Shaq: Celtics 'Best Team I've Been On'

[Bahku]

He's talking about the team here, not individual players, (like he's spoken of LeBron, D-Wade, etc.) ... I personally don't remember him speaking of an entire team in this fashion before, and even if he has, that was before he came to the Celtics, so this could easily be a valid statement. I felt before he came that he was a better fit for this team than most other teams he's been on, and that he would thrive in this unselfish environment.

[indeedproceed]

I love the sentiment, but this is at least 50% PR. If this is indeed swan song for Shaq, he will want to leave a good impression.

[freshinthehouse]

I'm in my early 20s, so celtic history is a bit rusty for me, but has there ever been a player that has won championships with both the celtics and lakers? Or could Shaq become the first?

I think Clyde Lovellette is the only one.

[Birdbrain]

It's with a doubt the deepest team he ever played on and if add comradery into equation he's correct.  It's his opinion anyway bu, the LA and Boston teams of most recent years are IMO much better than any of the teams he played on as well.

[GreenEnvy]

I don't recall Shaq saying anything about Orlando, LA, Miami, Phoenix, or Cleveland in regards to how good a team they were.

What he did do is say Kobe was the best player he ever played with when he went to LA (jab at Penny), then Wade was (haymaker at Kobe), then Nash was. I don't remember him saying it about LeBron...

But I will buy this comment. This TEAM is far better than any other one he was on. The only team that you can compare is the 2000-2002 Lakers. And without Shaq on either team, the Celtics are significantly better and deeper. Shaq MADE his LA team, he simply adds to this Boston one.

Add in the chemistry and cohesion and ease of playing for Doc, I'm sure he's genuinely happy. He looked like he was trying to look like he was having fun in Cleveland, got bored in Phoenix, and eventually hated Miami and LA.

[jimmehx]

I can really tell these guys like playing together.

Absolutely. You can see it on the floor. Everyone is just happy - either scoring or watching.

[Assassin70]

For what it's worth, I also think this is the best team shaq has ever been on   

/co sign

This time Shaq is actually telling the truth but only if we win it all.  He is not just telling people what he wants to hear.

From 1-12/15 which team on paper is better this one?  Once again I said on paper. 

But if we don't win it all this year he is just lying again.

[NoraG1]

For what it's worth, I also think this is the best team shaq has ever been on   

/co sign

This time Shaq is actually telling the truth but only if we win it all.  He is not just telling people what he wants to hear.

From 1-12/15 which team on paper is better this one?  Once again I said on paper. 

But if we don't win it all this year he is just lying again.

How can you lie before something has even happened? He did not say this is the best team he has been only if it wins a championship lol

[dpaps]

I mean who here doesn't think this is the best team Shaq has ever been on?

The Cavs? Next.

The Heat? They won a ring, but this team would mop the floor with them. Dwade vs everyone on our team other than Shaq is pretty much what it comes down to.

The Suns? No chance.

The Lakers.... certainly great teams. I'd still take our roster over those teams any day.

The Magic? Nope



Even if Shaq has a history of pleasing the hometown team (which any athlete should, but I wouldn't say Shaq does this anymore than most); that doesn't mean he's lying when he says it here.

This team is clearly the best team Shaq has played on. We could be starting 5 HOFers. We have the deepest bench I can remember on any NBA team. I know we haven't proved it yet, but anyone who follows basketball and the Celtics as closely as most posters on this board do, should know how good this team really is.

[housecall]

This is a statement if made later in the season probably will carry more weigth with more people.Ask him the same questions lets say after the playoffs.I personally don't feel anyone can give a fair assessment of anything they do in life in that short period of time.
 

[dark_lord]

He's called Wade the best player in the game, same for LeBron, etc...

He always pumps the team he's on, that's not a bad thing at all. Just a bit of hyperbole and talking up your team mates.

  I don't think he called Wade the best player in the game, but the best player he'd ever been on a team with. And LeBron's won a couple of MVPs in a row. A lot of people wouldn't think there was a lot of hyperbole in those statements.

Combined with the Amar'e comments, come on....

He's always talking up the team he's on.

he always "talks up" his teammates, normally one of the star players, but i don't think he has made a bold team comment like this (he may have with the lakers or magic, but im unaware if he did).

like housecall said, personally, this comment doesnt hold much weight with me due to the short period of time he has been a celtic.  the chemistry is there, he is playing the best he has in the last few yrs, so im sure he is excited.  the comment will hold more weight after the season, or towards the end of it.  regardless, its nice to hear.