Shaquille O'Neal: Celtics Center Expected to Miss the Remainder of NBA Playoffs
Shaquille O'Neal Hasn't Played in the Postseason, but Will He Ever Wear a Celtics Uniform Again?
Don't act like you're shocked.
After the Kendrick Perkins trade, the Boston Celtics put their faith in the hands of Shaquille O'Neal, the oft-injured big man who was already sitting on the bench nursing an injury. The legendary center came back in a game against Detroit only to injure himself further, putting his status for the playoffs in doubt.
Now, if you believe a report from Bill Burt of the Eagle Tribune, he's not coming back for the rest of the year.
"The Celtics came to this conclusion after Shaq failed to complete one simple sprint up and down the court during a "conditioning test" on Saturday, before he limped off the court in Waltham.
The Celtics held out a slim hope Shaq would be able to make his return in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Knicks or possibly in the conference semifinals, if they advanced.
"If he were to come back, it would have to be a miraculous recovery," said the source, who requested anonymity. "And at his age (he turned 39 on March 6) and physical condition, the Celtics have planned accordingly."
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Doc Rivers has denied this report, but if it's true, this is a huge blow to Boston's championship hopes.
While the Celtics may be up 2-0 on the New York Knicks, they've done so in the most unconvincing fashion possible. Right now, Boston is not a team that can beat the Miami Heat in a seven-game series, and I'm not sold on its ability to finish off the Knicks either.
In the end, this all falls on general manager Danny Ainge, who thought it was a good idea to trade away a tone-setter and leader in Kendrick Perkins at the trade deadline.
That was the moment Boston's whole season changed, and it slammed the championship window shut on the Celtics.
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The lesson here is to never pin your hopes on a center that was never healthy and in shape during the prime of his career, praying he can get it done for you.
Boston's frontcourt is in shambles right now, and if you're relying on Glen Davis and his lackadaisical defense, you're in big trouble the deeper you go into the playoffs. Right now, this isn't a championship team, and I'd be shocked to see this group in the conference finals.
