Shaq is Signing With Boston
by Tom Halzack on Aug 4, 2010 10:47 AM EDT
in Boston Celtics Articles
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PrintAccording to A. Sherrod Blakely and a number of other sources, Shaquille O'Neal will sign with the Boston Celtics for the league minimum for a chance to win title number 5 and possibly face the Lakers and Kobe Bryant in the Finals.
From A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE:
Shaquille O'Neal has agreed to become a Boston Celtic, which would give the C's one of the most star-studded, Hall of Fame-bound lineups in recent memory.
Although O'Neal has said he wants to play at least two more seasons, his contract will be a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum.
For me, that is a real surprise. Not the signing (though that is a bit of a shock), but that Shaq is accepting the league minimum to play… anywhere.
A huge player with a huge ego has come to grips with reality and age. As the saying goes, he ain’t what he used to be.
But for a perennial league star and one of the world’s most visible athletes, make that 'most visible personalities' (TV shows, movies, cds, etc.) to go from $20 million to something slightly over $1 million per year says something about Shaq's desire to play with a contender, instead of just fading away - 'graciously' - as he puts it himself.
And 'gracious' certainly isn't the way Shaqzilla plays. His elbows are lethal weapons.
Trying to imagine my reaction if I had been told 6-8 years ago that the Celtics would have Ray Allen, Pierce, KG, Shaq and JO all at once...
And that is exactly the point. This is a without a doubt a tremendous cast of characters. 4 sure Hall of Famers, former All Star Jermaine O’Neal and current All Star Rajon Rondo and you have some serious ballin’ going on out there. But age is a factor for most of the key players.
I thought for sure that the issue was money (and playing time) and that the Cs were going to have to use the Wallace contract in a sign and trade with Dan Gilbert’s Cavaliers to make it happen. And that Gilbert would have done it gladly to spite a certain former player.
Schnikees. That means that Sheed contract is still available to use elsewhere. That is a story in itself.
So the Celtics will take care of a big need by signing both O’Neals – Jermaine and Shaquille, two centers who have seen better days, but still offer solid defense in the middle. They are quite different players and in some ways compliment each other.
When you want to draw defenses out of the middle Jermaine’s mid range game must still be respected. When you want to clog the middle, Shaq still is a force, rebounds well and can still block shots. Scoring-wise, Shaq was more productive last season than Rasheed.
Obviously, at 38 years old Shaq has lost something on both ends of the court. But I will say this. When many Celtic fans were laughing at Shaq signing with the Cavs last season, I was of the opinion that it would help Cleveland. I think it did, though Shaq has more pronounced weaknesses as he grows older.
Interesting enough, in earlier tweets today Chris Mannix voiced serious concern with Shaq’s pick and roll defense and his coachability. Eddie Johnson also mentioned Shaq as a difficult player to coach and someone with a dominant presence like his affects any locker room – positively or negatively.
So, Danny and Doc, I’m sure had private discussions between themselves, brought it before the important players on the team and had clear discussions with Shaq himself about their vision for his role with the team. If they didn’t, that is where problems could pop up.
But the fact that Shaq is willing to take the minimum to play and has voiced his desire to play with the Celtics more than a few times makes things seem less risky. In fact, it could be that the Celtics just got a bit of good luck.
Once again, Danny Ainge and the tough but aging Celtics are a great story line for NBA writers everywhere, especially those on the Celtic beat.
The Celtics unconventional march to the Finals, the decision to retain a tough minded group of aging stars, a rising Rajon Rondo, and hopefully an improving bench are all great stories going into this season.
Now we can add the thought of a possible clash of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in the Finals. Ratings would go through the roof.
Though Shaq is aging and near the end of a highly successful career this still qualifies as another 'wow' moment of the Danny Ainge Era, the NBA off season, and the Celtic march toward ‘Taking It Back in 2010’.
Doc will now have to maximize Shaq’s strengths and minimize his weaknesses through the Celtics sets at both ends of the floor.
With Kendrick Perkins out until sometime in early 2011, the Celtics have certainly addressed their needs in the middle.
As WEEI reports, Chris Mannix says it was not a unanimous decision...
"And for the Celtics, I can tell you this much, it was not a unanimous decision. This is not something that the entire front office and coaching staff entirely agreed upon. But it is a Danny Ainge type of move. He’s taken risks like this in the past, whether it’s Gary Payton or Stephon Marbury or Nate Robinson this past year. He’s taken chances on guys he thinks can help put them over the top. Danny obviously is convinced that Shaq is what this team needs right now."
While I am uncertain of just what Shaq has left, I am psyched to find out and though I think Rasheed Wallace threw them a curve ball last season, I trust still trust Doc and Danny to know what they are getting into.
At least Shaq won’t be clobbering Celtics in the middle anymore. He will be on our side.
Let the good times roll.
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instant contender
unsure why you’re unhappy – this is exactly what they need at exactly what they can afford -
.
Don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk
by mcpu40 on Aug 4, 2010 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t think Shaq has much left in the tank. He didn’t look great when the Celtics were upsetting Cleveland in the playoffs.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
who did look good against us in the playoffs?
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"
by remembering9ergods on Aug 4, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
right.
perhaps they should bring in iverson.
PF = KG
C = SHAQ
PG = IVERSON
SG = ALLEN
SF = PIERCE
Don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk
Get Out of Here wit A.I.
The only A.I. in Boston will be the Artificial Intelligent Robots that the Engineers at M.I.T. will be assembling….
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
tell the M.I.T guys we need a tall, defensive SF that will play for the vet min,
they’ll come up with something!
no way on iverson
We might as well just get Danny a straight jacket if he decides to bring AI. We have enough strong personalities here. DA knows what he is doing and I think shaq is going to do his best to make it work and better boston’s chances of winning a title. And besides, Shaq is going to want to ask Kobe how his ass tastes if the celtics can win a title with him LOL
Good point, maybe Gasol would be the only one.
I suppose you could say Dwade although his team won 1 game.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
Then tell me who is better?
For the veteran minimum? Got anyone?? What? You don’t think Dwight Howard will take the vet minimum do you? Get real… He is the best center available and we got him at the cheapest price possible.
Thank You....
That Needed to be Said….
Ainge slammed this one!!!!!
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Just think Toronto signed a
guy for 7 million and DA signed 2 guys that are both better for less money.
Colangelo sucks while DA rocks. Another double digit division title.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
hell
we got both oneals for a combined $6.7m thats a heck of a steal. both are still capable players on both ends of the floor and both made over $20m last season. i think danny did a hell of a job
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"
by remembering9ergods on Aug 4, 2010 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
actually Shaq did look good
especially after coming off a big layoff and having SURGERY because of big baby’s cheap play. Considering all that, Shaq looked damn good
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
you should do your homework
his stats are right up there with the top centers if you consider the minutes he plays. This is very good for the C’s. I am stoked!!
This makes Perkins expendable
This moves suggests Kendrick Perkins may be expendable – he will be traded at a future date to acquire some building blocks for the future. That’s my take.
"You're about as useful as a one-legged man at an arse kicking contest." Rowan Atkinson
by The Village Idiot on Aug 4, 2010 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
anything is possible, and for the right price anyone should be tradeable
but I highly doubt that.
As we all know from watching this summer, elite big men are freakin’ hard to find.
Perk will most likely be re-signed long term after he comes back and will BE one of the building blocks for the post-KG era.
one year, vet min = perfect
We can even WAIVE him when Perkins comes back.
NNNOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Why?
Makes No Sense….. Over the one year Shaq is signed….. Perk wont be full form till next year…..
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah i think Doc might actually sit perk the whole year. Get him back into his defensive shape
"Victory belongs to the most Preserving" - Napoleon
"The teams that do the best job of putting personal agendas aside are the successful teams. It's not easy. That's why it's hard being a good teammate, but everyone has that choice." - Ray Allen
by AiTheLAviTiCuS#21 on Aug 4, 2010 11:45 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Even if Perk is in perfect health and form when he comes back
why the hell would you wave Shaq?
You need big man depth in the playoffs! You never know when injuries can happen and you need fouls to give!
I’ll take Shaq on my bench over Shelden Williams any day of the week!
Agreed.
But if that happens, it’ll be very interesting how Shaq reacts to being benched. Cross this bridge when we come to it I guess.
benching smenching
Doc will still get all of them minutes – it will be all about matchups.
If he deserves benching, he'd take it
….but if you think Perk and JO are going be playing well enough to make Shaq irrelevant, you’re in for a big surprise
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Guess I haven't been paying attention
But signing eh Wafer and Ugh Shaq without moving sheed or erden puts us up to 15 players, meaning we cannot sign either harangody or Bradley.
Secondly signing shaq means we have absolutely no need for sheed expect a multiple player deal in the works to move sheed, erden and possibly one of this years 2
rooks to get a defensive stopper and get to keep the other rook. I almost would not believe that this is not in the works.
by Warrior Spirit on Aug 4, 2010 2:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
14 right now.
With Shaq their at 14. Bradley is signed already.
It seems likely their going to move Sheed’s contract, one way or another in a multi-player deal. I don’t think they’ll move Erden, he’s a prospect as a back up Center in years down the road, and a full year in the Celtics system, learning the game, learning the language, playing garbage time only minutes, could do him a lot of good down the road.
Harangody is likely to get the remaining spot, given his summer league performance. Although it’s possible they’ll leave it open and wait until after training camp to make that decision, letting Lafayette, Gaffney, and Harangody all battle in camp for a spot.
