Shaquille O'Neal: 10 Teams the Big Guy Could Start for Today
Former Magic, Laker, Heat, Sun, and Cavalier big man Shaquille O’Neal is still looking for an NBA home. Shaq has had a difficult time finding teams that are willing to take a chance on the aging star. While he is no longer the star that he once was, Shaq can still contribute on the court. He can give a team 20 minutes a night and double figures in scoring.
Here are 10 teams that Shaq could start for right now.
New York Knicks
Shaq would have no trouble winning a spot on the Knicks' depleted front line. Ronny Turiaf is currently projected as the starting center. Shaq may have trouble playing in an up-tempo offense but he is still a better player than the Knicks current center. The Knicks are a viable playoff contender, but not near the level of championship contender.
Philadelphia 76ers
All I have to say about the 76ers center position are two words: Marresse Speights. Has anyone ever heard of him? My point exactly.
Golden State Warriors
Andris Biedrins regressed big time last season. He looked like he was on the verge of being a solid NBA contributor with double digit points and rebounds two years ago. He took a big step back last year and had a hard time staying on the court.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Anderson Varejao is not a starting NBA center. He is a high energy role player with no offensive game. Shaq could easily win this role but there is little chance that Shaq would ever return to Cleveland now that LeBron is gone.
Detroit Pistons
Ben Wallace was never a scoring threat but was always a tenacious defender and rebounder. The days of double-digit rebounds are over for Wallace. Shaq could start in Detroit but would finish his career in anonymity as a starter in Detroit.
Charlotte Bobcats
Brendan Haywood beat out Erick Dampier for the starting center job in Denver. That says it all. Shaq would have no trouble beating out Dampier on an improving Charlotte team. He could help the Bobcats contend for a six or seven seed in the East.
Oklahoma City Thunder
This team would be the most interesting fit for Shaq. The Thunder are viable threats in the West and O’Neal is obviously better than current starter Nenad Krstic. He would give the Thunder needed height to combat the Lakers big front line in the playoffs.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves just gave a big contract to Darko Milicic. He is best known in the NBA for the reason that the Pistons dynasty died. The Pistons passed on Carmelo for this stiff.
Miami Heat
The Heat would be a great fit if Shaq can keep his massive ego in line. He is an upgrade over Joel Anthony and could team with Big Z to give the Heat a potent combination at the center position.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards would only make sense because it’s a starting NBA job. Beating out JaVale McGee would be the easy part. Playing with a rebuilding NBA team would be the difficult part.
If Shaq is determined to be a NBA starter on a contending team, then his best bet is to play for the Heat or the Thunder. He would have to take a significant discount and check his ego at the door. Any other teams that offer him a starting job would have no shot at a NBA championship and would need to fight just to earn a playoff spot.
