Over the past few weeks there has been a lot of speculation about the future of Shaquille ONeal who has no intentions to retire at the age of 38. In fact, some rumors even had Shaq going to Europe to sign one last big paycheck. However, ultimately, the 15-time All-Star opted to stay in the NBA as he signed a one-year deal with the Boston Celtics for the veteran minimum. Obviously, there were other opportunities that would have resulted in a bigger salary, yet, Shaquille O'Neal chose to sign with a contender in order to have a legitimate shot at another championship ring.

Without any doubts, Shaq has been one of the most dominant big men in NBA history and led the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat to a total of four championships between 2000 and 2006. At 7-1 feet and nearly 350 pounds he has been one of the toughest centers to defend since he entered the league in 1992. Throughout his career O'Neal averaged 24.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.3 blocks in 1170 NBA games for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers. That said, he is obviously past his prime and is not the player he used to be earlier in his career. Most importantly, Shaq is struggling to defend opposing players, especially mobile centers who can step out of the paint to hit a jumper. Nonetheless, Boston did not take any risk when they signed him for the veteran minimum and added another capable center to their roster. The only real concern is how happy Shaquille O'Neal might be in Boston down the stretch. After all, he is probably the 3^rd center in the Celtics' rotation behind Kendrick Perkins and Jermaine O'Neal. Most likely he will get more playing time until Perkins will bounce back from his injury, but it remains a big question mark whether Shaq will be able to accept playing less than 10 minutes a night.

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