I personally don't think Erden will be on the squad come the regular season.
He may well be camp fodder, though, or his contract might be useful in adding to a Sheed trade.
doubleplusungoodthinker
Guaranteed deal.
So they’d have to trade him to remove his deal, or just outright buy it out. It seems unlikely they’ll buy the contract out, unless they drastically see a need to open a roster spot. The buyout would cost the team double due to the luxury tax, not a big deal since that still only costs them a million. But, without a legit reason to do it (i.e. multiplayer deal materializes they really need a spot for) their not just going to throw the money away.
Ainge has openly stated he believes Erden can play back up minutes right now, so it’s obvious he’s pretty high on the guy. I fully expect them to keep him around and try to develop him in practice and groom him as a reliable backup for the future.
Ainge talks up everyone on his team. It's what GMs do.
He might be on the team come regular season. I just doubt it though. There was no guarantee that we’d sign Shaq. Erden was insurance. We’ll see.
doubleplusungoodthinker
That's true.
He’s certainly not going to say “this guy I signed is a bum” so that’s a fair statement.
Erden wasn’t an immediate impact signing, no doubt. But I still think they’d rather hold on to him than most of the other young talent on the team. You can’t teach height.
Admittedly, I only saw him in summer league
… but I was thoroughly underwhelmed. That’s the only thing I’m basing my opinion on.
doubleplusungoodthinker
Hard to judge.
I thought he got better in every game he played. And he shows some solid ability to finish strong near the rim. He’s also got an NBA ready body right now, size, strength, length, the trifecta.
So far as future prospects to be reliable 20 minute guys, he’s got all the tools. We’re talking about keeping him on the 15th roster spot, and paying him 500k next year. Don’t see why they don’t.
I guess we saw different things in the summer league.
I didn’t see anything in the way of finishing strong near the rim. Admittedly, he had the disadvantage of not being a native English speaker (if he speaks it at all), but I just didn’t see anything that got me thinking he belongs in the NBA at all. I thought Sims was a lot more promising than him as an NBA prospect.
It’ll all shake out withing a couple months, and thankfully, it’s just two more months to wait. Nice playing til the latter part of June. Less of an excruciating wait.
doubleplusungoodthinker
I remember when Perk was a young buck ...
a lot of critics viewed him as a lost project.
Erden is going to be the number 5 big man during the regular season (behind JO, KG, Shaq & BBD) and #6 when Perk gets back. There is absolutely no risk or pressure on him. He is a physical tools project that they will watch and see how he turns out. Because of his physicals, his upside is pretty high.
Think of some of the guys we’ve carried that deep on the roster the last few years. Erden is worth carrying for at least a while.
Also – Summer League is brutal as a display case for big men who are primarily defensive oriented. There is very little teamwork and it is mostly a showcase for playground man-to-man skills and offensive skills. I agree Erden looked lame in the SL – but so did most every other big man who was not a primary scorer. The important thing is whether Clifford Ray (who was their watching, as the SL coach) saw what he wanted to see from them.
Hey, I'm not saying I'm right
… But my perceptions were my perceptions. Time will tell about the guy.
doubleplusungoodthinker
Very true.
I’m just glad we don’t have to depend on him as JO’s backup. If he pans out over time, great. If he flops – fine.
Big Man
The difference is that Sims is 6’8" and Erden is 7’. Sims one on one certainly would beat Erden, but he doesn’t have the potential that Erden has. Erden did play as a big man should, he played tall with hands up, he did go hard to the hoop, and blocked or attempted to block shots. Yes, he has a lot of work to do, and he needs to adjust to the speed on the NBA game, but that’s not unusual. Also, remember that summer league is school yard ball, guards and wing players normally dominate, while bigs seem slow and unimpressive. But he did the things he was supposed to do as a big man.
Yeah, I just didn't see it that way.
He looked soft to me. Nothing special. Nothing that says, this guy needs to be in the NBA.
Yeah, obviously Sims is smaller and they don’t play the same position. Still, Sims looked to have a game that might translate more than Erden did. Seriously, if Erden were not on the C’s entrant, nobody’d have noticed him.
doubleplusungoodthinker
Awesome
Vet min?! Now we just need to do something with Sheed’s contract. Have him come back and be our third string center haha.
Center: Perk \ Shaq \ Sheed
PF: KG \ JO \ Baby
Wow. Great job DA if this is true!
Agreed but Ideas? I gots none
I mean I had a heart attack every time he handled the ball but we need another TA (one who can actually shoot the ball a little even).
Battier
Ariza
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Grant Hill...
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Houston/Pheonix...
Will most likely be out of the playoff race this year and Battier and Grant Hill have Free-Agency to worry about if their team is out of the race….
By declaring not to re-sign with the team that has showed its lack in productivity this season…… Their team will be forced to trade that player and receive some type of value in return in stead of letting the player walk…..
Battier and Grant Hill immediately come to mind…
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Not compared to the rest of the west...
Lakers
Thunder
Spurs
Mavs
Jazz
Portland
… i see the clippers making a run with thier squad rising
which leaves only on spot for either pheonix or houston….
maybe neither….
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Good health and a little good luck...
… can make the difference between 38 wins and 58 wins. Houston and Portland had severe injuries last season and Utah had the injury bug come playoff time.
Yao playing 35 minutes a night and Brad Miller backing him up will make Houston a good team in the west. I am not saying they will be better than any of the teams you mentioned above, but with a healthy Yao they will be good.
Also, I don’t see Houston trading Ariza either, but that is who I would like.
NO NO N0
IMO the Celtics should shoot for a homerun with Sheeds salary, even though both of those guys would be good additions. Maybe we combine Sheeds contract with BBD, Quisy, Nate and Perk or some combination and try to pry away a star player. Carmelo might be available later this season. Denver has already said they will not got through what Cleve did. Other players who might be available are M. Williams, M. Ellis, D. Granger, AI (Philly) and Kevin Martin. And there will be others who will become avail as usual. This is a chance to jump start our rebuilding and win today as well.
One problem.
With dropping names like Granger and Martin, is there they are without a doubt, top caliber all-star type players. Do you really need think their going to have their minutes cut in half and be Pierce’s understudy?
No, not going to happen.
Ariza would have to demand a trade since....
he’s locked-up for multiple years…..
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s overrated and a poor percentage shooter
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Not happening.
This one has been tossed around plenty, Houston has already said their not interested. They think they can compete with the Lakers next year, and they want to see how far their team can go.
That could all change at the trade deadline of course, especially if Yao isn’t healthy and their clearly not contenders anymore.
Moon is a good one too!!!!
Long-Lengthy Defender that has practice against both Wade and LeBron since he played with both….
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Grant Hill
Is a terrific defender….. Long and Lengthy to disrupt either the 2’s or 3’s on the court.
And he can spread the floor on offense as well…..
With Hill, SHaq, KG, Pierce, and Ray……. All-Star Veterans Line-up
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Danny is loathe to give up picks
… and for good reason, but for Battier, I think he’d do it. I haven’t looked at Houston’s roster lately, but unless they were of the mind that their current plan just didn’t work, and they were ready to rebuild, I can’t see why they’d give up Battier.
doubleplusungoodthinker
If Houston is out of the playoffs like pheonix....
Battier is in contract year…. He’s going to want an extension this year….
Houston most likely wont offer it with the new bargaining agreement lingering,….
Battier would be a great piece for Houston to move to say Boston and retain some draft picks for a player that willl walk away from Houston after the season to go to a playoff contender….
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Grant Hill on Pheonix is in the same position.....
And i really don’t see Houston or the Amare-Less-Pheonix-Suns making the playoffs this year with portland, thunder, and most likely the clippers making the progress they have…..
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I like in order.
Battier
Ariza
Nocioni
Rudy
Moon
But if Yao can come back. Hou think they have a chance to win the West.
And I think that too. That’s why I prefer the last 3. The Lakers enemy are my
ally.
wahoo!
whose got my Shaq O’neal t-shirt jersey for me?
"Take it to the hoop, there's a dance involved." - DJ Tommy
by WillyBeamin on Aug 4, 2010 9:56 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
go figure
Shaq gets Vet Min for one year and JO gets 2 yrs full MLE????….WOW, how the mighty have fallen….shows Danny doesn’t really want this guy but ZERO risk so why not?….better than Kwame
It's All About the Market the Player Commands.....
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
That and the age of the player
helps determine contract value.
by GetYourSoxOn on Aug 4, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, JO is only 32. Shaq is in his sunset years.
This isn’t really about money for either of them, anyway.
I Think More Teams Wanted JO than Shaq...
Which explains the higher salary and quicker signing….
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
True.
There were a few teams offering full MLE money for JO, Atlanta being one. Miami also wanted to resign him at similar money, since they had his bird rights. He chose Boston over all those, and some reports say Sheed had something to do with that (they have a good relationship, and JO admits he talked to Sheed about the Celtics before he signed.)
JO needs to be in the shadows
and he certainly is now
For anyone to take JO over Shaq is mindblowing...
Age is one thing, but JO plays like he’s 40…and he doesn’t have the skill set…. or intimidation….or experience…. or respect that Shaq does.
Shaq at the minimum is a steal, but JO at the MLE is massively overpaying. I guess it all evens out when you average the O’Neal contracts….
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
If we didn't pay it, someone else would have!
So, I’m not sure that is over paying.
I'm not sure someone else would have..
