Shaquille O’Neal has officially signed with the Boston Celtics. At the age of 38, the four-time NBA champion signed a 2 year 3 million dollar contract. Shaq played last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
On Tuesday, the hall of famer was unsure if he would ever play another game in the NBA. “I am honored to be joining the Celtics,” in a statement released by the club Shaq said. “I have played against Paul, Ray, Kevin, Rajon, and Jermaine 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.”
Shaq, who weighs 325 pounds and is 7 ft. tall, will join his sixth team in as many as 18 years. Many thought he would retire and continue his career in television and the big screen. Shaq is host of the TV show ‘Shaq Vs.’ that airs on the ABC television network.
The Boston Celtics were looking for someone to fill the roster spot when Kendrick Perkins injured his knee during the 2010 NBA Championship. Perkins will be out until February after knee surgery. Shaq should fit perfectly with the Celtics formidable defense.
“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 in a statement. “His past experience speaks for itself and we believe that he is a great fit for our roster.”
The Boston Celtics open the season against the Miami Heat on October 26. LeBron James joined the Miami Heat following Shaq’s departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is a former teammate of Shaq’s when they both played for the Cavaliers the following season.