Re: Official: Shaquile O'Neal a Boston Celtic Thread

[bobheckler]

this today from Globe's Tony Mazz ... there's a lot of "if's", but then he says this ...
"maybe – just maybe – Shaq’s presence in the offense would free up Kevin Garnett a little more on the offensive end, allowing Garnett to play from the high post, facing the basket, instead of on the block with his back to the hoop. Garnett then would become a great mismatch in the Celtics’ favor, all while being able to better exploit his sensational passing ability."

freeing KG up top to pass or shoot ... well well well, wouldn't that be something to dance about !

i sure hope the general optimism on this board is well placed and we've got something here. if he shows up in better shape than sheed was in most of last year, Shaq could really bring something to the party.

Michael

Michael,

KG, deadly and unleavable from 18-19', passing to Shaq underneath.

Oooh. I sure hope so.

bob

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[Sam]

Bob,

I'd probably break into tears just seeing Shaq hold onto those passes underneath and rebound with two hands. But, short of injuries to JO, I don't expect to see Shaq playing a whole lot with KG.

Sam

[bobheckler]

Bob,

I'd probably break into tears just seeing Shaq hold onto those passes underneath and rebound with two hands. But, short of injuries to JO, I don't expect to see Shaq playing a whole lot with KG.

Sam

Sam,

Shaq and Baby Shaq? Davis better be working on his outside jumper (not bad last year, but needs more range) or we're gonna have a traffic jam underneath.

bob

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[Sam]

Bob, I recall reading or hearing last season that Glen was going to work on a three-pointer. Perhaps that was messed up by his injury, but a little more range would certainly be helpful. Last season, he seemed to have the ability to take a mid-range jumper and be in the rebound melee underneath. He seems to have a great nose for the ball.

How would you like to be the ball if Shaq and Little Shaq began wrestling for you?

Sam

[babyskyhook]

tj

did you get close? How big is the guy up close?

jeb

Jeb-

you know what I look like. (6'4, 200).

Met Shaq at a party once.

It was the only time in my adult life I've ever felt physically small. His hand pretty much enveloped my hand when we shook, and his feet look like a pair of skis. They are huge. But the thing that really sticks out in my mind is that he is literally like a human mountain. He is so wide it's beyond belief. TJ's Godzilla analogy isn't far off. He's truly gigantic.

[Brandon$$]

Shaq's Introduction Press Conference

http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2010/08/10/must-shaq-tv/

[babyskyhook]

Hey guys-

I haven't had time to post lately but it's interesting to see how the sentiment on Shaq has shifted form mostly negative to mostly positive over the last couple of weeks.

And that makes sense, as it's not a move without risks. BUt I think this is a great medium-risk/ high reward move by Ainge and Doc.

There's only a few places in the NBA that could handle Shaq's ego, and three of the four (LA, Miami and San Antonio) were non-starters due to Shaq's past actions.

That left the Cs. Any other team would have been inviting disaster by signing Shaq because he is a chemistry killer. Things went bad in LA and Miami over time, and went bad quickly in PHX and Cleveland.

However, given Doc, KG, Pierce and Ray all being in the mix, I think Shaq will probably behave himself for the most part. Especially because this summer had to have been humbling for him and he doesn't want to go out like AI. And there aren't too many potential homes for him if wears out his welcome and gets cut, which is a key aspect of this. At the vet min- if Shaq does become a locker room problem, all they have to do is cut him. Will be a very minor hit to take.


But if Shaq stays humble and doesn't complain, he will be an incredible backup 5. And Doc can pair him with KG, BBD or Jerm very effectively.

Given MIami and Chicago are weak inside, and that Shaq is very effective against Howard, this could be a real benefit to the Cs, esp with Pekr's injury. from what I know about that injury, he will be back by the playoffs, but he might not be back at full form until the following season. Thus, Shaq makes even more sense.


So I think this is overall a great move for the Cs and definitely makes them the favorite to come out of the East in my book if everyone is healthy. I already thought they would beat Miami and now I feel very sure of this.

The Heat could not have been happy about this, that's for sure. And frankly, as a Laker fan, the one place I didn't want to see him end up was in Boston, as I think the Cs can help cover for some of his defensive deficiencies, and his low post scoring and rebounding will help their 2nd unit a lot.