I understand your argument though….kind of like why Pierce was overpaid, I get that. But that’s a lot of moolah for JO….. Of course, someone did give Darko 20 million…Still, for an organization like the Celtics to give that much to someone like JO that early in the FA period was surprising to me
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Thats just not true.
For a C’s system that relies on mobile big men to hedge and recover, and uses a massive amount of rotations and help defense to contest shots, JO is by FAR the better play.
Shaq is very limited in that role, which is exactly why his minutes will be limited in Boston.
Even just by the numbers JO and Shaq are pretty even as far as offensive production goes. But JO fits the Celtics defensive system much better, and is the better all around player. He’s still pretty quick for a big man, is agile and and finish near the rim, or knock down mid-range shots at a well above average rate.
Shaq is above average at 1v1 post defense, but god awful in every other way. JO is average in post defense, and well above average in every other way.
Their offensive games are different, JO being more versatile, but Shaq being the much more consistent post threat. So their games actually compliment each other well, and will allow Doc to exploit matchups.
Bottom line, over all, JO is a far more complete player.
It's really situational.
For the big centers who don’t rely on finesse, but rather just overpower people, like Howard and Bynum, Shaq is the better defensive option. Against most all other teams, JO probably will be the better option. It’s nice to have both angles covered.
doubleplusungoodthinker
Surprising to me too that it happened so quick, but
if Jamiane wanted to play for someone other than a contender, I would have to think the Knicks, Nets, Cav’s… all would have paid.
If you didn't pay him, who would you have?
And he probably would have stayed in Miami.
Never.
Never could have went back to Miami, burned too many bridges there.
No contender wanted to pay over the minimum, but Boston wasn’t the only team interested. The Spurs, Mavericks, and Atlanta all had some interest. But none of those teams (except Atlanta) had glaring holes in their front line, so playing time couldn’t be guaranteed. Boston, at least till Perk is out, offered the biggest slice of time and a legit role on the team. Plus a veteran crew he should fit right in with, so it was definitely the best fit.
It`s ALWAYS about the money...
Shaq simply decided that playing for Boston, and allowing his ego to remain in the “public eye” for a little longer…..is better than being retired and forgotten.
He`s been paid as much as $28M per season, and over $20M every year for the past decade.
If you think he`ll be “inspired to excel” for a lousy $1.4M…you will be terribly disappointed by what you see!
If it was about the money.
He’d play in Europe, where he could earn more. No $1.4mil is not going to “inspire” him, but a chance at another ring, and especially a chance to stick it to Kobe in the finals certainly will.
Go to Europe?....
He`d be forgotten in America within an hour if he went there…His ego could never cope with that!
See him on the Kimmel show, saying Boston would be a “good program”?
He displayed all the enthusiasm one would have going to a funeral!
Then it's not about the money.
That was my point, I’m not saying he’s thrilled about taking less money in Boston, but he’ll accept it, and he’s a competitor. Then once he gets a glimmer of that gold trophy, he’ll forget about the money.
It's not the money.
Shaq’s net worth is around 300 million dollars+. He needs the money as much as he needs another 10lbs. He could make more $$$$ if he retired and spent more time with all his business ventures.
The World’s 50 Top-Earning Athletes
Number 17: Shaquille O’Neal
Sport: basketball
Income: $31 million
Age: 38
by Celtics9Lakers2 on Aug 5, 2010 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Great news. We can waive him if he is a load or if our season is going down the tubes. We also do not waste Sheed’s contract. So, one more piece. We need a solid wing with Sheed’s contract. What is the latest on Rudy F? If we land him, we have size, speed and shooting from 1 through 15. .
We'll be absolutely stacked
and ESPN STILL won’t talk about us haha. And that’s how we likes it!
we are the shoeshine boys of the NBA
always the underdog until the playoffs…..
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"
by remembering9ergods on Aug 4, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Boston is all over the national TV schedule
Go C’s.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
You are right about those games
But I’m talking about how all the “experts” will be talking about that S-show in Miami non stop throughout the season (even if they don’t win).
Remember how we weren’t supposed to beat Miami… and then Cleveland… and then Orlando? OOOPS!
Same thing all over again this year and it’s going to be even worse because Miami already has a championship without even playing one game.
Bring it on I say!
And btw I can’t wait for the season to start because I’m so sick of EVERY news outlet playing that stupid clip of Miami’s SuperBestFriends in their WWE Entrance to their “press conference”.
No doubt it will be just like you say
and only sweeter when the C’s take them out as well.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
TP SpecialistK
Love the South Park reference with Super Best Friends and if that wasn’t funny enough you 1-upped it with the WWE entrance comment! Simply Hysterical!
of course there is room for sheed.
of course there is room for sheed. Once Danny trades BBD for Rudy Fernandez.
We can't break up Shrek and Donkey
I mean, we can, but the marketing machine will be gone.
by post-it note on Aug 4, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes marketing is why they are here.
: (
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
Never.
Davis is the most versatile big man the C’s have. The guy has completely changed his game in every season, and is the ultimate team player. He will do anything needed to make the team better.
Value wise - who would ever trade a quality bench big man for a bench SG?
Both are young. Both are quality players. All other things being equal, a bench big man is more valuable than a bench SG.
There's many a slip twixt the cup and the lip.
I’ll be happier when this deal is signed and sealed.
Good job DA!
Best thing is we didn’t waste Sheed’s contract on him!
Looking forward to...
LeBoner, Wade, Bosh vs. Pierce, KG, Rondo, Shuttlesworth, Shaq
Does this make Boston The Big 5?
What's the matter? The CIA got you pusing too many pencils?
Not quite
personally i still prefer perkins over shaq as do most of the people here i think. But on name alone, we’re somethin special.
by beantownboy171 on Aug 4, 2010 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Found of youth.
If anyone finds it, the Celtics would go 82-0.
Can you imagine if you had 4 Hall of Famers (and a PG who very possibly could be one) in their prime, in the same start five. Now imagine JO in his prime too as your 6th man. Good lord.
It's in Boston
Frank Ramsey, Tom Heinsohn, Bill Russell, Bill Sharman, and Bob Cousy with a bench of Sam Jones, K. C. Jones, and Gene Conley…and then John Havlicek was added!
Or how about Dave Cowens. John Havlicek , Paul Silas, Don Chaney and Jo Jo White with Don Nelson and Paul Westphal off the bench.
And how could you forget, Larry Bird, Cedric Maxwell, Robert Parish, Chris Ford and Tiny Archibald with a bench of Kevin McHale, Gerald Henderson, Rick Robey, and M. L. Carr!
big +2
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"
by remembering9ergods on Aug 4, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Heck, teach him to shoot threes...
And it will be sheed 2.0
by nba is the worst on Aug 4, 2010 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Now all we need is
THE HOT TUB TIME MACHINE!
This lineup would rock if this was 2002. In 2011, not so much.
I still hold out hope, after what we did in the playoffs, but I think Shaq’s going to have a long, frustrating year and won’t do us much good.
Dammit! Took the words right out of my mouth!
by chicagomaroon on Aug 4, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I dunno ... Rondo at 15 ... with THAT lineup around him ... in their PRIME?
That still might have been unbeatable.
In their prime.
I’m pretty sure with those 4 in their prime, I could go out there and play PG and still probably win a championship.
LOL - yeah, they just wouldnt let you touch the ball ...
A PG whose job is to run up & down and watch Pierce or Ray bring the ball up!
Yeah as mentioned except for the best player on the team they are old.
Old like last year.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
Shaq Wont Do Us Much Good??????
Put-Down the Crack-Pizzle and smell the fresh air…..
Shaq and Perk have a very similiar game….. and for this season with Perk basically gone completely…..’
SHAQ,The-Diesel, is what we need!!!!
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
and unlike perkins
shaq can score on his own and can catch teh alley oop pass.
shaq is also a great passer which will make cutting to the basket easy points when he’s doubled. take note rondo
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"
by remembering9ergods on Aug 4, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Shaq and Perk have a very similar game
Except for the part where Perk plays pick and roll D, runs the floor, and sets high screens – and the part where Shaq can actually put the ball in the basket. Other than that they’re completely the same.
He would have done the Celtics a world of good in games 6 & 7 of 2010 Finals
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
This ^
Between Shaq, Perk, and Rondo… jeez haha
Stop with the waive Shaq and bye Sheed.....
stuff……Shaq will do great and if Sheed does not retire we will have the biggest lines in the NBA…….if Sheed does retire…I trust Danny have more bullets to fire off. On to # 18 baby.
by kefa461 on Aug 4, 2010 10:12 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Yes.
You’re my boy Danny!!
Welcome to Boston Shaq!
Another season of me waiting in anticipation to wear my t-shirt with the Green “18” on it.
by teaguelife on Aug 4, 2010 10:14 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Great signing, but what's going on with Sheed?
Either way the C’s now have options. If Sheed does retire, his salary allows for the C’s to make a move midway through the year for a midyear lift to the team. If he stays, now the Celts will have KG, JO, Shaq, Sheed, Baby, and Perk (when healthy). That’s as formidable as any in the league. In any case, the bench now looks a lot stronger and deeper than once believed possible for this year and possibly next.
Incredible
The guy still has some game, for this price he’s a steal indeed!
He had 6-8 double doubles last year, and barely played over 30 mins in a couple of games. He seemed to be in really good shape (comparatively) in the playoffs vs the Celtics – he was 13.5/5.0 in only 23+ mpg
by nba is the worst on Aug 4, 2010 10:17 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Excellent news!!!!
