The Diesel to Boston

Godfather · « **on:** August 10, 2010, 04:34:34 PM »

Quote

WALTHAM, Mass. -- Shaquille O'Neal was introduced as a member of the Boston Celtics on Tuesday morning, saying that the sole reason he came to Boston was to try to add to his title haul and that he is willing to play any role Doc Rivers envisions for him.

"I've done everything individually that I've set out to do," O'Neal said. "Now, toward the latter part of my career, it's all about winning."

O'Neal, who was decked out in a pinstriped suit and a bow tie for the introduction, could start the season as the Celtics' backup center, with Jermaine O'Neal taking the starting spot while Kendrick Perkins works his way back from knee surgery. No matter the role, the 38-year-old Shaq insisted Tuesday that he still has the same fire.

"I still have hunger, I still can play, I still want to win," O'Neal said. "When I close my book at the end of the day it's all about winning, nothing else."

Shaq, who has won four NBA titles over the course of his career, told reporters he had hoped to end his career with five or six titles. He signed a two-year deal with the Celtics in what is likely his final NBA contract.

"This summer I had many options but I wanted to be with a team that was used to winning, with a team that was one or two pieces away," O'Neal said. "I think it's a good fit."

Rivers, who sat next to Shaq during the press conference, said the team had hoped to address a rebounding weakness in the offseason and that the addition of O'Neal went a long way toward doing that. He also noted that Shaq's ability to get opposing defenders into foul trouble will be an added benefit.

"You need size to win," Rivers said. "We think we've filled that void pretty well today."

O'Neal also thanked new teammate Kevin Garnett, who flew in from Hawaii to be at the press conference.

In terms of nicknames, O'Neal said he liked the Big Shamrock but was also partial to the Big Green Mile.

The team also announced that it had signed rookie Luke Harangody to a contract, leaving the roster at the maximum of 15 players. The number, however, includes Rasheed Wallace, who plans to retire.

I really don't care about this just trying to see if the whole story posts in quotes.

War Eagle!!! · « **Reply #1 on:** August 10, 2010, 05:21:57 PM »

Try a longer story...

Godfather · « **Reply #2 on:** August 10, 2010, 05:30:57 PM »

Quote from: War Eagle!!! on August 10, 2010, 05:21:57 PM

Try a longer story...

Fixed it

djsimp · « **Reply #3 on:** August 10, 2010, 07:57:29 PM »

I like this move. I've liked the Celtics since watching with my uncle yrs ago with Bird, Parrish and McCale (spelling?). I'm not the biggest Shag fan, ever since his rap debut, but this makes the Celtics the best roster in the NBA. Move Jermaine to Forward and switch out Perkins and Shaq at Center. This is a way more impressive team than the new Heat.

AUChizad · « **Reply #4 on:** August 11, 2010, 09:40:46 AM »

Jermaine O'Neal, Shquille O'Neal.

They're really dedicated to that Irish theme.

djsimp · « **Reply #5 on:** August 11, 2010, 11:38:41 AM »

Quote from: AUChizad on August 11, 2010, 09:40:46 AM

Jermaine O'Neal, Shquille O'Neal.

They're really dedicated to that Irish theme.

You're right, I've never thought about it that way. Giant leprechauns.

Tiger Wench · « **Reply #6 on:** August 11, 2010, 11:56:32 AM »

Did anyone watch "Shaq vs"? He "fought" Sugar Shane Moseley... over whom Shaq had a 16 inch reach advantage and more than a foot and a half on height and nearly 175 lbs!! At one point Shaq got on his knees to fight and was STILL as tall as Sugar Shane! But the big guy is able to laugh at himself and not take himself too seriously. It was funny.

djsimp · « **Reply #7 on:** August 11, 2010, 01:21:16 PM »

Quote from: Tiger Wench on August 11, 2010, 11:56:32 AM

Did anyone watch "Shaq vs"? He "fought" Sugar Shane Moseley... over whom Shaq had a 16 inch reach advantage and more than a foot and a half on height and nearly 175 lbs!! At one point Shaq got on his knees to fight and was STILL as tall as Sugar Shane! But the big guy is able to laugh at himself and not take himself too seriously. It was funny.

