Shaq Signs with the Celts (Official per Celtics.com; Report: 2 years, $2.8 mil)

[Birdbrain]

I know people are scraping the bottom of the barrel to complain about the shaq signing but, is Brian Skinner even in the league anymore?  I suspect the next name thrown around as better fit will be Patty O' Bryant.  Although I guess he you could argue that his Irish heritage might be a plus.

Right, and I know people who have us pegged as a lock for the 2011 championship already. I have no stake in this argument other than exposing unrealistic expectation. In my opinion, Shaq's offensive contribution is being overstated, and his how poorly he fits defensively is being overlooked (possibly because his offensive contribution is being overstated). Marginally speaking, the difference in team wins between having him and Brown as a backup big is likely to be minimal.

Sorry I meant no offense just sort a little joke and actually I agree with you on the whole the addition of shaq is more a luxury than some guarantee of Championship.  But if he signs for vet min there is no downside to it, IMO.  Some people maybe blowing it out of proportion but, you can't blame them some still see him as old shaq.  You'll at least admit it's going to be interesting if he signs?

[BballTim]

Shaq's weaknesses are massively important and none of his strengths are to be considered

This is precisely how I feel about the issue, given that Shaq's weakness is his dubious ability to fit into any sophisticated defensive schemes, and his strength is whatever remains from his ability to score inside.

Some skills are just more important than others for the position of a backup center.

A guy who thinks Brian Skinner would be a better pick up than Shaq clearly doesn't know anything about what basketball skills are or how they're important.

Mike

  While I'm not really opposed to signing Shaq because of the lack of better options, the most important thing about Shaq last year wasn't how well he could score in the post, how well he rebounded, how he affected LeBron's production or how well he shot free throws. The most important thing about Shaq last year was that the Cavs couldn't beat us with him in the game, mainly because they couldn't slow down Rondo at all.

[Birdbrain]

Shaq's weaknesses are massively important and none of his strengths are to be considered

This is precisely how I feel about the issue, given that Shaq's weakness is his dubious ability to fit into any sophisticated defensive schemes, and his strength is whatever remains from his ability to score inside.

Some skills are just more important than others for the position of a backup center.

A guy who thinks Brian Skinner would be a better pick up than Shaq clearly doesn't know anything about what basketball skills are or how they're important.

Mike

  While I'm not really opposed to signing Shaq because of the lack of better options, the most important thing about Shaq last year wasn't how well he could score in the post, how well he rebounded, how he affected LeBron's production or how well he shot free throws. The most important thing about Shaq last year was that the Cavs couldn't beat us with him in the game, mainly because they couldn't slow down Rondo at all.

Well that's akin to be concerned about JO's shooting % against the C's in last years playoffs.  Thankfully both will be on the C's so Rondo and in JO's case our defense won't matter.

[kozlodoev]

You'll at least admit it's going to be interesting if he signs?

That it will be. Not sure how satisfying the whole experience will be, but it will give us something to talk about.

[LooseCannon]

The most important thing about Shaq last year was that the Cavs couldn't beat us with him in the game, mainly because they couldn't slow down Rondo at all.

Of the centers likely to be available for the vet min, which of them would have allowed the Cavs to slow down Rondo if Cleveland had that player instead of Shaq?

I don't think anyone has cited adjusted plus/minus as an argument against Shaq.  Shaq was at -4.00 for the regular season, which puts him at 8th-best on Cleveland, but ahead of Ilgauskus, Mo Williams, and JJ Hickson.  Of course, adjusted plus/minus says that Big Baby was clearly Boston's worst rotation player.

Has anyone speculated that the reported locker room friction over Shaq starting in Cleveland came from LeBron James preferring his overrated buddy Hickson?  I recall the rumors that LBJ didn't want Hickson traded for Amare Stoudemire.

[BballTim]

Shaq's weaknesses are massively important and none of his strengths are to be considered

This is precisely how I feel about the issue, given that Shaq's weakness is his dubious ability to fit into any sophisticated defensive schemes, and his strength is whatever remains from his ability to score inside.

Some skills are just more important than others for the position of a backup center.

A guy who thinks Brian Skinner would be a better pick up than Shaq clearly doesn't know anything about what basketball skills are or how they're important.

Mike

  While I'm not really opposed to signing Shaq because of the lack of better options, the most important thing about Shaq last year wasn't how well he could score in the post, how well he rebounded, how he affected LeBron's production or how well he shot free throws. The most important thing about Shaq last year was that the Cavs couldn't beat us with him in the game, mainly because they couldn't slow down Rondo at all.

