Shaq OK With Bench Role

by Jeff Clark on Aug 10, 2010 5:38 AM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

O'Neal will be introduced at a press conference at 10:30 AM today, but already he's saying all the right things.

Shaquille O’Neal OK being a backup - BostonHerald.com

With starting center Kendrick Perkins [stats] expected to be out until at least February as he recovers from knee surgery, O’Neal will have a chance to make an impact. But even with Perkins sidelined, O’Neal could find himself backing up another free agent O’Neal, Jermaine. Though Shaquille O’Neal has started all but nine of his 1,170 career games, he arrives in Boston saying all the right things about filling whatever role coach Doc Rivers prescribes. "I’m at the point of my career where I’m a role player," O’Neal told reporters at a charity basketball game in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday. "I’m going to do whatever they ask me to do. I’m not looking to come up there and dominate the ball and do too much. Whatever they need me to do, I’m going to do."

Personally I think he should embrace it as only Shaq can. He should give the bench a nickname (something more original than the "Bench Mob" please) and then talk each player up with what superpowers they have. He could give the 2nd unit a real identity and leader. And when they inevitably have a hard time scoring, they'll always have the option to toss it into the big guy.

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Welcome O'neals

"Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing." - Vince Lombardi

by wild-a on Aug 10, 2010 5:50 AM EDT reply actions

Of course.........

He’s a pro…..he’s saying the right things. He will come to camp and let his work sort it out and he will probably end up starting.

by kefa461 on Aug 10, 2010 5:56 AM EDT reply actions

I don't really mind him starting

as long as JO has a few more minutes than him and most of the times finishesthe game. He can start for the first 6 minutes then JO comes in and stay for the next 8. ANd so on.

by Yoki R on Aug 10, 2010 6:10 AM EDT reply actions

+1

as long as JO does not mind and Doc is willing to play along.

by getthat18now on Aug 10, 2010 7:29 AM EDT up reply actions

O'Neal starting

I actually like the idea of Shaq starting so that it minimizes his defensive shortcomings by being coupled with KG. 6 minutes to start, then out for 8-10 and let JO grab the majority of time and also finish the game.

Granted he won’t be a super picker for PP and Ray. However when Rondo penetrates, their will be a large target available to him who can catch, pass and finish. So, yes I can see him starting.

by 1sport1team on Aug 10, 2010 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions

The O'Neals competing for a starting position could be what the Doctor ordered.

by Little D on Aug 10, 2010 7:35 AM EDT reply actions

to start or not to start...

we can all just guess.. my guess would be that majority of the season, JO will start (hopefully he’s healthy all the way) and shaq will only start if he’s a better match up with the opposing center.. but either way.. minutes-wise i’m sure JO will get more mins.

they are already selling shaq jerseys right? but isn’t it supposed to be S.O’Neal at the back since we have 2 O’Neals?

by japsuki on Aug 10, 2010 8:24 AM EDT reply actions

They didn't...

…do that for the Allens either. I do remember, though, that when two of the Malones (Karl and Jeff) played in Utah they had MALONE K. and MALONE J. on their jerseys to indicate they were brothers.

by Amager Celtic Fan on Aug 10, 2010 8:28 AM EDT up reply actions

oh yeah you're right on the allens!

..how quick i forgot about the other allen

by japsuki on Aug 10, 2010 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions

It's too bad the Celtics didn't keep Tony Allen.

Then they could’ve traded for Malik Allen, allowing them to play a unit of three Allen’s and two O’Neal’s.

by no kidding on Aug 10, 2010 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Allens

I was a bit (very slightly) bummed that Allen Ray was released when we picked up Ray Allen.

by 1sport1team on Aug 10, 2010 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions

And then we traded Big Al ...

by mmmmm on Aug 10, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions

FEBRUARY??!?

