Shaq in Green a Done Deal
The Celtics got bigger today, a lot bigger — to the tune of 7 ft 1 and 325 pounds. His name is Shaquille O'Neal.
The team confirmed on its website that the 15-time All-Star center is officially in Green. The Celtics did not disclose terms of the deal, but the Boston Globe is reporting that it is a two-year deal worth $3.8 million.
"It is not every day that you can add a player of Shaquille's caliber to your team," Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said. "His past experience speaks for itself and we believe that he is a great fit for our roster."
O'Neal, 38, averaged 12.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and shot 56.6 percent from the field last season in 53 games for the Cavaliers. He is one of the most accomplished players of his generation, a three-time NBA Finals MVP (2000, 2001, 2002) and former NBA MVP (2000). His 15 All-Star appearances are the second most all-time behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 17.
"I am honored to be joining the Celtics," said O'Neal in a statement. "I have played against Paul [Pierce], Ray [Allen], Kevin [Garnett], Rajon [Rondo], and Jermaine [O'Neal] for many years and it will be great to be able to call them my teammates. I cannot wait to get to Boston to get started in pursuit of another championship."
The 7-foot-1-inch center has won four NBA championships, three with the Lakers (2000, 2001, 2002) and one with the Miami Heat (2006), and just is one of just three players in NBA history to be named league MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP in the same season (1999-2000).
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