Shaq knows his role...

[Roy Hobbs]

I'm not sure if these comments have been posted, but Shaq is saying the right things so far:

Shaquille O'Neal has confirmed to the Orlando Sentinel that he won't sign another NBA contract.

O'Neal plans to retire as a member of the Celtics, meaning his legendary career has just two seasons left after he inked a two-year deal with Boston earlier this summer.

"I'm not coming in to take over," O'Neal said. "At this point in my career I'm just a role player and I'll do whatever it takes [to win]."

Link.

Of course, only time will tell if Shaq actually means that, but if he's truly buying into the "role player" mentality, I think that this signing will work out beautifully.

[Spilling Green Dye]

Well he played that role in Cleveland and they had the best regular season record.  Personally I don't think he was a good fit for that team's style of play, nor for Phoenix', but he fits in well with the Celtics and their deliberate offense.

If Shaq was only a bit better than Scalabrine then it'd still be considered a good signing based upon the value of the contract and the space he takes up on the floor.  However, he has a chance to make a real impact here (as a role player), which is why I think the signing can only be considered a huge plus

[17wasEZ]

I'll bet he can tell every roll apart.    Years of eating and not getting in shape can do that.......

[libermaniac]

I'll bet he can tell every roll apart.    Years of eating and not getting in shape can do that.......

Can I take away TPs?   

[Celtics4ever]

I think he plays a big role until Perk gets back.  Nioe insurance policy the Shaqster.

[Spilling Green Dye]

I'll bet he can tell every roll apart.    Years of eating and not getting in shape can do that.......

Shaq is poised to play 20 years in the NBA while being 7'2".  No matter how you look at it, that is a high degree of health for a man that size.  There's probably more to it than just "luck".

[BballTim]

Of course, only time will tell if Shaq actually means that, but if he's truly buying into the "role player" mentality, I think that this signing will work out beautifully.

  I'm just glad we didn't give big bucks to Brad Miller.

[17wasEZ]

I'll bet he can tell every roll apart.    Years of eating and not getting in shape can do that.......

Shaq is poised to play 20 years in the NBA while being 7'2".  No matter how you look at it, that is a high degree of health for a man that size.  There's probably more to it than just "luck".

No doubt.  But EVERY Laker fan I have ever spoken to have hammered this guy about being "fat and out of shape" on numerous occasions. And that would be dozens of fans that I know personally (not including newspapers, beat writers, radio personalities, etc.)

If this guy actually worked hard and left it all on the floor, he easily would have had a couple of more championships. Zero bonus points for playing 20 seasons.

[17wasEZ]

I'll bet he can tell every roll apart.    Years of eating and not getting in shape can do that.......

Can I take away TPs?   

Good one! TP for you!

[guava_wrench]

I'll bet he can tell every roll apart.    Years of eating and not getting in shape can do that.......

Shaq is poised to play 20 years in the NBA while being 7'2".  No matter how you look at it, that is a high degree of health for a man that size.  There's probably more to it than just "luck".

No doubt.  But EVERY Laker fan I have ever spoken to have hammered this guy about being "fat and out of shape" on numerous occasions. And that would be dozens of fans that I know personally (not including newspapers, beat writers, radio personalities, etc.)

If this guy actually worked hard and left it all on the floor, he easily would have had a couple of more championships. Zero bonus points for playing 20 seasons.

I'm just curious, in which seasons did he cost his team a championship due to poor conditioning?

We had some fans on here talking about Pierce being fat and out of shape this year and last despite Paul being in great shape both season. Perception isn't always reality.

[17wasEZ]

I'll bet he can tell every roll apart.    Years of eating and not getting in shape can do that.......

Shaq is poised to play 20 years in the NBA while being 7'2".  No matter how you look at it, that is a high degree of health for a man that size.  There's probably more to it than just "luck".

No doubt.  But EVERY Laker fan I have ever spoken to have hammered this guy about being "fat and out of shape" on numerous occasions. And that would be dozens of fans that I know personally (not including newspapers, beat writers, radio personalities, etc.)

If this guy actually worked hard and left it all on the floor, he easily would have had a couple of more championships. Zero bonus points for playing 20 seasons.

I'm just curious, in which seasons did he cost his team a championship due to poor conditioning?

We had some fans on here talking about Pierce being fat and out of shape this year and last despite Paul being in great shape both season. Perception isn't always reality.

In 1999 Shaq got outplayed by Duncan in the playoffs.  Shaq looked way out of shape and I believe Duncan was only a rookie.  San Antonio won the title that season.  When Jackson came in the next season to coach, Shaq got into the best shape of his life (his claim) and won a title as well as his ONLY league MVP.

In 2003 and 2004 Shaq also cost his team a title with his lack of conditioning.  It is well documented amongst Laker fans regarding his extra "weight" and moving slowly.

Seriously, 4 titles in 18 years as the self proclaimed MDE? And the last one was won while he rode Wade's epic free throw performance in the finals.

[Witch-King]

We all know that Shaq thrives in a half-court style offense; I mean, look at what happened when he played with Nash's Suns. Conversely, Shaquille O'Neal was on the the team with the best record last season (Cavaliers).