So congrats guys, I think it's a very good signing given team needs, the strong culture to keep him in line and the price.

Just one more factor to make this the most interesting upcoming regular season that I can remember.

Cs and the Lakers both got substantially better over the summer. See you next June.

[mrkleen09]

Quote of the press conference:

"KG has always been one of my young favorite players...with me here, protecting him...that will give him more room to operate...with me keeping the the big guys off of him, he will get to play more loose. He has one ring, it should be 3, so let's get this one together and get it done.

[babyskyhook]

Outside,

Apparently, Shaq would rather be a non-starter with the varsity than a non-starter with the junior varsity. I have to believe that the possibility of being a key figure in winning rings with the two greatest franchises is really appealing to him.

Sam

I also think Shaq would like to stick it to Jerry Buss, as Shaq did not leave LA on good terms and has been unhappy about the fact that they chose Kobe over him ever since. In a way, that trade was the beginning of the long descent his career has been on ever since, with the lone exception being the 2006 title year in Miami, but even that team is always remembered as the DWade show, so Shaq probably has a fair amount of bitterness over it.

Plus- Shaq has always loved the spotlight, and this keeps him right smack in the middle of it. No other team he could have gone to (with LA and Miami not being possible) would have given him as much notoriety as playing for the Cs. Shaq has always been a ham, which is probably one of the reasons he still wants to play- he likes the attention and the platform it gives him.

But as long as he's motivated to train hard and play hard, he'll be a very good pickup. And the natural rivalries against the Cs 3 biggest competitors for the title are fantastic- Shaq vs Kobe, vs Lebron, Wade and Riles, and vs Howard. Shaq's presence adds another level to what were already going to be chippy, hard-fought games.

I can't wait for the season to start.

[Sam]

BSH, Ain't that the truth?

Sorry I didn't get a chance to be in touch today. I'll try tomorrow.

Sam

[cowens/oldschool]

Quote of the press conference:

"KG has always been one of my young favorite players...with me here, protecting him...that will give him more room to operate...with me keeping the the big guys off of him, he will get to play more loose. He has one ring, it should be 3, so let's get this one together and get it done.

was thinking same thing when I saw conference,this is exactly what we were missing from Perk in game 7.....need those enforcers

[bobheckler]

Here's Elliot Kalb's thoughts on Shaq. Elliot Kalb is a five-time Sports Emmy winner, worked for NBC Sports for 15-years, and currently for HBO Sports, TNT, and CBS-Westwood One Radio Network. Known to many as Mr. Stats, He's written two books.

This is, of course, just one man's opinion and it's mostly statistically based. Furthermore, it isn't relevant what Shaq did. What's relevant is what Shaq has left and will do now. Still, a look back before we focus forward.

http://books.google.com/books?id=z1itO8fkAEwC&pg=PA1&lpg=PA1&dq=eliot+kalb+shaq&source=bl&ots=09edVNcYd7&sig=egRCo9BfROrnoOxPBpNdltzf1LI&hl=en&ei=XdViTIXxE4KCsQOqgKmpCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCIQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false

bob

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[Sam]

In the wake of Shaq's news conference, today's Boston Globe carries a nice article revealing how instrumental Doc was in "recruiting" Shaq. I had just read elsewhere how an apparently change meeting between Doc and Shaq in Italy started the ball rolling. (Italy has played a major role in the era of Celts' contention with Doc at the helm.)

But it was not Doc's persuasiveness, but rather his straight-from-the-shoulder, no-punches-pulled manner that turned the trick as far as Shaq is concerned. When the two met at Doc's home after the Italy meeting, some of the stuff we have all be conjecturing about was preempted by Doc, who told Shaq he wasn't the same player any longer, he'd be a liability on the pick-and-roll defense, and he'd be coming off the bench.

Apparently Shaq sat their with a deadpanned expression, leading Doc to think a deal would never eventuate. But, instead, Doc's honesty seems to have made a very positive impression on Shaq. So, in one fell swoop, Doc managed to cement a really good relationship with Shaq and set a mutually agreeable tone for Shaq's Celtics role. So, to those who are concerned about how Shaq will blend with the team, the likely resolution already seems well in hand.

