Shaq Already Causing A Rukus

"The Miami Heat, they've got a lot of great players, the `Big 2.' They will be back," O'Neal said from Louisiana during the broadcast, when discussing the NBA finals and how Dallas was able to beat Miami for the title.

See I've been saying this for a year now, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade are the Big 2 and Lebron is the role player. In the playoffs Bosh was much more of a factor than LeChoke. Bosh had more of an impact against Boston, Chicago and Dallas. LeChoke on the other hand cost them the finals with his non existent play.

The Heat would be a lot better off if they traded for a PG like Paul or Williams or a Center like Bynum or Howard for LeBron James. It's evident that those 2 positions would help the Heat out a lot more than a timid luxury position.

This Is Going To Be Awesome...

Shaquille O'Neal may have retired as a player, but that doesn't mean he won't be visible this upcoming season. There is a report that Shaq plans to work for TNT.

Shaq will join Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and most importantly Charles Barkley. Sorry there is no way this is going to fail. Barkley is already the most entertaining "host" in the NBA and Shaq will only make it that much better. The one liners, and absurd comments out of these two are going to be unreal. Finally a reason to root for a full NBA season (sorry, but you have to admit the Celtics would be may better off playing 1/2 season).

Shaq's Retirement Plan: The Crips?

We all have been wondering what Shaq will do now that he had retired. Some thing he will hang low and maybe comeback for the playoffs next year (me), others think he will be be back on TV on TNT or something like that. None of would've guessed this...

"According to TMZ.com, Shaq is in the middle of a robbery, sex tape and kidnapping situation.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Ladell Rowles -- a member of the Main Street Mafia Crip Gang in L.A. who is friends with Shaq -- along with 6 other members went on a search and destroy mission in L.A. on February 11, 2008. They believed a man named Robert Ross had the sex tape and they tried getting it back with the help of a gun or two.

According to the police report, the seven gang members met up with Ross at a convenience store -- Pink Dot -- on the Sunset Strip. The men allegedly surrounded Ross' Rolls Royce Phantom with guns drawn, jumped into Ross' car and ordered him to drive to Rowles' house in South Central L.A.

Once there, Rowles allegedly pistol whipped Ross and demanded that he turn over the sex tape. Ross said he would get the tape and bring it back to them. The seven men then allegedly took Ross' Rolex, diamond chain and earrings, along with $15,000 in cash -- then let Ross go.

The seven men have been arrested and charged with robbery, kidnapping and other crimes. They are currently in the middle of a preliminary hearing and being held in jail.

We've learned LAPD detectives interviewed Shaq to determine what, if any, involvement he had in the alleged crimes. When the case file went to the D.A. Shaq was not listed as a suspect (TMZ)."

Wow, didn't see that coming. I had no idea that Shaq had ties to the "crips", but then again it's not like TMZ is known for their accuracy in news story. I obviously hope he had nothing to do with this, because it would really destroy how I viewed him. Also, a Shaq sex tape it one of the scariest thing I think of. No one needs to see "The Diesel" going to town on some chick. I would think it would be a lot like a lion raping a guinea pig.

Shaq WILL Comeback Next Year

Have we seen the last of Shaq? I seriously doubt it after listening Shaq today...

"A little bit of both. Business-wise, I felt that the Boston organization and the people of Boston treated me very, very well. I could have gotten a little minor surgery and then been out for nine months, but then we would have been in the same situation again, everybody sitting around waiting for me. So, I thought it was great business to let Danny [Ainge] go out and get some younger talent."

Added O'Neal: "I didn't want to let the people of Boston down two years in a row."

Asked if he's 100 percent certain that he will stay retired, Shaq coyly replied: "For now, yes (WEEI)."

If that wasn't enough here is what Ainge had to say...

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge isn't sure if Shaq's done playing in the NBA.

"Oh, I don't know," Ainge told the Boston Herald. "I don't know. I would not say that. I mean, hopefully Shaq can get his body healthy and then reconsider."

Ainge then added, "I can tell you that even if he's still out when we start next year, he's a guy I'll be making a phone call to at some time during the season. But I believe what he's saying now is real (ESPN)."

Is it just me or does this sound like a perfect situation for a comeback?