I caught that. It was pretty funny. Moseley looked like he was struggling against the big guy but was able to pull out the win. Shaq wearing his yellow briefs down the hallway of the resort was also funny.

AUTiger1 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 11, 2010, 01:31:55 PM »

One of the reasons I have always like Sugar Shane. He is not as cocky as most great boxers. Seems like he likes to goof off and have a good time.

Godfather · « **Reply #9 on:** August 11, 2010, 02:41:34 PM »

Quote from: djsimp41 on August 10, 2010, 07:57:29 PM

This is a way more impressive team than the new Heat.

That is crazy talk right there!

btw Go Heat!

djsimp · « **Reply #10 on:** August 11, 2010, 03:06:59 PM »

Quote from: Godfather on August 11, 2010, 02:41:34 PM

That is crazy talk right there!

btw Go Heat!

Seriously? I hope you're kidding. Don't get me wrong, I do like the Heat and I'm excited to see what these guys can do. The Celtics have a stacked starting 5 and back-ups that could start on most other teams.

Godfather · « **Reply #11 on:** August 11, 2010, 03:11:44 PM »

We shall see and Shaq will play in maybe a 1/4 of the games.

djsimp · « **Reply #12 on:** August 11, 2010, 03:36:26 PM »

Quote from: Godfather on August 11, 2010, 03:11:44 PM

We shall see and Shaq will play in maybe a 1/4 of the games.

Well, I have to agree with that. Shaq is prone to injuries now a days. This is why Perkins will start plus Jermaine can play at Center or Forward. I do expect it to be a Celtics/Heat dual in the Eastern Conference Championship.

AUChizad · « **Reply #13 on:** August 11, 2010, 04:13:31 PM »

Quote from: djsimp41 on August 11, 2010, 03:36:26 PM

Well, I have to agree with that. Shaq is prone to injuries now a days. This is why Perkins will start plus Jermaine can play at Center or Forward. I do expect it to be a Celtics/Heat dual in the Eastern Conference Championship.

Duh.

That's pretty much how it would have been anyway prior to Shaq-Fu joining the team.

djsimp · « **Reply #14 on:** August 11, 2010, 09:05:13 PM »

Quote from: AUChizad on August 11, 2010, 04:13:31 PM

Duh.

That's pretty much how it would have been anyway prior to Shaq-Fu joining the team.

I can't believe you duh'ed me, geez man. It is the obvious but the point is pointing out the power of this team. In my mind, much greater than the Heat. Also the counterpoint of Shaq only playing 1/4 of the time. By the way, Shaq-Fu was horrible. I felt victim to buying Shaqs rap cd years ago. DAMN is sucked ass.

djsimp · « **Reply #15 on:** August 11, 2010, 09:29:57 PM »

AUChizad · « **Reply #16 on:** August 11, 2010, 11:13:36 PM »

Quote from: djsimp41 on August 11, 2010, 09:29:57 PM

I prefered:

Iwannaplay · « **Reply #17 on:** August 19, 2010, 06:57:40 PM »

All the Heat have to do is use the gameplan that Aaron Carter used:

War Eagle!!! · « **Reply #18 on:** August 19, 2010, 09:55:54 PM »

Quote from: djsimp41 on August 10, 2010, 07:57:29 PM

This is a way more impressive team than the new Heat.

You are on fucking crack dude.

Lebron took a team of C+ players and won fucking 60+ games a year the past 2 years. And Dwayne Wade took the Heat and won 40 something right? Put those 2 together and Bosch and through who ever the fuck you want to out on the floor, and I will take the Heat over the Celtics any day.

Say what you want about Lebron...but that fucker can ball. He is crazy good. The Heat now has 2 of the best 3 players OF THE LEAGUE on the same team. This is like having Bird and Magic with Kareem on the same team...

War Eagle!!! · « **Reply #19 on:** August 19, 2010, 09:57:18 PM »

Quote from: djsimp41 on August 11, 2010, 03:06:59 PM

Seriously? I hope you're kidding. Don't get me wrong, I do like the Heat and I'm excited to see what these guys can do. The Celtics have a stacked starting 5 and back-ups that could start on most other teams.

Celtics are in no way stacked compared to the Heat. The Celtics are all fucking old. Maybe if the Celtics had the same players 5 years ago when they were in their prime...but now? Not even close dude.