How Much Does The Diesel Have Left In The Tank?

Mr. Shaquille O'Neal is the most dominant center ever—and arguably the greatest center of all time.

With that being said, the dominant days are over, the greatness has come to an end, and it's time hang it up.

NBA fanatics all know the résumé: 1993 Rookie of the Year, four NBA Championships, three Finals MVPs, 2000 MVP, 14-Time All-Star, and two-Time All-Star MVP.

But the tank is finally running low on fuel.

Drafted No. 1 overall in 1992 by the Orlando Magic, he averaged 23 points and 14 rebounds and took the league by storm.

In his third season as a NBA player he had already led his to the NBA Finals in 1995, but the Magic were swept by Hakeem Olojuwon and the Houston Rockets.

After the 95-96 season Shaq became the biggest free agent in NBA history and signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.

O'Neal's arrival in L.A. changed a young losing Lakers team to a contender.

Four years later he won his first MVP award and his first NBA championship.

Shaq won two more championship in L.A. with the help of superstar Kobe Bryant, but differences between him and Kobe caused the Lakers to chose between the two and traded Shaq to the Miami Heat in 2004.

His first year in Miami he and second year player Dwayne Wade led the Heat to the Eastern Conference Finals but fell short to the Detroit Pistons.

One season later Shaq and Wade led Miami to it's first NBA championship in franchise history.

And that was the last season we saw the real "Diesel."

Last season was the first time in Shaq's career he didn't average 20 ppg, or average double figures in rebounding. 

This season Miami has started off 0-4 and Shaq is averaging a pathetic 12.8 ppg while grabbing only 6.5 rebounds per game.

What makes matters worse is that star player Dwayne Wade is injured, and Shaq is depended on to lead this team to victory until his return.

Pat Riley has said don't judge Shaq until Dwayne Wade returns but a judgement on Shaq has already been made-he's old and washed up, and can no longer lead a team to victory.

Age and constant reports to training camp out of shape are slowing down the Diesel and it is hard to watch.

It's like watching Michael Jordan in a Wizards jersey, you're not use to seeing it.

With three more years remaining on his contract, Shaq may only have enough in the tank to survive this season and next.

Shaq is indeed the greatest center of this era, but it's time for him to hang it up.