Shaq Celebrates 39th Birthday, 85% Healthy
BOSTON (CBS) - He may not be celebrating much on the court lately, but Celtics center Shaquille O'Neal celebrated his 39th birthday at the Boston Childrens' Museum on Monday.
Kids got a chance to sing "Happy Birthday" to The Big Shamrock and get a piece of his giant birthday cake.
"It was excellent," Shaq said. "I don't really feel 39. I feel blessed to be able to play this game a long time."
Shaq Celebrates His 39th Birthday At Children's Museum
And then of course there is the question about his foot. Shaq has missed the last 13 games while battling a sore Achilles and other soreness in his right foot. He said it he goes through cycles where the foot gets better, but the soreness returns. He hopes to return in a week, and feels about 85-percent right now.
"I've been ordered by Doc (Rivers) and the Big Three they want me back at 100-percent," Shaq said. "I tried to run the other day, felt pretty good. But afterwards we kind of took a step back so hopefully in a couple of days or week or so I'll be back."
Shaq Talks About His Return From Injury
He is working out twice a day and receiving treatment on the foot, but is not allowed to shoot a basketball.
Shaq was also asked if the Celtics trading away Kendrick Perkins would put more pressure on the big-man when he does return down the stretch.
"A little bit but I've been playing this game a long time, I'm used to it," O'Neal said. "That's what we're all here for, 1825."
Earlier this season, Shaq explained that "1825" meant 18 championships for the city of Boston, two for Doc Rivers and the Big Three, and five for himself.
