The Celtics seem pumped about Shaq
(I hear it’s really fun to play with teammates you once controlled in video games.)
Granted, it’s the honeymoon period right now. Granted, it isn’t like the Celtics are very likely to bash a new teammate. But they seem very excited to welcome Shaq to Boston.
Here’s Rajon Rondo’s take. (Yahoo)
“I’m excited and looking forward to playing with the big fella,” Rondo said. “He’s definitely an enforcer. He gives us a post presence. He’s one of the best to do it. We’re a lot better.”
Next to gush, Danny Ainge, Doc Rivers and Wyc Grousbeck. (Boston Globe)
“It is not every day that you can add a player of Shaquille’s caliber to your team,’’ said Celtics president Danny Ainge in a statement. “His past experience speaks for itself and we believe that he is a great fit for our roster, so we’re very excited that he is joining the Celtics family.
“Some have questioned his effectiveness, but last year Shaquille was still one of the league’s better defensive rebounders. This will address a weakness of ours during last year’s regular season. In addition to rebounding, Shaq brings post scoring, toughness, and a winning spirit.
“I remember in 1985, we signed Bill Walton, and his addition put us over the top. We feel that with the addition of Shaq, we’ll have one of the best front lines in the league, and, when Kendrick Perkins returns, the deepest.
“Shaq has made it clear that he would do whatever it takes to help the team raise Banner 18, and we look forward to working towards that goal together.’’ [...]
“I am very excited,’’ said coach Doc Rivers, who met with O’Neal in Orlando, Fla. “Adding a player like Shaq is a major plus and it fills a void for our team. He’s a real nice piece of the puzzle and he will complement us in where we want to go this coming season.’’ [...]
“We have reloaded to defend our Eastern championship and try to contend for a title,’’ said Celtics principal owner Wyc Grousbeck. “With Shaq and Jermaine [O’Neal] added to Rondo and our Big Three, we ought to be a tough team.’’
And the latest to weigh in, Paul Pierce.
Related posts:
Celtics Blog | Jay King | August 5, 2010
Boston Celtics, Danny Ainge, Doc Rivers, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, shaq, Shaquille O'Neal, Wyc Grousbeck
I find the auspicious timing and similarities with the Walton/Shaq thing just downright twilight zone esque. I mean let’s look at it…
1984, Celtics beat the Lakers in the Finals.
1985, Celtics lose to Lakers in Finals, add Bill Walton, a past his prime former dominant Center who took a reserve role.
1986, Celtics beat Rockets (Sorry LA) in the Finals.
Fast forward!
2008, Celtics beat Lakers in the Finals
2010 (Next time the same team was healthy) Celtics lose to Lakers in Finals. Add Shaq, a past his prime former dominant Center who took a reserve role.
2011, Celtics beat Lakers in the Finals? Or really, if it’s a repeat of history, Yao will be healthy and dominant again, and Houston will beat LA, to lose to Boston in the finals. Wow, wouldn’t that just blow your mind.
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A few differences: 1) Walton was only 33. And he miraculously stayed healthy that season. 2) Walton was the epitome of a team player. Not that Shaq isn’t a team player, but he forces an offense to change. Walton fit in seamlessly. 3) Walton was just happy to be there. I’m not so sure about Shaq.
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Eh, whatever, didn’t say it was exactly the same, just fun to think about.
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No, no definitely.
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Nate Robinson is excited too: http://i36.tinypic.com/2ez4sog.png
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Nice spot.
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Trust me as soon as you see Rondo alley-oop to Shaq and he crushes that first dunk you are going to be loving every minute of every game, as this signing is really going to help. I can’t wait until Oct. 26th…Go Cs…
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I forgot, Big Baby’s pumped too. http://twitter.com/iambigbaby11/status/20261572973
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