I don’t see any bad thing coming out of this brilliant move!! Shaq off the bench..and for the vet min!!!! Danny Ainge: “say my name, biatch”. I wonder what he’s gonna do with the Sheed contract.. hmm… Save it til after All star break?
but..you think rudy's still in play?
…with the signing of von wafer? but yeah.. i prefer him over wafer, skills-wise.. but wafer is more eager to prove himself even as a bench player.. so team concept wise.. i think wafer is “ok” too
I'd rather have a power 3 than Rudy
A 3 with legit size to back up Pierce.
doubleplusungoodthinker
agreed......
Battier comes to mind……. AAHHHHH
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
that would be a big pickup
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"
by remembering9ergods on Aug 4, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
There will be some interesting players....
in their contract year on some teams that will be out of the playoff race this season…
Especially with the new collective Barg. Agreem. coming after this season…..
PLayers in their contract year will want to sign an extension before…
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
i second that..
..but in the remaining free agent pool, who can still be a possible, realistic 3 to back up pierce?
Johnathan Bender is still available.
7’0’’ SF. Can shoot three’s. But injury prone. Still though A 2nd unit of Shaq, Big Baby and Bender, size and length. Still, sounds crazy.
Awesome!
I love shaq, for so many reasons…
1. I have like 4 of his rookie cards, which suddenly (at 28 yrs old) makes basketball cards relevant again.
2. I used to own shaq-fu.
3. Dude is hilarious.
4. Gino.
5. Rebounding.
6. Easy offense.
Haha YES!
I can definitely get used to our backup center playing in the paint.
shaq fu
definitely have a copy of that. isn’t it rated one of the worst games ever?
Tell my nephew that
He’ll probably call you a doody-head
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I have his Shaqnosis basketball sneakers, they're black and white stripped like a zebra...
…I never would let my wife throw them out.
My brother from another mother!
I am 28yrs old and own dozens of his rookie cards
I STILL own Shaq-fu for the genesis and have played it within past 30 days with my 5 yr old nephew
This signing is great for all involved, I just wish Shaq could get more than the minimum because he deserves it, respect-wise….especially with JO getting $6million a year….
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
d west is next
assuming portland still wants the sun and the moon for fernandez I suspect we will sign d west for the minimum and then see what happens with sheed. either he doesn’t retire or we buy him out. the other option is we do trade sheed and a couple of players for another shooter. Philly is one option with kapono but portland appears to be the best fit if they’ll get real about their demands.With SHaq signing we now have 17 guys under contract so something has to give. Oliver Lafayette is as good as gone unless danny decides to deal Nate. I’d say that gaffney and lafayette are gone unless we trade davis and nate
I don't see DWest here without some sort of trade--they'd be crowded at the 2 and thin at the 3
unless Danny and Doc really, really believe in Gaffney, Harangody or Sims at the 3.
so wait..
when shaq and the luke rookie gets signed already.. that would make… 14 on the roster?or is it 15 already?
Rondo. Pierce. Allen. Garnett. Perkins. Shaq. J.O. BBD. Wafer. Daniels. Robinson. Harangody. Bradley. Sheed. Erden
Erden could always be cut, but yep, its 15 with sheed as a roster place holder.
by beantownboy171 on Aug 4, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
i guess it's done then..
might as well just hold on to sheed’s contract for a while.. the only thing left now is…choosing shaq’s number hehe.. a 32 will definitely create quite a stir in here.. and if i’m not mistaken, it’s the first time shaq will have an S. O’Neal at the back of his jersey?
Shaq still shouldn't have an "S".....just make JO wear a "J"
And wasn’t 32 Kevin McHale’s number? Did the Celtics not retire it?
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I think they're done--
unless there’s a numbers for quality trade to come.
awesome
bigs are exactly what we need to beat the heat.. i hope sheed decides to nto retire.. imagine the huge line ups we could throw out there, shaq, perk, and kg all out there at the same time?!?! lol
this might make sheed stay...
…and i can just imagine shaq, sheed, and KG off the court.. damn that would be a riot! that can be a whole season of the Shaq Vs. show in itself
Unfortunately, in Game 7, Sheed didn't come off the bench.
He had to start, because Perk was injured.
If Sheed had been able to come off the bench (i.e., Perk was healthy and playing in Game 7), I’m pretty confident we would have won.
…..or if they had Shaq at the time!
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
12pts 7rbs for vet min?
You would have to be a contrarion epic proportions to complain about it.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
by Birdbrain on Aug 4, 2010 10:44 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
You have to be an optimist of epic proportions to think Shaq will give you 12 pts and 7 rebs next season.
He'll prolly give us more than Sheed did in the regular season
by SpecialistK on Aug 4, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The Celtics do not hang regular-season banners, last time I checked.
by kozlodoev on Aug 4, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
second that
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
No doubt we need him to get the real banner though.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
I don't he will although it's not crazy to think he could.
He’s a nice piece to have for depth purposes and to go up against Orlando and LA. I’m more of a pragmatist.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
and matchups
Sheed last year posted 18.5 pts per 36 minutes against starters.
If he’s only playing, say 20 minutes, but its against second-stringers, he probably should be able to come close to10-12 pts per game.
Shaq won't be matched up with back-ups.....
Why would an opposing coach allow a back-up center to guard Shaq….
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Because you can't have your starter play 48?
If JO starts and plays ~28 minutes, and Shaq comes in and plays 20 – chances are pretty high that Shaq will spend most of that time against backups.
And that will be the optimal situation towards avoiding high pick & roll situations, because that will also have him on the floor less against top PGs.
I can definitely see Doc starting Shaq against some teams. But against most and especially against teams with a good C and a fast PG, it would be better to bring him off the bench.
I think you meant Shaq
Sheed was around 14.5/36 mins as I recall
by nba is the worst on Aug 5, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes - typo, thx.
I wish this was one of those blogs where we could edit our own posts to fix junk like that.
Serious question to koz -- have you ever liked anything Ainge has done?
by vinnie on Aug 4, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
now give Boston Banner 18!
DA you’ve down it again. Both O’Neals – no problems with height anymore – looking forward to the destruction of Kobes 3 peat^^ Shaq has earned it and will be a huuuge bench player. Vet-min? I guess this is a present to the Cs because of Kobes celebration after winning the title to top Shaqs Count – now a bounce back of the big fella YEAH
im sure he will guarantee it in his signing press confrence as he does with all his new teams.
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"
by remembering9ergods on Aug 4, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Shaq
I’m not thrilled with Shaq as a person or player, but if what is being said is true this is a good deal. As I see it, Shaq can give us 10-15 minutes a nite and when he’s in there we should use him. Part of the reason Shaq isn’t always as effective as he should be is other teams haven’t gotten the ball into him. We have the players who can maximize his time on the floor. With Shaq, O’Neil can go to power forward and give KG a break. So there’s alot that Doc can fiddle with. We lacked height in the playoffs, even when Perk was healthy. Perk can make up for his lack of height so that isn’t a problem. We do run into problems when Baby needs to play Center. He does a great job, but his height puts him at a disadvantage against the bigger mobile Centers.
I would be a little concerned about how Shaq affects the chemistry of the team. I can’t see how he could hurt it. If he does, as said above in other posts, he can easily be waived. Whatever, if this happens it sure will be interesting.
"I don't come to play, I come to WIN"--Larry Bird
"Criminally Negligent Officiating"--Tommy Heinsohn
I Think Come Playoffs....
You’ll never see Jermaine and Shaq together….
When KG sits, you have to play Glen at the back-up at 4…… and depending on the match-ups….. Jermaine or Shaq will come off the bench…..
During playoffs i see Shaq as starting and Jermaine as back-up since Shaq seems like he will mesh with the starters more effectively than the back-ups…..
I can’t see glen and nate working with shaq….. KG, ray, and pierce have a style of game that looks very effective with Shaq…… on paper.
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm rolling over here. Great thread.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
The Geezer Squad!!!!!
We just need an old token white guy now….and we should be all set
Is it Soup Yet?
you look like a real lock down defender
tall enough to play SF?
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"
by remembering9ergods on Aug 4, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
so what you're saying is you shaved the Moustache and combed your hair.
got it
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"
by remembering9ergods on Aug 4, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Proper medication has taken care of the "wild-eye" look
only when you remember to take them!!
by GetYourSoxOn on Aug 4, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
classic but
he has to have a head and wrist bands.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
the hall of famer geezer squad
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"
by remembering9ergods on Aug 4, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
wow
i am 23 years old, just out of college… and i can remember being in nursery school having a conversation about shaq. shaq has been in the league for the duration of my formal schooling, and then some.
also, time to get out my old “don’t fake the funk on a nasty dunk” poster from his days in orlando
Finally, between the 2 O'Neals, we have tall guys under the basket who can put the ball in without getting swatted
…I’m talking about you, Big Baby.
Vet minimum. Good signing, IMO
Size is hard to come by these days (especially cheap ones). This could be a low risk-high reward situation for us.
"The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot." - Bill Russell
It's for Vet Min!
How can anybody complain about signing a big man for vet min? If he flaps his arms up and down in the paint and doesn’t move at all he pretty much is worth Vet Min. Anything else is just butter.
by Bridgeloan on Aug 4, 2010 11:11 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
its hard to do so
sheldon williams is a guy who gets that much money. and if you told me i could have 38 year old, 12/7 shaq vs. sheldon williams, i’d say that anyone that picked sheldon should be committed immediately to the nearest mental institution.
by guy incognito on Aug 4, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
if you'd of told me we'd switch sheldon for shaq and not gain much salary
id of laughed at you….this is a great signing. i gotta give my propts to danny for making it happen and to shaq for leaving his ego, pride and money demands aside to come here and be a backup.
