Now that it is more or less official

[droopdog7]

What are the pluses and minuses of signing Shaq? He is certainly a shell of hi former self but as a reserve, he still brings a lot. He certainly will not be pushed around by anyone. But can he still rebound with younger players? Would he legitimately be able to prevent the lakers fm killing us on the boards?
Will other teams be able to take advantage of us using pick and roll? How frustrating will it be watching shaq on the line?

I realize I posted mostly negatives but I am wondering how he will fit in.

[Roy Hobbs]

Pluses: Shaq is an above-average rebounder (on both ends), an above-average post defender, and an above-average post scorer and finisher.  He's also a good passer, especially out of the post.

Negatives: He's a poor perimeter defender, who especially struggles with the pick-and-roll.  He's got very little range on offense, and he's a poor free throw shooter.  He's not all that durable.  He's slow and not overly mobile.  He's got a big ego that has caused chemistry issues with other teams.

[Who]

Shaq is still a very good rebounder. He is also a very strong low post defender and had success against the Lakers big men last season (particularly Bynum). The Cavs strong post defense was one of the main reasons why they swept the Lakers in their two regular season meetings.

But yes, he'll definitely make the Celtics weaker in their pick and roll defense and in their transition defense when on the floor.

[Change]

The positive is: He'll score (Celtics have a trend of going 5-8minute spans without scoring) rebound (The worst rebounding team last season or second worse...Whatever) and defend the paint (No layups allowed).


I don't like to dwell on the negatives. Every player in the NBA has a weakness and black-spots. I trust Celtics coaching staff will have the best gameplan for ShaQ.

[MBunge]

On offense, Shaq will never be as frustrating as watching Sheed go 0-6 on 3 pointers.  He's be a better rebounder than Baby and will finish better at the rim than both Baby and Perk combined.  His team defense won't be that good and he'll be basically useless against most pick-n-rolls, but his post defense against guys like DHoward and Bynum will fairly effective.

Mike

[17wasEZ]

What are the pluses and minuses of signing Shaq? He is certainly a shell of hi former self but as a reserve, he still brings a lot. He certainly will not be pushed around by anyone. But can he still rebound with younger players? Would he legitimately be able to prevent the lakers fm killing us on the boards?
Will other teams be able to take advantage of us using pick and roll? How frustrating will it be watching shaq on the line?

I realize I posted mostly negatives but I am wondering how he will fit in.

Here are the pluses +++++++
These are the minuses --------

Please make of them what you will.