USA - Celtics sign Shaq
BOSTON (NBA) - The Boston Celtics have made a major move to try to reclaim the NBA crown, confirming the signing of center Shaquille O'Neal. O'Neal, who has already collected four NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers (2000, 2001, 2002) and Miami Heat (2006), will join an already star-studded line-up alongside Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray ...
BOSTON (NBA) - The Boston Celtics have made a major move to try to reclaim the NBA crown, confirming the signing of center Shaquille O'Neal.
O'Neal, who has already collected four NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers (2000, 2001, 2002) and Miami Heat (2006), will join an already star-studded line-up alongside Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, as well as Team USA international Rajon Rondo.
"It's not every day that you can add a player of Shaquille's caliber to your team," said Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge. "His past experience speaks for itself and we believe that he is a great fit for our roster."
O'Neal was a free agent after leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers at the end of last season.
The 7ft 1in center averaged 12.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks last season.
The three-time NBA Finals MVP and 15-time All-Star has career averages of 24.1 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game since being drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic in 1992.
"I am honored to be joining the Celtics," said O'Neal. "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."
Boston last won the NBA title in 2008, ending a wait of 22 years for the league's most successful franchise.
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