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2010/08/11/shaqs_visit_to_doc_rivers_was_right_medicine/?page=1

I was also interested to see (I believe it was elsewhere) that Danny Ainge is very sensitive to Perk's concerns about reclaiming his job if and when he returns. Danny is committed to taking frequently with Perk to help guide him through the process. I thing we fortunate to have such a competent braintrust leading this team.

Sam

[bobheckler]

In the wake of Shaq's news conference, today's Boston Globe carries a nice article revealing how instrumental Doc was in "recruiting" Shaq. I had just read elsewhere how an apparently change meeting between Doc and Shaq in Italy started the ball rolling. (Italy has played a major role in the era of Celts' contention with Doc at the helm.)

But it was not Doc's persuasiveness, but rather his straight-from-the-shoulder, no-punches-pulled manner that turned the trick as far as Shaq is concerned. When the two met at Doc's home after the Italy meeting, some of the stuff we have all be conjecturing about was preempted by Doc, who told Shaq he wasn't the same player any longer, he'd be a liability on the pick-and-roll defense, and he'd be coming off the bench.

Apparently Shaq sat their with a deadpanned expression, leading Doc to think a deal would never eventuate. But, instead, Doc's honesty seems to have made a very positive impression on Shaq. So, in one fell swoop, Doc managed to cement a really good relationship with Shaq and set a mutually agreeable tone for Shaq's Celtics role. So, to those who are concerned about how Shaq will blend with the team, the likely resolution already seems well in hand.

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2010/08/11/shaqs_visit_to_doc_rivers_was_right_medicine/?page=1

I was also interested to see (I believe it was elsewhere) that Danny Ainge is very sensitive to Perk's concerns about reclaiming his job if and when he returns. Danny is committed to taking frequently with Perk to help guide him through the process. I thing we fortunate to have such a competent braintrust leading this team.

Sam

sam,

Some people bemoan how little playing time rookies and sophomores sometimes get under this regime (although Rondo, Davis, Powe, West, Perk and Tony Allen might disagree). On the other hand, we seem to have a very "veteran-friendly" reputation.

Part of "The Celtic Way" is to get veterans to buy in to being role players, versus superstars. Maravich, Wilkins, Walton, Gilmore, Wedman; all starters and all-stars at some points during their careers but accepted being role players with the Celtics. I believe this separates us from other clubs (I'm awaiting the avalanche of examples of other franchises doing it too, but I'll bet they don't have as long and illustrious a list as us).

Shaq is another example. We'll see what happens when Perk comes back. Maybe JO will come off the bench too.

bob

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[beat]

Bob

And as we get underway and win games............many of these so called issues will vanish into the darkness.

beat

[Sam]

Not to invite bad karma, but it's uncanny how often players returning from injury find vacant roles because of new injuries. If the Celtics can avoid that, one of their strengths in the playoff may be the same as one of their weaknesses last spring.

Let all the naysayers bring on their examples from other teams. For every Robert Horry, I can come up with hordes of Andy Phillips (HOF), Fred Scolaris, Arnie Risens (HOF), Don Barksdales, Jack Nichols, Carl Brauns, Willie Naulls, Don Nelsons, Bailey Howells (HOF), Wayne Embrys (HOF), Clyde Lovellettes (HOF), etc....and that barely brings me into the 1970s. Just like the sixth man role, the Celtics and some guy known as a bald redhead hold the patent on the concept.

Sam

[worcester]

It's another great year to watch the annual Celtics drama - great script, great cast, great director, aprreciative audience. Can't wait for the curtain to rise.

[mulcogiseng]

Hey Sam, who is this bald headed red head u talkin bout? lol
For me, this off season so far is proving to be the most skilled in terms of developing a roster for the next season that the Ainge era has produced. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Shaq will be a marketing dream come true for the franchise and when he plays within the role assigned there will be almost no way he and the C's can fail. Just goes to prove that no matter how much fun we have on these forums injecting our ideas of how things should be, almost without exception the pros really do know more than we do.

[Sam]

Hi Mulcogi,

I hope you're once again feeling great!