Sit back and think about it. The Celtics are a top seed next year in the East. It's KG's Allen's, and Jermaine's last year with the Celtics. The last run for the old guys. Just before the playoffs start. Suddenly like a hurricane Big Old Shaq comes through the door to give them the final piece. One last time for an era that is ending. Playoffs start... Old vs. Young. Sounds like a movie right? Shaq loves movies. What a better way for him to go out, and trust me that's just how Shaq thinks (plus it sounds like Ainge is on board).

I just think with all the "not wanting to let down Boston again", and how he "really enjoyed his time here", listening to all of that makes me think he is coming back. Sure, you can point out that I bought into Sheed coming back, but there is a difference here. The Celtics LIKE Shaq.

Breaking News: Shaq Retires

"Shaquille O'Neal posted a video on Tout, which indicates that he is ready to retire after 19 years in the NBA. "We did it, 19 years baby," O'Neal said in the video. "I want to thank you very much. That's why I'm telling you first: I'm about to retire (WEEI)."


You can see the video HERE


Even though the injury fucked the Celtics I am still sad to see him go, and he would still be a bargin for $1 million if he was to come back. To me this makes it even more obvious the Celtics will go after a big man in the draft. At least Shaq isn't a douche got this over with quickly.

Shaq's Mom Says He's Coming Back

Speaking before an event in Louisiana, Shaquille O'Neal's mother Lucille said that her son may not be ready to retire yet.

“He went there to help them win a championship, and they didn’t do that this year,’’ his mother told the New Orleans Picayune. “It bothered him so much that he could not play. He felt like he let the Boston team down and the community down, so I could believe he’s going back to Boston. He’s not in a place to be traded or anything like that (WEEI).’’

Man even after the season is over we can't get away from these Shaq stories. I am not sure if I want him back or not. I love him and all, but I just don't think there is any shot that he can make it through a healthy season. Then again, you aren't going to find another center for only $1 million, so I guess it can't hurt to have him back.

Shaq Doubtful For Tonight's Game

"Shaquille O'Neal didn't play in the second half or overtime of Game 4 of the Celtics playoff series with Miami and he's not likely to play in Wednesday night's Game 5 either. It wasn't a coaching decision by Doc Rivers, it was strictly health-related. "It was physical," Rivers said at the team's shootaround. "Don’t know yet today. I will say I doubt it. That little stretch of the game it got worse."

Rivers said that Shaq's condition worsened in the four minutes he played in Game 4 and it doesn't sound like he will be able to play no matter what happens in Game 5 or beyond. "It’s nothing he can do. It’s not like he’s not trying," Rivers said. "He’s done everything you possibly can do to get healthy. Unfortunately for him he just hasn’t been able to do it. When he originally got injured no one thought it was that serious. It just never healed and it still hasn’t and now every time he plays it gets worse (WEEI)."

Sounds like Shaq is done for the playoffs. We waited all year for him to be back, and he just doesn't have it. At this point he is barely playing, and really has no effect on the game. I don't think this will really have any kind of baring on what happens tonight, but you have to wonder if this is the last we will ever see of Shaq in the NBA.

Shaq To Play

Shaq is playing Saturday against the Heat and he is desperately needed. We are down 0-2, LeBron and Wade have been feasting in the paint and obviously rebounds haven't been our strong point. I don't expect Shaq to play 25+ minutes but I expect him to be in there for at least 15.

What he brings to the celtics is some interior toughness and some easy points in the paint. Joel Anthony and Big Z are not going to be able to keep up with the big man down low. Also, Shaq gives us 6 hard foules on LeBron and Wade. He can come in there and make sure they feel it when they try to rush into the paint.

I like the Celtics odds at home these next coming games.

Shaq To Play In Game 2 or Game 3 (UPDATED)

I know, I know I am sick of these too, and I really don't believe any of it, but it does seem Shaq is actually really close to returning...

"Shaq did miss Game 1 against the Heat on Sunday, however he could finally return to the active roster on Tuesday for Game 2.

"He's getting very close," Doc Rivers told ESPNBoston.com. "Honestly, we had to actually make a decision today, so that's better than what we've had to do in the past. He's getting close. Maybe next game. If not, I would say for sure Game 3 (ESPN)."