[LilRip]

I'll bet he can tell every roll apart.    Years of eating and not getting in shape can do that.......

Shaq is poised to play 20 years in the NBA while being 7'2".  No matter how you look at it, that is a high degree of health for a man that size.  There's probably more to it than just "luck".

No doubt.  But EVERY Laker fan I have ever spoken to have hammered this guy about being "fat and out of shape" on numerous occasions. And that would be dozens of fans that I know personally (not including newspapers, beat writers, radio personalities, etc.)

If this guy actually worked hard and left it all on the floor, he easily would have had a couple of more championships. Zero bonus points for playing 20 seasons.

I'm just curious, in which seasons did he cost his team a championship due to poor conditioning?

We had some fans on here talking about Pierce being fat and out of shape this year and last despite Paul being in great shape both season. Perception isn't always reality.

In 1999 Shaq got outplayed by Duncan in the playoffs.  Shaq looked way out of shape and I believe Duncan was only a rookie.  San Antonio won the title that season.  When Jackson came in the next season to coach, Shaq got into the best shape of his life (his claim) and won a title as well as his ONLY league MVP.

In 2003 and 2004 Shaq also cost his team a title with his lack of conditioning.  It is well documented amongst Laker fans regarding his extra "weight" and moving slowly.

Seriously, 4 titles in 18 years as the self proclaimed MDE? And the last one was won while he rode Wade's epic free throw performance in the finals.

Shaq cost his team the title in 03 with the Lakers?? Or Kobe? Or did the Pistons just win it by playing as a team? coz i thought Shaq was playing pretty well, though he faced some early foul trouble in a couple of games. and also, the Pistons were playing some great D. championship-level D.

and in 04, how about Wade getting injured and unable to play in the last games of that series? I'd think if he didn't, the Heat may have won it all. And to think, this playoff run was with Shaq playing through injury too.

so you think a more conditioned Shaq would've won those 2 rings? coz i don't think so. the team still matters. He's not the best conditioned in the NBA but i wouldn't go so far as to say he cost his teams the championship.  



- LilRip

[CelticsWhat35]

I'll bet he can tell every roll apart.    Years of eating and not getting in shape can do that.......

Shaq is poised to play 20 years in the NBA while being 7'2".  No matter how you look at it, that is a high degree of health for a man that size.  There's probably more to it than just "luck".

No doubt.  But EVERY Laker fan I have ever spoken to have hammered this guy about being "fat and out of shape" on numerous occasions. And that would be dozens of fans that I know personally (not including newspapers, beat writers, radio personalities, etc.)

If this guy actually worked hard and left it all on the floor, he easily would have had a couple of more championships. Zero bonus points for playing 20 seasons.

I'm just curious, in which seasons did he cost his team a championship due to poor conditioning?

We had some fans on here talking about Pierce being fat and out of shape this year and last despite Paul being in great shape both season. Perception isn't always reality.

In 1999 Shaq got outplayed by Duncan in the playoffs.  Shaq looked way out of shape and I believe Duncan was only a rookie.  San Antonio won the title that season.  When Jackson came in the next season to coach, Shaq got into the best shape of his life (his claim) and won a title as well as his ONLY league MVP.

In 2003 and 2004 Shaq also cost his team a title with his lack of conditioning.  It is well documented amongst Laker fans regarding his extra "weight" and moving slowly.

Seriously, 4 titles in 18 years as the self proclaimed MDE? And the last one was won while he rode Wade's epic free throw performance in the finals.

Shaq cost his team the title in 03 with the Lakers?? Or Kobe? Or did the Pistons just win it by playing as a team? coz i thought Shaq was playing pretty well, though he faced some early foul trouble in a couple of games. and also, the Pistons were playing some great D. championship-level D.

and in 04, how about Wade getting injured and unable to play in the last games of that series? I'd think if he didn't, the Heat may have won it all. And to think, this playoff run was with Shaq playing through injury too.

so you think a more conditioned Shaq would've won those 2 rings? coz i don't think so. the team still matters. He's not the best conditioned in the NBA but i wouldn't go so far as to say he cost his teams the championship.  



- LilRip

You got your years mixed up.  In 2003, they lost to the Spurs, and in 2004 they lost to the Pistons.  2005 was his first year with the Heat.

[CDawg834]

I'm not sure if these comments have been posted, but Shaq is saying the right things so far:

Shaquille O'Neal has confirmed to the Orlando Sentinel that he won't sign another NBA contract.

O'Neal plans to retire as a member of the Celtics, meaning his legendary career has just two seasons left after he inked a two-year deal with Boston earlier this summer.

"I'm not coming in to take over," O'Neal said. "At this point in my career I'm just a role player and I'll do whatever it takes [to win]."

Link.

Of course, only time will tell if Shaq actually means that, but if he's truly buying into the "role player" mentality, I think that this signing will work out beautifully.

Agreed, Roy.  Shaq is known to always say the right things in the beginning, or at least publiclyy, but sometimes the behind the scenes Shaq isn't the same guy.  He said the right things in Miami and Phoenix, but wore out his welcome in both cities.  I hope he truly is serious about buying into a supporting role.