Shaquille O'Neal's impact on the NBA is undeniable. Doc Rivers, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett vividly remember when they worked together on the 2010-11 Boston Celtics.
Doc Rivers remembers Shaq's visit to his Orlando home and the "semi-truck" he rode in as a reminder of his immense influence." Shaq's a big guy," Rivers admitted, stressing that Shaq has always been physically imposing.
Pierce echoed that sentiment, recalling that Shaq's presence on the bench meant "it was like we were here," pointing to the rest of the Celtics huddled together to accommodate his wide-legged stance. Garnett playfully retorted "damn big guy" before Shaq casually remarked "hey, y'all slide down", further exemplifying the humorous camaraderie within the team.
Despite being in the twilight of his career, Shaq's influence is undeniable. Rivers confessed that if it weren't for his injury plague, "the scene from 2008 could have been repeated." This speaks volumes about Shaq's dominance at the end of his career.
Unfortunately, Achilles problems limited Shaq to 37 regular season games and two playoff appearances that season. The Celtics' semifinal exit highlights the potential impact a healthy Shaq could have on their championship run.
Shaq's size is more than just a physicality
Shaq's size is more than a deterrent, it's a strategic weapon. He knows how to use his size to intimidate opponents in the paint and quickly jump to the top of the scoring charts. His anger, however, is another matter entirely.
Garnett, who was often responsible for Shaq's defence, once said, "Thank God Shaq grew up right! You guys haven't played against an angry Shaq yet!" This anecdote highlights the potential for Shaq's dominance to reach even greater heights if his temper is unchecked.
Shaq's character was shaped by his upbringing, which played a crucial role in his becoming one of the greatest players in NBA history and his longevity. His size was a physical marvel, but his temperament and sportsmanship cemented his place in basketball history.