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"
by remembering9ergods on Aug 4, 2010 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
back-up to who???
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
i think we'll see shaq start a lot of meaningful games
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Won't bother me if he starts both him and JO
are better offensive players than Perk. We have defense. And whomever starts the other will have a decided advantage over their bench counterpart.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
by Birdbrain on Aug 4, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
+1
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"
by remembering9ergods on Aug 4, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Disagree....
Perk proved to be one of the top big-man defenders in the playoffs last year…
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I Don't THink Shaq is a Better Defender...
Than Perkins, when Perkins was 100% healthy
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Disagree with what? Perkins
is out until the 2nd half of the season. And if/when he comes back there is no guarantee that Doc will want to put him right back into the starting lineup. He’ll play a lot though.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
Oh...
My fault…. i thought it read “defensive” not “offensive”
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
No problem
I could have done a better job with they I worded that.
: )
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
In case of emergency (if KG got hurt) break glass and...
…they could both start. Not a bad backup plan Danny
yup jermaine is the starter
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"
by remembering9ergods on Aug 4, 2010 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
which is nuts!
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
They've got to rethink this, right?
I mean really, JO? Have you guys seen him play lately or did you just glance at his stats from last year? They are deceptively good
Yes, and yes.
Did you see him play last year, or did you just watch the playoffs?
Granted he was bad against Boston. But he was reportedly injured, and playing against the best 1v1 interior defender in Basketball (Ya, I said it, F you Dwight.)
So… ya. He’s still pretty good. And he got those numbers while being the #2 option on the Heat. He’ll be probably 4th option with Boston, so should be getting better looks, and won’t have to create his own shot, or be expected to get crunch time baskets. He’ll get open looks when Rondo drives, or when off-ball screens open up space.
Two-years at vet min?
According to Bloomberg via ESPN:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-04/shaquille-o-neal-signs-two-year-deal-with-nba-s-boston-celtics-espn-says.html
i guess we'll all just have to wait if it's 1 or 2 yrs
but 2 yrs is more ideal for shaq.. just enough for a back to back for us too ;)
1 year with a team option for year 2 like with ray would be nice
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"
by remembering9ergods on Aug 4, 2010 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Except that Ray's is a player option.
But I agree, that would be nice.
At this price, Shaq deserves the option year
It’s really the least they can do….its just a small show of respect for a HUGE bargain
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, for vet min, just give him the extra year.
doubleplusungoodthinker
Fully agree
And it sounds like they did. Good to hear for all parties involved.
Shaquille O`Neal...Jermaine O`Neal
Danny might as well try to sign 69 year old Ryan O`Neal!
Tatum O'Neal?
She’s got a lot of attitude. Talk some serious smack from the sideline.
i remember way back when shaq was traded to cleveland
and there was a lot of negative talks regarding the trade and when Doc was asked about his opinion he mentioned that if Shaq were to come and play for his team he would be thrilled to coach him. I guess he would have his chance now
Of course there was. Shaq didn’t make a difference in Cleveland, and I always though they were a better team when he was on the bench.
well the main reason why they brought him on board was to match up against dwight
that was his main purpose but then we came and spoiled their plans but as for his sigining here for the vet min well no complaints here
Exactly.
He’ll be at his most effective against Howard, and the Lakers front line.
doubleplusungoodthinker
If we have to keep Shaq on the court for a prolonged period of time to match up with those two teams, we aren’t winning a 7-game series.
I don't think we're getting him to play prolonged minutes
But they’ll be effective minutes against Thug Howard. I think Howard playing fast and loose with his elbows against us is over.
doubleplusungoodthinker
Neither Howard nor Bynum ever stray out of the post
Shaq will be most effective against that specific type of center.
doubleplusungoodthinker
I don't consider 25 minutes prolonged.....
And i think its very realistic to think Shaq can put in 25 minutes regularly com playoffs.
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Why???
Are you saying shaq can’t play 25+ min a night come playoffs???
Not even the whole playoffs…. mainly just the series where Shaq can be most effective….
Lakers…. Orlando…. and who else is there for Shaq to really put in some heavy work against….
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Shaq Can and Will.
Play more than 20 Minutes Against The Lakers and Orlando….
Shaq will work great with our starters and will play a lot (20+ Min) with the starters come playoffs.
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
RIght, it will work great when we reduce Pierce and Rondo to spot-up shoters, and switch to playing man-to-man defense without any adjustments — just like the the other 25 mediocre NBA teams
What???
Did you see how KG got doubled in the finals against the Lakers last year…. That’s because Perk isn’t a major offensive threat….
Shaq provides an excellent skill with his down-low-post passing…
Shaq’s offensive skills will play right into KG….. THrowing the ball to either KG in the post or Shaq will allow both to play 1-1 against their defender without a threat of a double from the 4 or 5…. and you expect ray or pierce’s defender to come off them and double shaq or KG????
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
It's not like ROndo still wont be Rondo....
The only reason we get transition points is because of rondo…..
THE ONLY!!!!
We rebound… outlet to Rondo and watch him be RONDO……
If the break isnt there…. we set up offense and get to work passing and posting up…… we couldn’t do too much of it last season due to injuries with KG.
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Also not true
The guy came straight back from an injury to his SHOOTING HAND and came right back in to a changed team at the beginning of the playoffs. All things considered, he played really well.
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Shaq didn't make a difference?
Did you actually watch any Cavs games or just beat-off while listenin to Skip Bayless break the team down for you?
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
doc probably cant sit down
a kid in a candy store. he has added two new weapons down low on offense and they bring defense and rebounding too. if he had an second thoughts about coaching this year they’re gone now. teams will have to pick their poison against us as we now have a very strong bench
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"
by remembering9ergods on Aug 4, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
and it suits doc well since he like his players the way he likes wine
aged! lol but rondo will help in being the sparkling wine to this line up
Extras
1. Shaq is an EnForcer!
2. Perk is unlikely to be relevant this year (sigh).
3. Both Shaq and JO are in the ‘likelier’ group to be injured. (Hell , anyone is possible – Perk is ?25?).
4. Erdin will get minutes if either Shaq or JO go down.
5. I HOPE Hargodly (? Spelling ?) can make it as a ‘power’ 3. That would be much better then MD – a scorer with 3 pt range and a guy who likes to mix it up under the boards. A 3 version of BBD’s 4?
that 5. on your list sounds like a pipe-dream....
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Flt2Boston
I said HOPE, not sure-fire. But………….
1. He is a four year senior, not a highschooler, and while I don’t know who the Notre Dame coach was, I’m sure they could and did afford a good one.
2. He played power 4 in college, and at a ‘honest’ 6’ 6" in his bare feet is about the same height as PP, but 30 lbs heavier………… and not a fat 30 lbs. Like BB, a big arse and 20 to 40 lbs on his opponent, allowed him to be a VERY good rebounder.
3. Danny knows what he is doing. BTW. I guess it was in NBA.Com. Not sure, but either it or a similar ‘player’ spot and I searched “Danny Ainge”. Amazingly he came up, showing a age of 51, height of 6’5 and all his career stats. For those of you who don’t remember or never knew how good Danny was (and ignoring the fact that WHO ELSE made a starting lineup in two MAJOR sports since Gene Connely (sp) and the football player I can’t remember the name of (Danny – Toronto BlueJays, SS and 3b) you should read over the stats. A couple of his better years were very comparable to Ray Allen’s, and Danny could also play a little point guard without dribbling off his feet.
Damn but I miss Larry, Kevin, Danny and DJ. (I never liked the one my whole family called ’the hands of stone" and we all flinched when he turned his back to the basket on the baseline, faded away and flung…….)
can we set up a poll in guessing what number shaq will use?
my guess is is 40
he's worn 32, 33, 34 so im guessing he keeps it in the 30's.
31, 32,35 are retired, pierce wears 34, so im guessing he takes 36. although i like master po’s idea of 99 alot.
id love for nate robinson to wear 1/2 too while we’re at it
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"
by remembering9ergods on Aug 4, 2010 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Fantastic addition for the Celtics. Our hopes are recharged again after the frustratin seventh match in LA. I have faith and I´m sure Shaq is gonna help us. From Spain Let´s go Celtics
by Juan José Nieto on Aug 4, 2010 11:47 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
hypothetical question, folks. Lakers fan here. [raises white flag]
let use paul pierce. assuming he is now 38 years and have already gone to 3 or 4 other teams instead of re-signing in the summer of 2010. and as his final act as a basketball player, he signs with his hometown team [ehem]. some are outraged, some are not.
with him signing with his hometown team, would you still retire his jersey number?
Now you know -- Manny Pacquaio
Facebook
Let this be a reminder to all of us; without competition, without that possibility (and realization) of failure, success would be meaningless. -- Zephid, FB&G
hmm okay, okay.
Now you know -- Manny Pacquaio
Facebook
Let this be a reminder to all of us; without competition, without that possibility (and realization) of failure, success would be meaningless. -- Zephid, FB&G
I understand the hypothetical issue you’re trying to bring up. His number will still likely go up in the rafters, given that he was the face of the organization for 10+ years.
Shaq is not quite the same story, though, since he’s hopped around the league a little more.
The Lakers can't retire Shaq....