Well that's akin to be concerned about JO's shooting % against the C's in last years playoffs.  Thankfully both will be on the C's so Rondo and in JO's case our defense won't matter.

  Not really. JO won't have to go against Perk and the Celts next year. Shaq won't have to try and stop Rondo, but he might have to try and stop Wade and James from getting to the hole.

[BballTim]

The most important thing about Shaq last year was that the Cavs couldn't beat us with him in the game, mainly because they couldn't slow down Rondo at all.

Of the centers likely to be available for the vet min, which of them would have allowed the Cavs to slow down Rondo if Cleveland had that player instead of Shaq?

  Again, I mentioned the lack of other options in my post.

[Ohio Celtics Fan]

Offical. Via Celtics.com twitter account about a minute ago.

It's official: Shaquille O'Neal has signed with the Celtics. Release coming shortly to Celtics.com.

http://yfrog.com/69wp8dj

[vinnie]

Beat me to it, as I just saw the tweet. Wlecome to Boston, big man!

[Birdbrain]

Shaq's weaknesses are massively important and none of his strengths are to be considered

This is precisely how I feel about the issue, given that Shaq's weakness is his dubious ability to fit into any sophisticated defensive schemes, and his strength is whatever remains from his ability to score inside.

Some skills are just more important than others for the position of a backup center.

A guy who thinks Brian Skinner would be a better pick up than Shaq clearly doesn't know anything about what basketball skills are or how they're important.

Mike

  While I'm not really opposed to signing Shaq because of the lack of better options, the most important thing about Shaq last year wasn't how well he could score in the post, how well he rebounded, how he affected LeBron's production or how well he shot free throws. The most important thing about Shaq last year was that the Cavs couldn't beat us with him in the game, mainly because they couldn't slow down Rondo at all.

Well that's akin to be concerned about JO's shooting % against the C's in last years playoffs.  Thankfully both will be on the C's so Rondo and in JO's case our defense won't matter.

  Not really. JO won't have to go against Perk and the Celts next year. Shaq won't have to try and stop Rondo, but he might have to try and stop Wade and James from getting to the hole.

As if anyone can really stop either of those guys.  Boston appears to be taking a different tact.  We can't beat you on perimeter but, we'll destroy down low.  It seems like the most logical way to attack Miami.  And Shaq isn't going to be asked to play enough where he defense will be that much of problem, IMO.

[17wasEZ]

Shaq's weaknesses are massively important and none of his strengths are to be considered

This is precisely how I feel about the issue, given that Shaq's weakness is his dubious ability to fit into any sophisticated defensive schemes, and his strength is whatever remains from his ability to score inside.

Some skills are just more important than others for the position of a backup center.

You said it perfectly! He is a back-up center.  You know, just like the Lakers have 38 year-old Theo Ratliff and Miami has ........what's his name and Chicago has.... what's his face and Orlando has Gortat. At this point, he is the #2 center on the team and may be 3rd if Perkins comes back healthy.

As for the issues in Cleveland, who cares?  Rondo, PP, KG, Allen and the guys had their issues too....... including Doc.

I'm not in love with the signing, but I like it.  Shaq wants to play two more years. Since the C's  signed him for 2, maybe he'll realize that he will have to do things right in order to get 1 last year anywhere.

[Roy Hobbs]

Gary Washburn is reporting that the deal is 2 years, $2.8 million (i.e., a two year minimum deal.)

Link

[Gomesfan]

Gary Washburn is reporting that the deal is 2 years, $2.8 million (i.e., a two year minimum deal.)

Link

He will more than likely retire after this coming season if this is so!

[Roy Hobbs]

Gary Washburn is reporting that the deal is 2 years, $2.8 million (i.e., a two year minimum deal.)

Link

He will more than likely retire after this coming season if this is so!

I don't know.  He's been talking about his "730 day plan" (two years), and he's been pushing for a two-year contract.  I think this could be a pretty big bargain for us.

[Rondo_is_better]

I very much like this at the minimum. No one better than Shaq to use 6 fouls telling Lebron to stay the F away from the basket.

"Oh, you're 6'9 270 and on steroids? That's nice. I'm 7'1 360 and I will literally kill you if you come towards my basket again."

Welcome aboard, big fella.