I thought we were talking Christmas with Perk -
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Don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk

by mcpu40 on Aug 10, 2010 8:27 AM EDT reply actions

Don’t count on February either.

by no kidding on Aug 10, 2010 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Really it wouldn’t surprise me if perk didn’t play at all this season.For most players it takes a full season to recovery which is why many of us hope kg will be the kg we had the championship year

by CelticsHoorah!!! on Aug 10, 2010 10:00 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Amen to all of that.

by no kidding on Aug 10, 2010 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions

True. Let him full recovery until playoff. When the war began!!

by celt4ever on Aug 10, 2010 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Shaq's Calvary

Jeff,
I really think you are on to something. If Shaq wants to carve a niche in the hearts of Celtics fans, the idea of embracing his bench role is fantastic. Whether it is the Second Wave, the Last Straw, the Green Tidal Wave, or ’Quille’s Calvary, for Shaq to take leading the replacements as a personal tribute and responsibility would be a great development. Giving them a personality and pride, and conversely giving the opponents a sinking feeling rather than relief to see subs, would be one of the best outcomes the Celtics could hope for. Yeah, the more I think about it the better I like it.

by bballee on Aug 10, 2010 9:03 AM EDT reply actions

I like this take on it too.

And I think that Shaq will be a very nice fit with BBD’s hustle energy and the speed of Nate + Wafer + Quis on the wings. They should be very complementary.

by mmmmm on Aug 10, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

The Shaq-alvary

Maybe we can steer this whole “new nickname” thing into a positive for the team. The Shaq-rock Five, O’Neal’s O’Trouble, Green Storm Brewing, the Green Load, Shaq’s Shock Troops, The Green Body Shot

by bballee on Aug 10, 2010 9:15 AM EDT reply actions

Welcome to Boston Shaq!

Personally I have been waiting for YEARS for this to happen.

by teaguelife on Aug 10, 2010 10:25 AM EDT reply actions

I dont hate the Shaq deal

I mean, I normally wouldnt sign a 38 year old player, but he took the veterans minimun, which shows he really wants to win

That place was for diehard sports fans. I only follow my team when they're in the playoffs" - Homer Simpson
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by bestbostonsports on Aug 10, 2010 10:50 AM EDT reply actions

Per the press conference Harangody has just been signed.

He’s going to be there soon for comment. Live on comcast sports:

http://www.csnne.com/08/10/10/WATCH-LIVE-Shaquille-ONeal-Press-Confere/v1_landing_celtics.html?blockID=287059&feedID=3945

by teaguelife on Aug 10, 2010 11:01 AM EDT reply actions

that leaves only the sheed spot in the roster available

by japsuki on Aug 10, 2010 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Awesome.

Expected, but good to have it official.

by mmmmm on Aug 10, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Great for Shaq and for us!!

for saying those words that’s the reason that you have a job( Shaq) and don’t have anything( Mcgrady, Iverson).

by celt4ever on Aug 10, 2010 12:30 PM EDT reply actions

Speaking of bench nicknames

Simmons had a pretty funny one last year for Nate, TA, Sheed, and Baby. He called them the Insane Clown Posse.

doubleplusungoodthinker

by Mencius on Aug 10, 2010 1:05 PM EDT reply actions

Most cutesy nicknames should be avoided. They're too embarrassing when you lose.

As I roughly recall, Winston Churchill once passed the word that he didn’t want any more military missions to be given silly ass names. He didn’t want any mother to ever hear that her son died during Operation Lollipop.

by no kidding on Aug 10, 2010 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Shaq

The player they get with the Sheed contract situation could be very important. I think Shaq has a lot more left in the tank than he’s letting on, can’t wait to see Rondo and Shaq hook up on the inside, One more quality swing man would be great. Inside play is huge in the playoffs, but you also need to spread the floor with some shooters to give the bigs room to do their thing. This should be a great season….can’t wait!!

by Hergy22 on Aug 10, 2010 2:00 PM EDT reply actions