Shaquille O’Neal Signs To The Boston Celtics
Shaquille O’Neal was introduced as a member of the Boston Celtics on Tuesday morning, saying that the sole reason he came to Boston was to try to add to his title haul and that he is willing to play any role Doc Rivers envisions for him.
“When I came into the league, I wanted to compete with Bill Russell for titles,” O’Neal said with Russell’s 11 championship banners hanging above him. “That’s not going to happen, but I’d like to almost get half of what he got.”
O’Neal, who was decked out in a pinstriped suit and a bow tie for the introduction, could start the season as the Celtics’ backup center, with Jermaine O’Neal taking the starting spot while Kendrick Perkins works his way back from knee surgery. No matter the role, the 38-year-old Shaq insisted Tuesday that he still has the same fire.
“I still have hunger, I still can play, I still want to win,” O’Neal said. “When I close my book at the end of the day it’s all about winning, nothing else.”
Shaq, who has won four NBA titles over the course of his career, told reporters he had hoped to end his career with five or six titles. He signed a two-year deal with the Celtics in what is likely his final NBA contract.
“This summer I had many options but I wanted to be with a team that was used to winning, with a team that was one or two pieces away,” O’Neal said. “I think it’s a good fit.”
In what has to be my favorite and most meaningful interview I’ve ever done, I recently got a chance to talk with New York City based and famed hip-hop photographer Jonathan Mannion. I mean, if you’re a fan of hip-hop then I can tell you that YOU HAVE seen his work at some point or another. And me, as a photographer in a similar realm, speaking to him and interviewing him was definitely an honor and a great experience for me.
