due to his inability to play a full season. In prime years from 1995 to 1998, he didn't play more than 60 games in a season.

He followed this run with his MVP season (79 games) then missed 8 games the following year and 15 games in each of the 3 following seasons...his last 3 as a Laker. He played 73 games his first year in Miami, and then did not top 61 in the 3 following seasons before posting 75 with Phoenix in 2008.

His missed games have largely been attributed to his not keeping in shape and using the regular season to get in shape for the playoffs. However, what I have not heard mentioned is how this may have allowed him to play until age 37. It seems that his strategy may have expanded his career and allowed him more opportunities to play for titles. When you see Yao Ming break down, you think maybe a guy that size can't play every day without wearing down....maybe their true worth is from February to June. Maybe Portland should think about limiting Greg Oden in a similar fashion.