By Justin Worsley
Though Shaquille O'Neal has been known to be one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, he has also carried a reputation throughtout his career as a journeyman. It now looks like his journey has a new destination.
The Boston Celtics have signed the 7-foot-1, 325 pound O'Neal to a two-year deal worth about $3 million, the veteran's minimum.
For O'Neal, 38, this is the sixth stop in his NBA career since being drafted first-overall by the Orlando Magic in 1992. O'Neal has also had stints with the Los Angeles Lakers along with Miami, Phoenix and Cleveland.
O'Neal saw limited action in last season while playing for Cleveland. The 23.4 minuted per game he played in were the lowe of his career and injuries forced him to play in only 53 games. His 12.0 points per game were also a career low. O'Neal has a career average of 24.1 points per game.
Boston, however, is hoping O'Neal's charisma and winning style will help propel the reigning Eastern Conference champions to a coveted NBA title. O'Neal has won four NBA titles and has been named to 15 All-Star teams.
Another O'Neal also will be wearing green and white this year, Boston signed fellow center Jermaine O'Neal, 31, this offseason. Both will compete to fill the void left by the injured Kendrick Perkins, who is out until February after tearing both his MCL and PCL in his right knee during Game Six of the NBA Finals last season.
While Perkins was a defensive-minded center, O'Neal is a more all around player. Despite a dominant defensive playing style, O'Neal has also been a high scorer, twice winning the league scoring title. O'Neal leads all active players in career points scored and is the fifth-highest scoring player in NBA history. Due to his ability to dunk with ease, O'Neal also has the second-highest scoring percentage in NBA history.
O'Neal will most likely retire once his contract expires.
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