shaq never mentioned the bench. this is 5 on 5.
team A has some issues.
1. defensively they are little slow. they are playing against a small ball team.
2. shaq/kareem twin tower - this is a scary combo on offense, but i'm just not sure if they will have a right chemistry. can kareem play PF? spacings could be an issue.
3. too many alpha - maybe it's just me, kobe is just too alpha. how will he take 3rd banana role?
4. baylor - yes he was great. but he was great in 60's. IMO, he was a prequel to charles barkley. i just don't know how he will fit in this team. what's his role? he won't be a scoring option. he was never known for great defense. i see pippen neutralizing him with his length and quickness.
remember team B played together for a long time except rose. they know each other. this is MJ's team. everything goes through MJ. and they just upgraded a PG with d. rose. i know rodman and grant didn't play together, but they will be fine together. they know their role. honestly rodman/grant will stand toe to toe against shaq/kareem in terms of rebounding.
having said all that team A has too much offense. they will win most likely as long as they don't try to kill each other.