The organization has claerly marked their recent 2000’s success as the “Kobe Era”…
By the organization retiring Shaq’s # and declaring Shaq as the centerfold for the 3-peat would taint Kobe’s Laker Legacy
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
well, the 3 Finals MVPs during 2001-02 clearly marks that as the "Shaq Era"
but i see your point.
Now you know -- Manny Pacquaio
Facebook
Let this be a reminder to all of us; without competition, without that possibility (and realization) of failure, success would be meaningless. -- Zephid, FB&G
Yes they are. He even said he wanted it retired here
Do you forget all that he has done for the Lakers franchise? Where else would it be retired. Lets not forget he was his best right here in LA
If Paul Pierce ever wore a Laker's jersey.
I’d burn my Pierce stuff. I just hate the Lakers way too much.
You're a true Celtic fan then
As are Laker fans who hate Shaq for this. One thing is certain. No Laker or Celtic great ever plays for the opposite end. EVER. Shaq crossed that line that has never been crossed before.
Shaq was a Laker for 8 years.
Well let me welcome everybody to the wild wild west. A state that's untouchable like Elliot Ness.
But aknowledging Shaq....
Deminishes the Kobe Brand….
The General Public already attributes the 3-Peat to Shaq’s dominance across the NBA those Years…..
But THe Lakers are trying their hardest to get the Kobe Brand on the Similiar-to-Jordan Level…..
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
we are not taking anything from Shaq
I personally would like to see his number retired in LA.
The issue I’m asking was if one of you great players would play for a rival, would you retire his jersey?
Now you know -- Manny Pacquaio
Facebook
Let this be a reminder to all of us; without competition, without that possibility (and realization) of failure, success would be meaningless. -- Zephid, FB&G
If Pierce went to the Lakers......
I wouldn’t want his jersey retired…..
But if he stayed….. Definitely.
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Shaq DOMINATED during the 00-02 three-peat
Much more so than Kobe has during the past 2 ‘ships. The Lakers have a much better team now than they did before, overall…..However, their best player now (Kobe) had absolutely nothing on their best player during the 00-02 run (Shaq). Shaq’s Laker years were just ridiculous, start to finish. There is no logical way that the Lakers can NOT retire Shaq’s jersey.
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
They HAVE to
How could they not? It may take some time for the wounds to heal, but it would be wrong for his number to not be hanging with the other Laker greats when all is said and done.
It will be a little more difficult for Buss to retire his number after Shaq helps the Celtics win the next two titles, but…. :-)
Buss is the Key
Only 7 Lakers jerseys are retired – I don’t see it happening
by nba is the worst on Aug 5, 2010 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Very strong.
I like your take on things. : )
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
No it's not
He’s from compton
Well let me welcome everybody to the wild wild west. A state that's untouchable like Elliot Ness.
Don't Matter.....
Pierce will be a Celtic for Career…..
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
So you could he was
Straight out of Compton? No wonder he’s tough. The best LA born player of all time is a life long C. Seems apropos.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
i remember him saying during 08
he hated the celtics when he was a kid. how ironic
Now you know -- Manny Pacquaio
Facebook
Let this be a reminder to all of us; without competition, without that possibility (and realization) of failure, success would be meaningless. -- Zephid, FB&G
Pop quiz - who's second best out of LA
Is it between Marques Johnson and Baron?
doubleplusungoodthinker
I dont know any off the top of my head
Theres gotta be more though. CA produces the most NBA players, more than any other state.
yup
its not like the lakers are the only team shaq played for. you know back in the day he pulled a lebron and left orlando
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"
by remembering9ergods on Aug 4, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
wow forgot about that
I still say to play on the Celtics, if you were a former Laker, you should have to disavow them publicly and drink a glass of green kool-aid at your Celtics press conference ….then spit on Kob’e jersey.
Is it Soup Yet?
3 ships in LA, 7 years, not to mention his individual awards, as well he was his best in LA
And you guys are Celtics fans?
HAHAHAHA.....
You mean the year the refs handed the lakers the championship after they clearly lost…
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
year??
which year was that???? there were so many…………
Does anyone believe
that Shaq will be healthy enough to play in more than 40 games. He’ll never do the requisite work to get in shape and stay in shape.
by Celtsfansince55 on Aug 4, 2010 12:20 PM EDT reply actions
I thought Shaq was in Shape last year...
He lost weight and was effective when he played against Boston last year….
He seemed effective at both ends…..
Cleveland just did a horrible job of matching him up against KG on defense…
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Brown did a horrible job in general last year
His misused Shaq constantly. Shaq was in good shape last year. And when he got injured, he came back in BETTER shape.
LOL
@ the thought of Erden vs Shaq in practice. Poor poor dude.
Second That.....
Can we get a welcome to the NBA turnaround dunk on him from the Shaq-Diesel
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
You come to america. You get to play with the best!
If you are a Center – you can’t ask for much more than to play your first year behind THIS crew!
Watch. Learn. Take your beating.
by mmmmm on Aug 4, 2010 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Shaq isn't
the second option on offense
the anchor on Defense
All he is now is a off the bench, 15 minutes (top), run couple plays down low to.
Doc has 2 options now.
Do I bring in Nate and run and put a spark in the game?
Do I bring in Shaq and slow this game down and kill any momentum the other team is building?
You know,
End the end, i like those options. Thats all this does. Its a risk nothing move that gives us another option. Its like getting a free lottery ticket. You have to scratch it.
Come time for When the "Boston-Season" begins...
Which is the post season in Bean-town….. We breed championships….. Not regualr season trophies….
I see Shaq starting in the post-season……. I think KG, Ray, and pierce all have a game that works very well with Shaq’s style….
Shaq is still and always be a great passer out of the post…. With KG, ray, and pierce….. shaq can pass to the mid-range or distant three…..
Shaq will be very effective when on the floor together with our starters….. and if he’s so effective Doc will have to play him with the starters….
I see Jermaine working well with Glen when glen comes in for KG….. Jermaine is more nibble and can run with glen when our second unit starts running and gunning with either rondo or nate as the PG.
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You do both
You let Nate run and if it’s not there you pull it back out, spread the floor and pond it inside to the diesel.
Nate vs Shaq
Do I bring in energy and a high volume low percentage shooter or bring in a defensive anchor and low post presence who is a high percentage shooter? I think that is what you meant.
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
according to Mannix "it was not a unanimous decision"
you have to wonder who in the ownership or coaching staff didn’t want Shaq and what were their reasons for it?
outside of that, patiently waiting for when Shaq throws out the first pitch at Fenway and training camp/pre-season, let the fun begin
Doc allegedly recruited Shaq while he was in Orlando. So it must be Ainge or Wyc. The rest of the management is not hand-on in basketball operations, I think.
Probably Scal.
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
lol
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
No way DA would have brought him in if Doc weren't for it.
And if Danny and Doc were both for him, how could Wyc object?—Shaq is a gift to marketing.
So I say it’s gotta be Danny who’s not convinced. Too bad, since I value Danny’s judgment most of all.
I think DA was hesitant...
…but Doc was all about it. And quite honestly, it’s what Doc thinks that matters.
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Is mannix a sports talk guy
probably has something to do with getting lots of calls to speculate on something that can never be proven.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
I don't know how much veracity I would give to that.
That is just the kind of throw-in that sports ‘journalists’ throw in to color a story. If it is confirmed by the team, the writer looks good. If it is denied by the team – the team is just putting on a front to cover up internal dissent.
So basically, it is a complete freebie that the writer can use to add color.
Unless a name surfaces to confirm it, I tend to dismiss that kind of statement completely.
The original Superman
can’t wait to catch this season of Shaq vs. I like how he has a reality/sports game-show that he’s doing in the summer in order to stay sharp during the off-season. I can still remember the days when Shaquille O’Neal used to shatter the backboards with his patented ferocious dunks. _ The man is a legend and a future Hall of Famer.
Yeah with the Lakers
A team you are supposed to hate and not want any of their greats to play for your team
Shaqtus! Yes!
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Aug 4, 2010 12:55 PM EDT reply actions
Welcome to Boston, Shaq!
I was against signing Shaq at first because he has been a chemistry killer over the past few years, on his last teams (L.A, Miami and Phoenix) but he didn’t cause any locker room trouble in Cleveland so…
The more I think about it, the more I’m excited about Shaq joining the team. I was concerned about his ego and the role he would want to play on the team but since he has agreed to the veteran minimum, and presumably a backup role, it shows that he has accepted his limitations and will not get out of his new role. He is now a complementary player and he seems to have accepted it, I can’t wait to hear what he says in his press conference.
I like Shaq’s personality off the court, although he did a cheap shot to Nash by stealing his TV show idea…
Anyway, I still don’t like the fact that Shaq’s pick & roll defense will be atrocious and that he is not much of a defender, but I’m really excited to see that the team finally has a really good “replacement” center in Perk’s absence, and, most importantly, and finally, the low post presence we’ve badly lacked these past 3 years!
It will be awesome to have Shaq as an option to score in the paint with his post up moves when our offense is going south and we can’t score anymore. It should really help us and open up the perimeter too. I really like the offensive game/dimension Shaq will bring to the team, and I hope Rondo and the other guys will cover his defensive weaknesses.
And, although he is 38 years old and the other guys are old too (or recovering from an injury), a frontcourt of KG/J.O/Perk/Baby and Shaq will be HUGE! Miami’s thin frontcourt will get exposed and crushed big time.
