Shaq: Sad End of a Great Career?

[Drucci]

Yeah it sucks to see him end his career like that. I was holding hope that he would come back next year but... unlikely.

Slightly off-topic and it's not the end of his career but I feel really bad for JO too who gave it all to come back from his injury, wanted to win a title so badly and didn't get it.

I would not be surprised to see both these guys back next season.

If you're Shaq why not come back to the Cs again. He was embraced by the city and played well in our system.

Plus, a reasonably healthy Shaq probably means we win this series and are still playing.

unless Shaq needs surgery on his achilles I see no reason for Shaq to play anywhere else next season.

I just don't see Shaq coming back (he is just too banged up and can't heal anymore apparently).

As for JO however I think he will be back and probably be our starting center.

[Who]

Why is Shaq's career over?

Shaq can come back next season.

Erm, no, not really. He's had 3 months and the foot hasn't healed. And it gets aggravated every time he plays.

And four months off for it to heal properly.

[Redz]

Shaq said he is on the "720" day plan. I wouldnt mind having him on the roster next year if we keep the core for 1 more years. hopefully he actually gets in shape.

I remember him saying that, too - I would not be surprised if Shamrock comes back next year - but I also wouldn't be surprised if he's done.

I think the 720 plan did not take into consideration how badly his body dissolved this season.

[greensquirrel]

Shaq has been too big for his own good for years and it finally caught up with him. I don't see how he can get healthy and in game shape again.

[winsomme]

Yeah it sucks to see him end his career like that. I was holding hope that he would come back next year but... unlikely.

Slightly off-topic and it's not the end of his career but I feel really bad for JO too who gave it all to come back from his injury, wanted to win a title so badly and didn't get it.

I would not be surprised to see both these guys back next season.

If you're Shaq why not come back to the Cs again. He was embraced by the city and played well in our system.

Plus, a reasonably healthy Shaq probably means we win this series and are still playing.

unless Shaq needs surgery on his achilles I see no reason for Shaq to play anywhere else next season.

I just don't see Shaq coming back (he is just too banged up and can't heal anymore apparently).

As for JO however I think he will be back and probably be our starting center.

I hope you're wrong because there aren't many bigs out there that actually fit our needs...

[GreenFaith1819]

Shaq said he is on the "720" day plan. I wouldnt mind having him on the roster next year if we keep the core for 1 more years. hopefully he actually gets in shape.

I remember him saying that, too - I would not be surprised if Shamrock comes back next year - but I also wouldn't be surprised if he's done.

I think the 720 plan did not take into consideration how badly his body dissolved this season.

Good Point....he seemed to have one thing after the other go wrong.

Well - in any event - if he never suits up again at least we rode him for 20-25 games this season. And he played well in those games.

I'm happy for him overall. He will go down as one of the most dominant (maybe THE most dominant) Big Man ever to play the game.

And he ended (?) his career as a Celtic!

[lJesterl]

Shag will retire for sure. Doc/Danny played him to much at times when they didnt need to and should reserved him primarily for the playoffs expecialy after trading perkins.

[Jon]

Shaq loves the limelight.  It'll be tough for him to walk away. 

Also, will he try to go out on a better note next year? 

[Spicoli]

I think Shaq is done, but i wouldn't mind him coming back in a reduced role. Like others have said, we must get someone in there who can rebound and who is athletic. Neither Shaq, nor JO fit that description.I think Dalembert is worth a look.

[barefacedmonk]

Shaq should have retired last year.

[pearljammer10]

I wouldnt mind him sticking around just to be a presence on the bench and in the locker room. Great mentor, role model, and great for the fans... I would love to see Dalembert come in with a low salary contract however.

[barefacedmonk]

Dalembert for MLE?

[ImShakHeIsShaq]

PLEASE LET SHAQ COME OFF THE BENCH NEXT SEASON BASKETBALL GODS!!!

What he will actually do (retirement or not) I can't speculate because he has been my basketball life since I was younger than 5. It's gonna be harder for me to move on than him!