This is big for a couple reasons. First off, the 2nd unit needs some kind of spark, and maybe Shaq can be that guy. The second is that the Heat ate the Celtics up with points in the paint and having another big body can only help. What we can actually get out of Shaq is a big question, but if he can play 12 mins I think he could have a pretty big effect on this series.

***UPDATE***

Shaq won't play in Tuesday's Game 2, but it's sounding like Game 3 is within reach.

"Shaq update: still out," tweeted Howard Beck of the New York Times. "But Doc says he had a 'phenomenal' practice (Monday) and could play Game 3 (ESPN)."

I'll believe it when I see it.

Celtics Updates

"On Wednesday, the Knicks received the kind of news they can least afford to have: MRI exams showed that Amar'e Stoudemire has a pulled muscle in his back and Chauncey Billups has a strained left knee, according to ESPNNewYork.com."

Also that report on Shaq being out for the playoffs was wrong, Doc said he can play Sunday.

Well I kind of figured Amare would play, but I also figured Billups would be out. That's good for the Celtics as we saw Rondo completely abuse Toney Douglas' lack of defense. i know Amare is still sore with a torn back muscle so if I were KG or Jermaine I would go at him early and often to see how he responds to it. As for Shaq, I has no idea what to think anymore, I'm just going to look the other way and pretend like this problem doesn't exist.

Celtics Injury Updates

The season is finally over, and the question now is whether or not the Celtics are ready. After reading Doc's comments about Shaq I have to admit I am pretty concerned...

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said that he was hopeful Shaquille O'Neal would be ready for Game 1 of the team's first round series with the Knicks, but that it was "too early to tell, but I think so (WEEI)."

I don't know about you, but that doesn't make me feel very good. I know they said his latest injury was minor, but he lasted 6 mins last time, and the Celtics really need him to play 18-20 mins a game if they are going to make it to the Finals again. Some people think it would be better if he sat out a little longer, but I disagree. I believe this team needs him now, and he also needs to be on the court before they get to teams like the Heat/Bulls/Lakers.

Another injury that was concerning was Delonte West. Doc Rivers sounded much more optimistic about his return...

"[West] looked good. He felt a lot better toda," Rivers said. "Watching the injury live I was very concerned." A subdued West said prior to Wednesday's game that he had swelling in his ankle where he had previously chipped a bone. "It’s all hands on decks now," West said. "It’s no excuses (WEEI)."

That's good news, because I was really worried when I saw him go down, especially since it was the same ankle he hurt before. The Celtics need him 100% because he is a big part of that 2nd unit. I would much rather have him on the court then Arroyo.

I'll admit I am really nervous about the playoffs, but there is still a big part of me that think Rondo will take his game to the next level. Still, they are going to need Shaq's big body in the middle to make it to the Finals, and that will cause many sleepless nights in Boston.

Shaq to play Sunday

There are a lot of if's and maybe when regarding Shaq coming back on Sunday from Chris Forsberg and Doc Rivers, but I'm proclaiming it a fact here on Dueling Couches that Shaq is 100% playing Sunday against Miami and if he doesn't may god strike me down.

Shaq is a big need. Jermaine has been playing well in limited minutes, so if we can get Shaq to around the 20 minute a game range that would be huge. Because we have 2 defensive centers that can play the whole game. As much as I like Krstic, he hasn't been that great since the first month he was on the team. He looks lost out there and hasn't been nearly as productive as I thought he would be. We are going to need Shaq's big body in there for the playoffs or we could be a second round knockout.

Time To Get Worried About Shaq

If you're a Celtics fan you're already worried about Shaq, but after hearing Doc Rivers on WEEI I am even more worried then I was before...

"Shaquille O'Neal left Sunday's win over the Pistons with a strained right calf muscle. Rivers said Shaq will not play Thursday in Chicago. As for Friday vs. the Wizards: "I doubt it." Sunday vs. the Heat? "Maybe." Said Rivers: "We're going to be very cautious with him. I would like to play him a couple of games, but only if he's feeling great. If not, we'll just wait (WEEI)."

