I have only one question about this jersey: why don’t I own one yet? Seriously. This jersey is cool, unique (how many people have you seen rocking Shaq’s 1995 All Star jersey?), and it now means something to me because Shaq’s a Celtic. Plus, I’ve always wanted a jersey that perfectly demonstrates the nickname “Shaq-tus.”

Go buy this jersey here, people. You won’t regret it.

The ESPN summer forecast continues, and the latest question is: What should the Celtics expect from Shaq? Here’s Tommy’s answer:

Tommy King, Celtics Town (22 minutes, 10 points, 5 rebounds)

Shaq’s role is going to be simple: score and rebound. Last season, the Celtics ranked 25th in rebound differential, getting outrebounded by an average of 1.47 rebounds per game. Shaq needs to limit the opposition’s second-chance points, while adding a few of his own. Shaq’s defensive liabilities (especially pick-and-roll defense) have been well-chronicled, so he will have to make up for his defense by scoring at a high rate. Expect the Celtics to go to Shaq in the post when the second unit needs a hoop, and expect Shaq to finish plays around the rim like he has his entire career. As the backup center, Shaq will be the leader of the second unit, though he will occasionally play extended minutes with the starters.

The Celtics know Shaq isn’t what he used to be. But they also know that he’ll immediately be the C’s best rebounder and low-post scorer. Even at 38 years old, he can do those things. He’ll probably be able to do those things until he’s 50.

The problem is on defense. As Doc Rivers told ESPN 980 in Washington, DC, “Everyone is going to run pick and roll and no one has been successful in figuring out how to use him. I’m no smarter than anyone else. That’s all we’ve been focusing on this summer, trying to figure out what we’re going to do in pick and rolls when he comes into the game.”

Will the Celtics be able to hide Shaq’s defensive deficiencies? Not entirely, at least. As Doc said, no team has yet. But I do know that Shaq will be able to score and rebound. And as long as he’s coming off the bench, that’s enough for me. At least until the first time I see Steve Nash dribble around the pick and roll, right into an unmolested 18-foot jumper.

“I’m not worried about a guy that has five and I helped him get three.” – Shaq.

I’ll add something to Shaq’s little dig at Kobe: Shaq was the Finals MVP in all three titles the dynamic duo shared. Do you like apples, Kobe? How do you like them apples?

Okay, I’m now done being a homer. Temporarily, I’m sure.

The ESPN Boston summer forecast continues today and the question is, who will start at center, Jermaine O’Neal, or Shaquille O’Neal? 14 of the 18 Celtics bloggers thought that Jermaine O’Neal will be the starting center when the season tips off on October 26th. Here’s what Jay had to say:

If I were Doc Rivers, I’d start Jermaine O’Neal. Not that he’s better than Shaq (although he probably is), but Jermaine is just a better fit with the first unit. He blocks shots, doesn’t demand the ball and actually knows the basketball meaning of the term “hedge.” Plus, I like the idea of Shaq coming off the bench and the C’s pounding it into him for a few easy buckets. The second group could really benefit from the Diesel’s low-post scoring.

To read my response, and the response of the other Celtics bloggers, head over to the Celtics summer forecast. Leave a comment with YOUR opinion on who should, or will, start at center for the Boston Celtics.

Earlier in the show, Shaq came up with a new nickname for himself: The Black Chi-Chi Rodriguez. (Why didn’t I think of that???) Shaq also said he’d never played golf before and didn’t even have clubs. But he considers himself the putt-putt champion of the world. (He clearly hasn’t seen me play putt-putt.)

Oh, and by the way: Black Chi-Chi isn’t actually engaged to Hoopz from Flavor of Love, but he HAS gone to Wal-Mart and Waffle House with her. That sounds a whole lot like true love to me.

P.S. – Thank God that clip didn’t show Charles Barkley’s swing. My eyesight might never have recovered.

P.P.S. – Nice putt, Charles. Nice putt.

P.P.S. – Celtics Town TMZ is now retired for today.

Shaq called into SportsCenter and was asked whether he thought the Celtics would outlast the Heat this season. Since it would have been asinine for him to answer that question, he responded, “Garnett and Pierce, all they want to do is win. And that’s all I want to do is win. We’re not really concerned with who gets all the credit and who gets all the hype, or who’s better. We want to be playing into June, we want to have a parade at the end of June, and for me I want to make it five. That’s all we’re focused on right now.”

Preach on, Big Fella. Shaq continues to say all the right things.