Peter May writes that the Nets may have improved themselves with last weeks? trade to acquire Dikembe Mutombo, but the trade ?will not, in any way, shape, or form, give them the body they need to compete against Shaquille O'Neal. Even the Nets understand that.?

''Oh no, no, no,'' agreed Nets general manager Rod Thorn. ''No one can stop Shaq.''

In 1991, the Sixers figured they needed an inside presence to get to the Finals. Mutombo was that presence. They also wanted someone who could contend with Shaq in the Finals. Mutombo could not contend.

In the five-game NBA Finals of 2001, Shaq averaged 33 points, 15.8 rebounds, and 3.4 blocked shots. May adds, ?Yup, Mutombo really slowed down The Big Diesel. Hey, it's not Mutombo's fault. You never heard him say he could play with Shaq. But you now hear (or read) others say it, and it's nonsense.?