Felger & Mazz On: Shaq Coming To Boston
Tony Massarotti and guest host Adam "Pacman" Jones talk about the Celtics signing Shaquille O'Neal. Does he fit with the Celtics style? At this point in his career, is he a mere sideshow? The guys discuss.
Massarotti: "With regard to his performance with the Cavaliers in 2009-10, Shaq averaged 23.4 minutes per game, a career low. He averaged 6.7 rebounds per game, a career low. 12 points per game, a career low. And free throw percentage was .496, his lowest since he was with Miami. To me, Shaq has become a caricature. That's what he is. It's the "Shaqtus", "Shaqtastic", "Shaqalicious". With regard to the financial commitment in the signing, it was low risk. They're [Celtics] not giving up anything to bring him here. It's hard to say you dislike the signing with regard to that. There's really no cost and no risk here for the Celtics. If he becomes the headache that we all fear, you can always cut bait. Just get rid of him, there's no financial hit from that. You don't want Shaq to become a sideshow. Ultimately, I want basketball players. I recognize the entertainment value. I hope that's not the only reason Shaq is here."
Adam "Pacman" Jones: "He's going to go down as one of the best big men of all time, and he should. He's not that player anymore. He's not the rebounder he used to be. On defense, he's far from what he was earlier in his career. So, how are you going to fit Shaquille O'Neal in? Are there enough minutes to go around for the 5 big guys? I, personally, don't think there's enough minutes to go around. You got Perkins, Kevin Garnett, both O'Neals [Jermaine & Shaq], and Glen Davis. With Shaquille O'Neal, can his larger than life personality fit on a team that already has a lot of personalities? Do you need any more evidence than he has his own television show? It's not 100% about basketball anymore for Shaq. He's got his eyes on bigger things. He's won everything imaginable. He's got 4 titles and has done everything you can do in the NBA. What more does he have to prove? Not much. Does he care about another title? Sure. But is that his lone goal right now? I'm not sure."