Plus, we still have Sheed’s contract to trade for a scoring wing or a guy like Shane Battier… awesome trade chip (I was against using Sheed’s contract to get Shaq).
by Drucci on Aug 4, 2010 12:56 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Sounds Like Your still Not Thrilled....
Pick&roll???
How often have you seen that in Boston… and with who????
Rondo can’t hit the three’s like Nash… Pick&roll only works with players that can knock-down longand mid-range shots consistanly…..
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
but he didn’t cause any locker room trouble in Cleveland so…
This is apparently not true:
The fact that O’Neal started in front of forward J.J. Hickson(notes) and center Zydrunas Ilguaskas “caused friction within the Cavaliers’ locker room,” according to NBA.com.
Good
So he can give Big Z some “friction” this year as he bodies him into the paint :)
The only reason that would be a problem
is if you thought Hickson and Z were any good. Which they aren’t.
"Do you know that nonbelievers create the most positive energy?" Davis said
That’s just a dumb statement. The guy didn’t start and shoot 57% for the team with the best record in the league because he isn’t any good.
You don’t like the guy….we get it. Try to add something of substance with your hate though
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Gee, another supposed rumor from an unnamed source well after the fact?
That’s got to be as good as gospel
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
That's not Shaq causing problems
That’s other players having a problem accepting their roles.
by CelticPride on Aug 4, 2010 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
shaq is a better offensive, older, slower defender and cheaper version
of Kendrick Perkins.
Its a great sign. Danny got two of the top 5 bigs that was available and he still has sheeds contract to shop around with.
I think we have ur answer, that The Boston Celtics will be competing for banner 18 and not rebuilding just yet.
Ainge is still the Genius.
Integrity Is The Highest Ground To Which We Can Aspire
by Flight2BOSTON on Aug 4, 2010 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
And my point is that Shaq is not that much better for the team than the other options, so he’s not worth all the drooling over.
Hmmm...
So he’s “not that much better” then Josh Boone or Kwame Brown?
Come on…
by Sizzlack on Aug 4, 2010 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Shaq was best option for team
Plus, he was a steal. The guy is only going to bring good things to the team. How anyone could be unhappy having Shaq on their team for the minimum is just beyond me.
i dont know why...
people still bashes Shaq. Yes he may not have anything left in the tank. But he does not need to come here to dominate like he did 8-10 years ago. He’s going to help, and not take over the team. He still has the size, the ability that is ENOUGH to give other teams problems at the same time giving KG and Jermaine who may still have something their rests and especially for Perk who’s trying to heal.
He’s slow? Yes. Can big men other than Howard contain him 1 on 1? No! That’s good enough, attract double teams, pass to Ray and Paul for the 3. Done, back to defense.
Is he slow and can’t jump? Yes and maybe. Is he 7’1’’ 325 pound of a man who can be easily be pushed away by Bosh, Ilgauskas, Gasol, Bynum while boxing out and getting a rebound. No. Can other big man in the league easily out rebound Shaq? HELL NO! Good enough, go back to sucking up double teams and giving an open 3.
That’s all he needs to do. He doesn’t have to dominate like all these people expect he should do. We got Rondo and the Big 3 for that.
by Yoki R on Aug 4, 2010 1:13 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Going to enjoy
watching Howard’s boney, no-call elbows break and then see his fake smile disappear as he crashes into the WALL. :)
Just happy bein' on the green side of the grass
by gandalf3rings on Aug 4, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions
its fascinating to me
that shaq wanted to come here. He probably couldv gone anywhere with that deal (especially miami).
He may have been holding out for more with Miami while the feelings were still good.
Boston’s gain. Also reassuring that the C’s aren’t entirely off the radar of championship-hunting players.
Miami signed Ilgauskas instead of him. I see no indication that Shaq would have been welcome in Miami at all.
No bridges left.
He burned those when he went to Phoenix.
Z is a corpse. I can’t believe LBJ wanted him.
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions
2011 NBA Champions!!!!
I want to apologize in advance to the Heat, Magic, Bulls, and Lakers. Better luck in 2012.
by Mrfranchize02 on Aug 4, 2010 1:16 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
An old Red Move
Red would always grab players when their careers was near the end and they’d flourish in Boston.
Whose to say that this won’t happen to both O’Neals
Thumbs up!!!
Yeah, Artis Gilmore was $$$$$
Seeing him move across the lane in the ’88 playoffs was painful.
I’m hoping so!
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Uh... Too fast?
Via Boston Herald
Contrary to recent reports, negotiations between the Celtics and Shaquille O’Neal are still far from resolution.
According to a league source, the NBA legend still appears to be balking at what the Celtics are willing to give – a one-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum of $1.39 million.
More recent article came out
Said it was 2 year contract, as Shaq rightly deserves.
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
It's on the Herald frontpage
Still up in the air
Give credit to them…
Nothing.
But I think they should give him the second year option at least, if that’s all that is holding it up. If it doesn’t work, you can always buy out the contract and cut ties. Wyc wont be happy having to pony up 3mil near year to buy him out, but that’s worth the risk I think.
If it is that horrible, which it won't be, they could trade him
Finding someone to take Shaq with one year at the minimum would not be hard, trade wise
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
What happens when Perkins comes back?
Do you think Shaq will accept his role off of the bench?
Chris Andersen could be in a porno with his 'stache. Too bad he still wouldn't know how to box out.
Honesty may be the best policy, but it's important to remember that apparently, by elimination, dishonesty is the second-best policy.
Quitter's Proud United Member #11
Yes
…but Perkins won’t be back and playing at a high level until post season or later this year
"I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." ~Shaq
by Max_in_Missouri on Aug 4, 2010 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Solid move
Generally not a fan of us getting even older, but for one year at the VM, this is a terrific move by Danny. We needed someone who could defend in the post until Perk gets back and in case Perk doesn’t get back to 100% during the season. Plus, even at his advanced age, he gives us more offense inside than Perk does.
it's official
http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/press_release/press080410-celtics-sign-shaq.html
"Take it to the hoop, there's a dance involved." - DJ Tommy
Would be a good pick up.
Has to be a vet min though. He was outright released, so can’t sign and trade anywhere. There’s probably a team with cap room that will make him an offer. Should be interesting if he wants to play for a contender though, as not many contending teams will want to take a chance on a headcase, and all can only offer the minimum.
Still, I’d expect to see him sign with a team like New Jersey, that has some cap room, and will overpay him on a 1-2 year deal that will help them immediately, but wont hurt long-term plans if he doesn’t pan out.
Delonte would probably seem sort of toxic right now to most teams
… given his prodigious baggage and not knowing what kind of punishment Stern might mete out (let alone the law). I suspect he’d do best in Boston. He knows some of the players, is familiar with the area, knows Doc and Danny. All that said, I’d rather have a backup 3 with size.
doubleplusungoodthinker
yeah but we cant only trust von wafer at the 2 also i believe that Doc and DA will help him a lot with his ’’issues’’.A low risk move with the vet min(he cant get more money at this time of his career,and probably teams wont gave him more)sounds good to me
Wafer will be fine.
I’m not worried about Wafer play SG, he was a very good player in Houston, and really seems to be buying into his role and is eager to prove he can make it in this league.
Of course that could just be reciting the “old company line” and we’ll have to see it play out. But I feel fairly confident he could be a reliable back up to RA. So I’d agree with Mencius above, a solid back up SF is a more pressing need.
I hope Daniels can bounce back, but he doesn’t gave great size, so although he’s better at the 3 than Wafer, I’m not crazy about him getting a lot of time there.
Celtics have 45 all star games on their roster now
47 if you count Sheed
by milt palacio's shot on Aug 4, 2010 5:41 PM EDT reply actions
Just Sayin'
Quoted in BDL: “Tom Haberstroh nailed the best part of it last week: LeBron with Shaq last year: Cavs +3.4 pts per possession. LeBron without Shaq? +15.7. That experiment was fun wasn’t it?”
Maybe the +3.4 is partly LeBron's fault
Let’s hope it’s LeBron who can’t play with other stars.
Danny needs to force the coaching staff to watch video of Shaq’s play while in Phoenix and Cleveland and determine when and where Shaq plays most effectively. I get the feeling the video info doesn’t always filter down to Doc. Or, if it does, he doesn’t use it to the team’s best advantage.
Other teams not worried
I remember when Shaq signed with Phoenix I didn’t believe he would fit in with that team’s run and gun style. Turned out to be true. Then, seeing how little effect he had in Phoenix I didn’t really worry about Shaq’s presence in Cleveland. From what one poster wrote, they played better with him on the bench. But, I don’t feel it was Shaq’s play that hurt Cleveland so much. It was more the play of the guards and Jamison’s lackadaisical efforts that mattered more.
Boston has better shooters than Cleveland, thus less will be needed from him. This will help him and the team. I’m not expecting him to have a major impact, but he’s still a nice addition. My guess is that if I had the time to read what other NBA bloggers are saying, it might be that they are not all that worried about the impact Shaq will have. It’s not like adding one of the big three in Miami.
“From what one poster wrote, they played better with him on the bench. But, I don’t feel it was Shaq’s play that hurt Cleveland so much.” Fwiw, the plus/minus was about 12 points. Cleveland was best was Andy, Queen, Mo and pick-em from Jamison, West, Parker & Moon. Just saying, 1.1
I wonder what his +/- numbers were in Phoenix? Could it be he slows the game down that much? And/or, dumping the ball to him in the paint is very ineffective or takes other players out of their rhythm.
yes, on the offensive end he camps out in the lane clogging it up for players that like to penetrate like Lebron and Nash. This will be death for Rondo as Shaq’s player will be easily able to stop Rondo going to the basket
by merkinmuffly on Aug 4, 2010 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Um...
