Real Reason Shaq Signed with the Celtics
Bill Simmons wrote a very interesting article for ESPN giving his opinion of why Shaq signed with the Celtics. Simmons states that “My theory: I think Kobe’s postgame routine got back to Shaq. I think it pissed him off. I think it got his competitive juices flowing for the first time in years. I think he realized Boston was his best chance to tie Kobe at five.”
I completely agree with Simmons on the article. Shaq has pretty much done everything that he could have in the NBA except having more championships than Kobe- and it seems like he would do everything he can to atleast tie Kobe in that category. I think Kobe saying those words at the Laker press conference really will stick with Shaq for the rest of the season. Being a Celtics fan, there is nothing more that I can ask for in terms of revenge. If Shaq can average what he did for the Cavaliers last year while at the same time having that competitive edge back, Boston will be in very good shape. Though they are older than most other teams, they still have size to compete with both the Heat and the Lakers.
A lot of the players on this year’s team will have extra motivation in trying to win the championship one more time. The current squad still probably has a sour taste in their mouth after losing game 7. Jermaine O’Neal probably wants to prove to everyone that he still can be a valuable piece on a good team. Shaq as we discussed probably will have Kobe’s post game taping playing in the background everyday. Von Wafer (who played in Europe this year) will have the motivation to prove that he still has the skills to play in the NBA. This guy is purely lights out as a shooter and hopefully he can do what Eddie House did in 2008.
This year really could be the final year for the Celtics and I hope that with all the extra motivation and confidence- there is room for Banner # 18 in beantown.
This is just an opinion…so please Pardon My Bias.
