Sunday, March 27th, 2011 at 12:00 pm  |  20 responses

Shaquille O’Neal: Due Back Next Week

Via the Boston Globe: “Shaquille O’Neal is unlikely to play during the Celtics’ four-game road trip to Minnesota, Indiana, San Antonio and Atlanta, but his return is growing closer and coach Doc Rivers speculated either April 3 against the Detroit Pistons or April 5 against the Philadelphia 76ers. ‘I’ve actually heard there was a chance (he could play on this trip) but I don’t expect it,’ Rivers said…  ’There’s a better chance (April 3), I still don’t think that’s realistic. I think more the game the day after that would be our target date for Shaq. I would say they’re thinking maybe Atlanta or the first game back, but I think there’s no chance of that.’”

  • Add a Comment
  • Share
  • RSS

Tags: ,

  • http://jojo.com Max

    Just wait till the playoffs shaq.

  • http://staticseth.blogspot.com Seth

    I knew when he was signed that he’d play like ten games and be injured the whole season. Kind of a waste. I’m not holding my breath he’ll be back soon, but it would be nice to have him healthy for once.

  • http://Philosophervision@blogspot.com The Philosopher

    I think this is Shaq’s last season. Hope I’m wrong.

  • ripslam

    IT’S ABOUT TIME

  • Heals

    Heard that each week for the past 3 weeks, although it does appear to be true this time. Wonder if JO hits the court before him…

  • http://Slamonline.com Caboose

    The Celts will undoubtedly need him healthy in the playoffs. And as far as ending his career, how awesome would it be if he finished in Orlando? At this point in time, it would work out perfectly for the Magic, for Shaq, and for the fans.

  • fizzbucket

    Shaq playing behind Dwight Howard? idontthinksojim.jpg

  • flipnoyce

    I’m really hoping that when Shaq and JO comes back they’re ready to go for grinding time. BANNER 18 can only be accomplish this year if these two are playing and at a high level. Just rest up until the playoffs is here, it’s in less than half a month!!!

  • http://www.twitter.com/TheDiesel Anton

    It’s time for Shaq to dominate the playoffs and get his 5th ring…BOOK IT!

  • c.a

    it would kind of bruise that Kobe works his ass off every game, goes to hell and back with injuries just to get on court…and then Shaq wins a 5th ring to equal Kobe.
    I know injuries have been different, but it would be a gross injustice that Shaq puts in one month of good work to win an equalling ‘chip.

  • asgf

    Anton everyting you say is a joke. LA ALL DAY

  • http://thetroyblog.com Teddy-the-Bear

    @ c.a: That doesn’t make any sense. TEAMS win championships… If the Celtics win another ring, that’s because they worked for it. Shaq is but one player on a TEAM. Is it a “gross injustice” that Robert Horry has 7 rings to himself? Maybe the Rockets, Lakers, and Spurs ALL shouldn’t have rings because of him… Even though he came through in the biggest moments for his teams.
    If Shaq plays, he’ll be very very important to the Celtics, in a way that won’t necessarily show up on the stat sheet. Save it, please.

  • fizzbucket

    @c.a: So you’re saying Shaq has just sat around eating chips all day while he’s been injured? Gimme a break. Shaq has earned his rings just as much as Kobe has.

  • tomtom

    its rare i disagree with teddy but man that a strange statement. I also would have to say that ‘gross injustice’ is strong terminology. But we all know that a players worth to a team means that all rings are not created equal. For example are MJs rings (on an individual basis) equal to those of sasha vujacic? or sean marks?? No is the answer, but when we talk of legacy we think of rings (rightly so) and from that point of view shaqs 5th (if it comes) will Not be as well deserved as kobes 5th. On the flip side who is to say kobe could not be a role player or a bench warmer when he seriously slows down and win his 6th n 7th. I think there are arguments on both sides. And its certainly not a point to be dismissed with a ‘save it, please.’

  • paul

    Shaq has already given the Cs most of what he will be giving them this season. The only reason Doc keeps talking about him is that he knows it’s the only way to try to make The Trade look less crazy.

  • rich

    even though shaq was out i thought they made a good deal because of how well jeff green has been playing for them. he gives them the option to go small especially since miami would abuse them in the playoffs by putting lebron at PF. jeff green gives them a chance to match up, chicago can do the same thing with luol deng. they won the ring in 08 in large part because of james posey dont forget he played that 3-4 for boston. they dont necessarily need an all purpose shutdown big when they have like 5 guys who can all do something different depending on the situation

  • Chris_Griff_3

    I hope he’ll be alright for the playoffs. They just put him back in the protective boot last.

  • dsleepy

    same story every week. big fella isn’t coming back until the playoffs.

  • ClydeSays

    If he’s going to be any help at all, he’ll need at least 6 or more games to get into shape. He looked great early in the season, but I don’t know that any player can turn it off and on at 38. I hope he can. We’ll see. I’ve given up on JO. He seems like very damaged goods at this point.

  • toinefan88

    Doc. Celtics…Celtics 2011

Advertisement