Shaquille O’Neal, one of the greatest players in NBA history, will likely finish his career with one of the greatest franchises in sports. The 7-foot-1, 325 pound center signed a two year contract worth almost $3 million. For Shaq, it was a choice between the Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics. He picked the Celtics because it would give him the best opportunity to win his 5th NBA championship.
O’Neal, who is on the last legs of his career, has been an all-star in 15 of his 17 seasons in the league, with career averages of 24.1 points and 11.0 rebounds. Although, he will not average anywhere near those numbers this season, he is still a great addition for the Celtics as they will not have the services of Kendrick Perkins for the first few months of the season. Perkins injured his knee in game 6 of the 2010 NBA finals. The Celtics have also added Jermaine O’Neal. He and Shaq will provide more than enough insurance for the team in the absence of Perkins.
Last season, the Big Aristotle, as he is fondly called, joined the Cleveland Cavaliers after an up-and-down season with the Phoenix Suns. He was brought to Cleveland to help LeBron James win his first title, which unfortunately did not happen as they were knocked out of the playoffs by the Celtics. He averaged career lows of 12.0 points and 6.7 rebounds with the Cavs.
The 2009-10 Celtics were not given much of a chance last year because of their aging stars, so they definitely surprised a lot of teams by making it to the finals and pushing the Lakers to the brink. The Big Three, (Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen) are all on the downside of their careers. With the addition of Shaq, much of the discussion about expectations this season will be the same as last, but you can never count out a veteran team, especially one with 4 Future Hall of Famers.
O’Neal has won numerous awards throughout his career including the 1999-2000 NBA Most Valuable Player Award.
He will wear the number 36 in Boston as his previous numbers are either retired or being worn by a current Celtic player.
No word yet on if he’ll be called the Big Leprechaun in Beantown.
By Dejo Olagbegi
Twitter: @princedejo
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