When he first went out with a strained calf the Celtics said he could be back by the end of the week, now it is sounding like that is already being pushed back. The Celtics are running out of time, and I don't know how much I can trust them with his injuries. When he originally got hurt months ago it was supposed to be a week or two, it ended up being months. Now they are saying a week, and I don't know what to think. The good news is Jermaine has looked good, but if the Celtics are going to win it all I believe they are going to need Shaq, and that should scare the shit out of all of us.

Celtics Injury Updates

The Celtics are still battling a lot of injuries and are running out of time before the playoffs start. One would think they would want to get everyone back for at least a couple games to get comfortable and set rotations, so here is a look at where they all are.

Shaq - Everyone thought he was done when he had to leave the game last night, but apparently it is just a calf strain and he could even play next game (Tuesday against Philadelphia). Shaq in my eyes is the key to the Celtics playoff run. That is a scary thought, but they need his big body under the hoop, so lets cross out fingers he will be ok.

Nenad Krstic - When Krstic went down I thought he tore his ACL, but his MRI came back negative, and has even been able to practice. That was good enough for Doc to say that he expects him to be back Tuesday. Krstic has regressed since a strong opening for the Celtics, but he does have some offensive tools and can eat up some minutes as well.

Troy Murphy - Although I wish he was dead on the side of the road somewhere, it sounds like he could be back in the next week or so. Murphy has been a complete bust, and I doubt we will see him much at all in the playoffs, especially if we have a full healthy roster.

Celtics Updates

"I was just with Shaq, we were just working out down in Waltham," said Ainge. "Shaq is either going to play Sunday or Tuesday. … I think that Doc probably — "bleed into the playoffs" — I think is something different than he’s not going to play until the playoffs. But it looks like he’s ready to go Sunday or Tuesday."

Call me crazy but I'm a little skeptical. I want to believe this, but I have heard this soooo many times. The fact is though, we really need Shaq unless we are willing to give up on the 1 seed all together and worry about health. So it's a double edged sword. Seeing what the Celtics can do with the switch on makes me wonder if it's ok for us to kinda coast and do what we did last year.

I don't know whats up with Krstic yet, but it doesn't look good.

Shaq/Jermaine Back By April 1st? (UPDATED)

Here is the latest injury updates for Shaq, and Jermaine....

Shaquille O'Neal has not played since Feb. 1 due to a sore right Achilles tendon. His rehab is going well and the Celtics are targeting a return around April 1 to the active roster.Peter May for ESPNBoston.com writes: "A team source on Wednesday said that O'Neal is mending and on schedule for a return by April 1. That would give him two weeks to get reacquainted with the teammates he left -- and acquainted with the five new teammates with whom he has yet to play."

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge confirmed that O'Neal is making progress with his knee and he's on schedule to return soon. "It could be next week, which is about what we hoped for -- the end of the month," Ainge told the Boston Herald. "He looks good. I watched him go through his workouts (ESPN)."

Reports say that Jeramine has lost about 12 pounds during his rehab and has not had any swelling in the knee, which is a great sign. We have also been hearing all along that Shaq looks a lot slimmer. Shaq is obviously the more important piece to all this. The Celtics need his big body in the middle, and I believe his strong offensive play for about 15 mins a game could really help out this stagnant offense. When both these guys come back it looks like Jeramine will be the 3rd center behind Shaq and Krstic, which is where I would want him anyways.

Hey, at least he can't be any worse then Troy Murphy.


***UPDATE***

"Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com reports O'Neal had a cortisone shot in his right foot on Tuesday. Even though O'Neal was wearing a protective walking boot on Wednesday, the Celtics still expect him to return to the starting lineup next week (ESPN)."

I don't like the sound of that at all.

I'm Starting To Get Concerned About Shaq

The right Achilles tendon injury that O'Neal suffered last month is healing fine, but now he's once again bothered by some right foot soreness.
Now it's to the point where the Celtics have no idea when the 7-foot-1 center who turned 39 years old today, will return to action.
When asked about O'Neal and a likely return date, Celtics head coach Doc Rivers acknowledged he had no idea.
"He (O'Neal) worked out with us the other day," Rivers said. "Some of the pain returned."
Rivers spoke with Ed Lacerte, the team's head trainer.
"Eddie just said don't expect him anytime soon," Rivers said CSNNE

What the hell? I was all excited for this week when we get Delonte, Baby and Shaq back on Wednesday. Now we are getting news that Shaq will be out indefinitely. This is awful news because we all believed that Shaq would be back after the Kendrick Perkins deal.

