Report: Shaq’s injury could end his season
The Celtics are reportedly moving forward as if Shaquille O’Neal won’t return this postseason. The Eagle Tribune reports the Celtics decided to do so after Shaq failed a simple sprint test at the team’s practice facilities, unable even to make his way up and down the court one time. (h/t Red’s Army)
Shaquille O’Neal may have worn a Boston Celtics uniform for the last time.
In what would be a crippling blow to their chances of winning a title, the Celtics are going forward as if the affable center won’t be returning to team for the playoffs, according to an NBA source. …
The Celtics came to this conclusion after Shaq failed to complete one simple sprint up and down the court during a “conditioning test” on Saturday, before he limped off the court in Waltham.
The Celtics held out a slim hope Shaq would be able to make his return in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Knicks or possibly in the conference semifinals, if they advanced.
“If he were to come back, it would have to be a miraculous recovery,” said the source, who requested anonymity. “And at his age (he turned 39 on March 6) and physical condition, the Celtics have planned accordingly.”
I’m at once shocked and completely prepared for this news, if that makes any sense whatsoever. I’ve said it before, but it bears mentioning again: thank God for Jermaine O’Neal’s revival, and pray to the lord his sprained wrist isn’t bad.
Last night, my buddy asked me when the Celtics would need a healthy Shaq.
“If Jermaine O’Neal stays healthy and plays like he has been, they could win a championship even if Shaq never plays another second in his career,” I replied.
“Do you trust Jermaine O’Neal?” he asked.
I’m starting to think I have no choice.
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Celtics Blog | Jay King | April 20, 2011
Jay you’re a smart guy, but you are thinking with your heart
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Until Shaq says he’s done then there’s no point in speculating. He can sit another month and still be available if he responds to treatment and rest. Go Cs…
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Mr. Jay King,
If Shaq can’t go.
I’m afraid we are going to have to move KG to the 5,and start Jeff Green at the 4.You may laugh but Jeff Green is actually a good rebounder,because he’s athletic and a leaper.
Green needs to start,because he’s lost coming off the bench.Garnett in the post is better,when his jumpshot is not falling,like last night.And it keeps Garnett out of foul trouble,because he won’t have to guard Amare.
J.O. is not playing starter minutes anyway,so he can come off the bench,so with Baby,we’ll have three centers.Kristic should spell Green and play the 4.But Green is young and should play 48 minutes if he has to.
Von Wafer will have to spell Pierce.Von Wafer can’t guard Carmello,but nobody on the planet can.So what the hell.
And Delonte should never run the point because he does not communicate his sets.That’s why everybody is so lost,when he comes in the game.
Rondo is always talking on the court.Delonte just walks the ball up the court and does not say anything.Delonte should just look for his shot.
I’d rather see Pierce play point forward than Delonte playing the point.
Tell me what you think.
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No, I can’t imagine why you are shocked, Jay. It’s been obvious that the Cs were stringing us along about Shaq. Perhaps they were fooling themselves a little too, but mostly they were fooling us, because they knew we’d be SCREAMING about The Trade without the delusion that Shaq was waiting at the end of the rainbow.
Shaq has already given us all we could have expected this season. I’m grateful to him for that.
And no, I wouldn’t pin my hopes on Jermaine. Whatever he gives us is great. This is all on the Big Four, and their will to win, and mostly on Rondo. And when you come right down to it, that’s a lot.
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Kennard:
I agree—they need to try mixing up the lineup (yeah, seems crazy to experiment in the playoffs, but your idea is similar to mine. Von Wafer is going to waste, when he can score, bring energy, and watch Carmello score like everyone else who tries to guard him. Green starting, yes. I think it would give him rhythm; he’s not a bench player. KG off the bench keeps him out of foul trouble. Pierce is playing way too many minutes. Period.
But Doc will never do this. He’s stuck in his ways. The C’s are in big trouble thanks to their bench problems. If they don’t figure something out soon, they won’t last long in the playoffs.
and WTF about the REBOUNDING
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