I always thought Danny did a spectacular job prior to the championship season—not so much by putting the Three Amigos together (although that wasn't chopped liver) but in the way he filled in the complementary players like Posey and House...and even stayed on the job midway through the season by getting P.J. Brown. If his efforts this preseason can work out as seamlessly as they did that year, the Celtics will be in great shape.

I wonder if the Celtics are as excited about the idea of marketing Shaq as many of the fans are. Two possible downsides of over-marketing him could be (1) putting a lot of pressure on him than he really doesn't need at this point in his career and (2) potentially creating an imbalance among all the egos on this team. I think the fact that KG flew in from a Hawaii vacation for Sheed's press conference is a pretty good indication of how mutually supportive the newcomer and the holdovers hopefully will be.

Sam

[mulcogiseng]

Hi Sam,
I am feeling much better. I still have days with no energy and days when I just get tired from little exertion like this morning opening the center and setting up the outside. I'm into my fourth month now, which is not uncommon for this, but am feeling a little better each week and soon hope to be back to normal which is good since I will be coming to New England the first two weeks of October.
Danny did do a spectacular job the year of the Championship but I feel this year, if it works, will be better overall as he has had to base the replacing on role players rather than the more spectacular big trades coupled with the FA signings. Time will tell, I'll be happy to have people tell me I'm crazy as they hang #18. lol
On marketing Shaq, I think it will be a real smooth flow but much more intense than in past years for past stars. Shaq knows this end of things, has much experience and will do his thing in an appropriate manner. When have you ever heard of Shaq not doing so? He handles himself well with style, grace and humor. I doubt that the C's will try to force him into anything. He knows what is right for him to do. Look for him to adopt some of the C's charities as his own and to find some of his own. He has everywhere else. This will be a fun year. Yes, it was a good gesture by KG to return for Shaqeed's press conference, (LOL couldn't resist)

[Sam]

Mulcogi,

It's really great to hear your news about your health. Keep up the good work.

I hope you're right about Shaq. One thing the Celtics won't need this season is a lot of outside disruptions.

Sam

[dboss]

Did anyone hear DA's comments about Shaq in terms of him starting vs coming off the bench? DA basically left the door open...indicated that he does not know if Shaq will be starting or not.

This sounds to me like the starting center position may still be open to either of the O'Neals. Perhaps that spot has to be earned.

If Shaq started the game it would change the way the Celtics like to come out...fast. That is one big reason to have him come off the bench becausce he will not be able to get out there and run. You could burn him out in the 1st quarter. On the other hand it would allow the Celtics to immediately establish a deep post presence and get the opposing bigs in early foul trouble.

With JON in the middle the Celtics would be able to push the ball early and often. JON has a more diverse offensive offensive game than either shaq or Perkins. The Celtics could establish their offense and then bring Shaq in the game to pound the other team.

MPG....I would like to see JON play arounf 25 MPG and Shaq play 20 MPG

dboss

[mulcogiseng]

OTOH, if Shaq starts, runs the floor for six to eight minutes, even if the pace is somewhat slower, with JON coming off the bench that continues instead of a real different style of play. With Shaq as the trailer on the break or even when he runs the floor with the lead, no one takes that charge. lol He may not be what he once was but he remains formidable. People are going to appreciate how well Shaq and Rondo work together and instead of clogging space for Rondo, Shaq will clear it. This is going to be fun. One thing is clear, Perk will not come back as a starter, Not that he will have to earn his minutes but he will have issues at first and won't be much of a force until April. That is when he will be really needed. But with his return, the pressure comes off Shaq and JON so they will be fresh when they will be most needed. This season will have its own dynamic and will be remembered for many years to come.

[worcester]

Physical issues aside, Perk will have to work through his psychological trepidation when his knee is ok. It takes a while. All that really matters is that he's ok for the playoffs.

[sinus007]

Hi,
I think that the question of who starts will be answered by how both O'Neals gel with the team.
Thankfully they start playing very early in the season, so Doc will plenty of time to figure out the best combinations for both. I hope Perk gets on the floor in Feb and will be able to "run with the pack" by Playoffs.
IMO, the biggest question about both O'Neals is mental: will they click with the team, will they put pedal to the metal in Playoffs. If the answer to both questions is yes, then #18 is theirs.

AK

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