There is absolutely 0 evidence to back that up. Oh and by the way, Perk doesn’t exactly dance around the perimeter all that often. So you’re “Clogs the paint” argument makes no sense. He wont be stopping Rondo from driving anymore than Perk did. He’s also one of the best pick setters in Basketball because well… he’s an area code to himself, you try getting around that.
So if anything, running him out for a high screen will help Rondo, as he takes up space and is very difficult to get around quickly.
Do you have a theory why offense goes...plunk? : (
I haven’t watched him carefully enough to back merkinmuffly, but why do you think there is such a “+” descrepancy on offense when he is playing? Would you blame it all on the other players? Coaching deficiencies?
Remember, rumor has it, that it wasn’t unanimous that he sign here. Must be some valid reason for it. He’s had problems with his toes or feet if I remember correctly. Maybe he’s a lot less mobile now and outwardly he looks okay, but he’s not 100% (maybe I’m reaching.)
by Alleyoopster on Aug 5, 2010 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, he's 38, so that's 1.
You’re going to have a hard time finding a “unanimous decision” to bring in any 38 year old, I don’t care who it is.
He’s certainly less mobile that he used to be, but that’s not to say he is immobile. He’s no less mobile than Perk is, let’s put it that way.
He’s obviously not fit for a run and gun offense, which Phoenix was using, bad fit. Cleveland, I don’t know, I have a hard time buying those +/- stats. He played a lot of minutes during the regular season, and they won 63 games, so they musta been doing something right. Either way, I’m not here to argue them, I just want to focus on how he should fit in the Celtics system.
And to say it’s a bad move cause he’ll “clog the paint” is just flat out wrong. He gives them a viable option in half court sets to get easy buckets, he still commands double teams fairly often, and is a very capable passer as a big man. Now if all of those things will be outweighed by what the defense loses, because he doesn’t hedge screens or pop out to contest the shot of the ball handler, then the experiment wont have worked.
But I fully believe the Celtics system is strong enough that they can adapt and manage to still stay in the upper tier while pulling up the slack for Shaq. And he certainly helps the rebounding problem, after all what good is great defense, if you just give up the board and let up an easy put back, just a waste of energy then. We learned that one the hard way last year.
Yeah - it doesn't make a lot of sense to compare offensive systems
as disparate as the Celtics and the Suns.
Shaq clearly was not well suited to the high-pace run & gun style of Phoenix. And arguably he also was a poor fit for MIke Brown’s genius-born Lebron-ISO offense of CLE.
When assessing Shaq the last couple of years, you need to look past his poor fit for those teams and instead at his individual numbers and assess whether he still has the individual physical skills to be valuable. Those tell us that he still can be productive. We also know from his success with other teams that within the right system he can be very successful with his particular mix of skills. The key will be adapting to that without compromising what the Celtics do as a team.
I think that when you look at the makeup of the bench, there are some excellent complementary pieces. Nate, Wafer & Quis provide a lot of perimeter speed and Quis excells at slashing and dishing in the paint. All three should be able to work a high pick & roll off of Shaq or BBD and dish to either as well. Nate and Wafer both should be able to spread their wing defenders out. If Shaq draws / pushes two to one side of the paint – suddenly there will be large amounts of room for Quis or Harangody or BBD to attack the hoop.
I’m a feeble guy at drawing up plays compared to Doc, who’s absolutely brilliant at that. And even I can see lots of possibilities and ways to use the big fella.
That 'rumor' is pretty tenuous
as it traces back to a reporter who is known to drop little unsubstantiated and nearly impossible to refute bits of ‘color’ like that into his stories.
I’m pretty sure that Doc & Danny were 100% on this and ultimately that is all that matters.
Skeets Cinnes In
Just sayin’, part 2. “Shaquille O’Neal in Boston makes sense in all the rational terms. He’s a star, he’s a veteran and the Celtics badly need a center. If they fall short again in June (or May or even April), O’Neal won’t be the reason why. But, outside of interest in seeing this legend wearing those legendary colors, it’s nothing to get too excited about.”
Don't disagree.
But you’re paying him 1.4million, he’s at least better than just about any other player out there at the veteran minimum.
I mean really, I’m not saying he’s going to be some dominant force, and the instant answer to Banner 18, but for what the Celtics need out of him, and what their paying him, it’s a pretty damn good deal, and he’s a HELL of a lot better than the rest of the scrap heap they coulda grabbed for the minimum (Josh Boone or Kwame Brown?… Please, I’d rather see Erden play.)
More from Skeets
Just saying, part 3. “He’s, above all, an entertainer. Not a big man. Not a minutes sopper. A song-and-dance man, so to speak. That’s just how Shaq is now.”
I think you are quoting Dwyer from BDL
Not Skeets (TBJ)
"Literally every single team that's ever won a Championship has done it without LeBron James." -Seth Meyers
Shaq
With Chucko the Clown we well win the 18th title …..
Great luck for the Cs
it’s incredible we got Shaq for the min for two years, he is still a quality player he had a good season last year starting for the best team (record). He’s the best backup center in the league hands down.
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Who will start: JO or SO?
Who should start?
Did SO sign because he expects to start while Perkins is out? Did he agree to come off the bench only when Perkins is back?
JO will start.
It’s not even a question. What happens when Perkins gets backed will depend on his health. Honestly I have no idea how that will work, and I really don’t envy Doc’s job then.
Fortunately, I expect Doc to be relishing the thought of having that 'problem'.
You can never have too much pitching in baseball.
You can never have too many quality big men in basketball.
Worst FT %?
With Perks, Shaq and Rondo, are we going to be the worst FT shooting contender?
Perk and Shaq.
Will never be on the floor together. Ever.
So really, we’re no worse than last year, where you have two pretty awful FT shooters on the court at the same time. And we almost always had at least 2, since TA was out there sometimes too.
So no worse than last year. But I have hope Rondo’s FTs will improve, he’s shown flashes of the ability (Cleveland series where he shot >70% from the line, but then regressed awfully against Orlando and LA.) now he just needs to get the consistency. But there’s been improvement at least.
probably we will be better than last year.
JO is significantly better at FT% than Perk was. Perk shot the 3rd most FTAs for us last year – those shots for the most part will now go to JO.
Yes, Shaq sucks at FTs – but as the #2 center, his minutes will likely come before team’s go over the limit – and thus while he may draw a lot of fouls, he’ll be sitting when most of the FTs get taken. So overall, from the C position, we’ll probably shoot a bit better than last year.
Elsewhere, on our bench, Wafer, Nate, Harangody – these guys all are good FT shooters. Wafer in particular will be replacing minutes provided last year by Tony – who sucked. So overall, again, the net effect should be an improvement in FT% over last year.
Yes, it would definitely help if Rondo’s FTs improved.
Clarification -
in the above, in regards to Tony, by ‘sucked’ I meant specifically here on FT shooting. Tony did not ‘suck’ in general by any means.
Wow, I can’t believe how everyone is jumping on the Shaqwagon, this was a terrible move. The Celtics are a team built around smothering defense, snaq is a terrible pick & roll defender, terrible perimeter defender, so long to that vaunted defense that has allowed the celtics to contend for a title. On the offensive end Shaq camps his big ass out in the lane and clogs it up for penetrators like Lebron, Nash and Rondo. This guy is over the hill and destroyed the last 3 teams he’s played for, all this excitement over a big lazy slug, there’s a reason no one would sign this guy.
Who was a better option for vet min?
Seriously, those panning this signing, who was better for vet min?
doubleplusungoodthinker
shelden "stonehands" williams!
they would rather have him or mikki moore! but for the vet minimum why are people complaining? it’s not like he was given a max contract like that of iso joe
Yup.
Merk— you missed the line where they were handing out the kool-ade (lol). Here’s a question. Aristotle craves the limelight. Is he going to be able to sit tight in a reserve role? Stay tuned.
He wouldn't have signed.
If he wasn’t willing to. Danny and Doc would have made it very clear to him, 1) we only have minimum money to offer, 2) your role will be limited, maybe even more so when Perk comes back.
If he wasn’t willing to accept that, they wouldn’t have agreed to the signing.
He Wouldnt Be the First..
..to sign and say “oh, I’ll be good” and then start making inroads. He craves the spotlight and chaffed over hours at his last stop, as I recall. He might behave, but I keep thinking about that proverb about the leopards and its spots. Just saying 3.1.
True. . . but this team has a pretty good track record with those types of players
see Marbury, and Nate.
There is something about KG’s intensity, Ray’s poise and calm and Pierce’s “old school” leadership that amounts to a perfect storm when it comes to putting egos in check.
granted this is the biggest ego the team has ever dealt with, and the only one that has 3 more rings than any of the leadership core. But 3 vs 1. . even a VERY large 1, i think it’ll be ok.
and if not. . . just waive him. plain and simple
Any Laker predictions for this season, Jdz?
by nba is the worst on Aug 5, 2010 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Since you've been wrong 2 straight years, I mean...
You’re due!
by nba is the worst on Aug 5, 2010 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I haven't been wrong 2 straight years
What are you even talking about?
Danny Ainge Says...
In this interview from a few days ago, Danny Ainge says you should “take the best player available…no matter what age”…almost seems prophetic:
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