Luckily for the Celtics it's the Celtics and they have been winning despite the injuries. My only concern is that some of the chemistry will have to be relearned once Shaq/Jermaine O'Neal come back. If it was up to me, I still may start Krstic because he and Rondo already have great chemistry and with him being able to stretch the floor I like the offense that comes from that.

Injury Updates and Waiver Updates

Center Shaquille O’Neal is likely to miss one to two more weeks because of an inflamed Achilles’ tendon, and center Jermaine O’Neal is likely out another three to four weeks after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in January. "We have every reason to believe and continue to believe that Shaq and J.O. will be healthy,’’ president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said. Globe

Call me a conspiracy theorist but I think this is a way to convince bought out big men to think that their role will be bigger than it will be. I have all the faith in the world in Shaq being ready for the playoffs and for Jermaine O'Neal to a lesser degree. I'm fine with Danny playing these games if we keep winning but I do want to see Shaq back in action somewhat soon.

As for the waiver Market it looks like Mike Bibby will head to Miami, which I'm fine with. He's overrated, washed up and I didn't want to see him in green. He once questioned Boston fans and I would have hated to cheer for him. They are also saying that Troy Murphy could be leaning toward Miami over Boston, which I'm skeptical about.

Either way there are some good names that could be released in TJ Ford, Josh Howard and Samuel Dalembert.

Shaq Back Wednesday?

Here is your weekly Shaq injury update...

"According to the Boston Herald, while the Celtics had considered having center Shaquille O'Neal join the club during its current four-game Western Conference swing, a decision was instead made to have the 38-year-old rejoin the Celtics when they return to Boston on Tuesday. The Celtics have just one remaining game on the trip (Monday night in Utah against the Jazz), and so the decision was made not to rush O'Neal across the country for the sake of participating in just one game. Instead, he remains in Orlando, rehabbing his injured right Achilles tendon.

"He’s doing great. Just stay where you’re at, keep working out, and he’ll meet us when we get back to Boston. Then we’ll go from there," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said of O'Neal. "He may try to play when we get back (WEEI)."

There is no reason to rush Shaq back, and the Celtics have to be really careful with him now that Perkins is gone. I am not banking on Jermaine O'Neal doing anything for the Celtics, which puts a lot of pressure on Shaq. I want to believe DP, and his thinking on the Celtics/Thunder trade. I agree with him that the Celtics got the best player in that deal (Green), but was he the best fit?

Maybe, maybe not, but my biggest concern is the Celtics frontline. Banking on a 38 year old Shaq to be able to bring it for decent minutes throughout a long playoffs may be asking too much. Same could be said about Perkins, and seeing him out for a couple weeks definitely makes me like the deal more. I just have this stinging feeling that come playoff time we may look back and wish Perkins was here.

Long term the deal is fantastic, there is no denying that, and I have enough faith in Ainge and Doc that I'm willing to give the trade a couple of weeks before getting overly pissed, because it is going to take some time to get Green in the swing of things.

Shaq To Miss At Least 4 More Games

"Shaquille O'Neal's inflamed Achilles is still sore and he won't play for the rest of the West road trip against Golden State, Denver, L.A. Clippers and Utah.

"It takes time; just a healing issue," head coach Doc Rivers told the Boston Herald. "He's feeling a lot better. He's moving better. I wouldn't be surprised to see him right when we come off this trip. I would be surprised to see him while we're on this trip (ESPN)."

We haven't seen Shaq on the court since Feb. 1 against Sacramento, and it is starting to worry me that he isn't going to be able to hold it together. Then again, the Celtics know the regular season isn't nearly as important as having a healthy team for the playoffs. I can't wait to have him back on the court, because the Celtics are a little thin upfront with Jermaine O'Neal taking the year off, but if Shaq can make it back they will have an impressive big men with Big Baby, Shaq, Perkins, and Garnett.