Seriously, did you know Shaq was going to be this good?

[Celtics4ever]

I thought he's be an upgrade to Perk offensively but that isn't saying much...

[nba is the worst]

Yes.

I couldn't believe the C's signed JO to the full MLE (for the reasons we've already seen) - and I couldn't believe Shaq was still available for the minimum when DA got him.

It only makes sense that a team with the talent of the Celtics would bring out the best in Shaq, despite father time.

As I said at the time, it was the best offseason signing by a contender...

[dark_lord]

i dont want to sound like i am gloating, but i honestly felt shaq would be this good when we signed him, if he remained healthy.  i really believed and still do, that the celts were a perfect fit for his ability, drive, support/locker room, personel and coaching staff, and expectations.

[Drucci]

I didn't think Shaq would be that consistent. Like many others, I thought he would have games where he looked like his old self but I've been really pleasantly surprised by his consistency.

Plus, my biggest fear was about his poor defense but it has been OK and his teammates have covered his weaknesses very well so it's a perfect fit. Hopefully Shaq will benefit from JO and Perk's returns to get healthier during the season adn benefit from more rest to get ready for the playoffs.

[LilRip]

not meaning to gloat too, but count me in as part of those who thought that Shaq would be good for us. He's a guy that can get easy buckets or draw fouls and i also said that he would help our rebounding problem (obviously, KG's resurgence has played a big role in solving our rebounding woes as well). After signing JO, i was still calling for us to sign or make a move for Shaq. Even if given limited minutes, i felt as if he could still be very productive. nyahaha! love being proved right! ^_^ lol, sorry

I will admit though that i didn't expect Rondo to be this good, and i didn't expect BBD to contribute this much. I mean, i knew Rondo would be good... but not THIS good particularly on offense. However, i do think this is part of the "Shaq effect". Even if Shaq can't shoot, i think he actually provides better spacing. At least, better spacing than Perk gives. Shaq's such a huge offensive threat when he's got position in the paint. Plus, Shaq doesn't get called for the illegal screens that Perk usually gets called for, nor does he get stripped in the paint.

would also like to add that in the few games that JO has played, he has looked good on defense with his strong shot blocking but i didn't expect him to run into health issues this grave so early in the season.

[BballTim]

Yes I did. He played incredibly well during the playoffs last year. I never once listened to the haters who said he made cleveland worse. He mad that team ALOT better. Just like he did for us. <3 Shaq

  It's hard to dispute that he made the Cavs easier for us to beat, whether that translated to better overall or not.

[StartOrien]

I'm surprised about how good he is, but I'm still a little concerned about his ability to make a difference against other true contenders w/ faster bigs like Los Angeles, Chicago and even Orlando - I'm aware of past success but it's still a little bit of concern. This is why I think Jermaine getting back is important, he really completes our ability to matchup against all looks.

[fairweatherfan]

I was pretty "meh" about the acquisition at first too.  I was concerned with how Cleveland often seemed to suffer with Shaq on the floor, and wasn't sure if he'd be a net positive.

But he has blended in brilliantly with the starting unit and gives us an offensive versatility that Perk never could.  He rebounds well, leads the team in PER and hasn't been a real detriment on defense that I've noticed.  And, don't forget, if we don't sign Shaq, Erden is probably our starting center right now (Doc prefers Baby off the bench).  All in all I'm thrilled with how he's looked so far, and I think he gives us a great chance to take a ring.  A solid A for the moment.

[Emmette Bryant]

No I didn't expect Shaq to be this good.  I guess I forgot that Rondo makes the players around him better.

[LilRip]

I'm surprised about how good he is, but I'm still a little concerned about his ability to make a difference against other true contenders w/ faster bigs like Los Angeles, Chicago and even Orlando - I'm aware of past success but it's still a little bit of concern. This is why I think Jermaine getting back is important, he really completes our ability to matchup against all looks.

Chicago? Noah is not an offensive threat and Boozer and Gibson play PF, which means KG and BBD are the ones who'll guard them. i think Shaq matches well with Noah because he overpowers him but Noah can't really punish Shaq despite having a speed advantage.

Orlando? would be interesting but i think Shaq's presence would really help us. The other 4 starters like feeding Shaq for easy buckets and Shaq's presence in the paint prevents Dwight from roaming around too much. Shaq gets to good spots at the right time. while i haven't watched a Magic game yet this year, i don't think Dwight can punish us in the post too much. i don't know. someone who's been watching would have a better idea concerning Dwight's offensive postgame.

Lakers? this is a match up to watch.

[LB3533]

To me, Shaq has been a blessing and his biggest contributions has been in the locker room and on the bench.

He has a great effect on bench guys like Baby, Semih, Quis and Nate.

And can't dismiss what influence he has on KG too.

[fairweatherfan]

No I didn't expect Shaq to be this good.  I guess I forgot that Rondo makes the players around him better.

Shaq's played pretty well in games Rondo's missed too.  It's the starting unit as a whole that's boosting his game, not just Rondo.

[MG1]

I don't understand why people keep worrying about Shaq's defense against Magic and Lakers. Actually, Shaq defended Bynum/Gasol and Howard just as well as Perkins, if no better. Just check how Cavs beat Lakers twice last year, and review the Cavs/Magic games last season, it is quite obvious the fact.

The truth is Bynum and Howard are a little scared of Shaq in their heart.

[Brendan]

I thought he'd be a great fit with this team. The starters especially cover his weaknesses and compliment his strengths. The main concern with Shaq is injury / age / consistency.

[MBz]

I don't understand why people keep worrying about Shaq's defense against Magic and Lakers. Actually, Shaq defended Bynum/Gasol and Howard just as well as Perkins, if no better. Just check how Cavs beat Lakers twice last year, and review the Cavs/Magic games last season, it is quite obvious the fact.

The truth is Bynum and Howard are a little scared of Shaq in their heart.

Very true and remember, those guys have to cover Shaq too.  I love Perk, but let's face it, he's pretty much useless offensively.  You aren't going to throw the ball in the post to him and let him go to work.  Shaq can do that.  Shaq is going to be great during the playoffs at getting guys like Bynum, Gasol, Howard into foul trouble.  It should also help get fatigued a little quicker than normal.  Shaq really has been what we were missing the past two seasons.