2011 NBA Playoffs: Why Shaquille O'Neal's Return May Not Mean Much After All

"He needs some real basketball under his belt,” Doc Rivers said when speaking of Shaq’s involvement in Game 4 of the series sweep Boston placed upon the New York Knicks. That rivalry was once again shunned as the Celtics made it painfully clear how superior they were in chemistry and raw talent.

However, even with the victory in their holsters, Boston still had a major issue to address. Shaquille O’Neal has been called to duty one time since February 2 and was only able to play five minutes. His equity shot up when Perkins left, yet his playing time has not.

Before the Kendrick Perkins trade, Shaquille O’Neal was in the exact same position he is in now. Perkins was injured and unable to contribute for a massive fraction of the season. His big body and strong stance was necessary in the low post.

If not solely to score, his body mass tires out offensive threats that operate well in the paint. Not to mention he can jam the ball down anyone’s throat any given moment in a game.

When Kendrick Perkins was traded to Oklahoma City and Jeff Green was brought in, O’Neal had already been down and out for several games. There was no speculation that he would be returning soon and now Danny Ainge had to contend with the repercussions of such a risky midseason move.

There would be no seasoned big man in the post who knew the defense of the Celtics like the back of his hand. There would be no player who would intimidate opponents as those two had in the past.

Jermaine O’Neal was a viable option. Still, he had rarely shown signs of life and was prone to injury himself during the regular season. He is only scoring an average of 8.5 points per game. If Boston does not involve him further, or utilize him differently, Miami will run away with this series similar to what the Celtics did in Madison Square Garden.

Was it supposed to be like this? Were the Celtics supposed to be at the mercy of such talented athletes in their prime? The answer is yes. Reading further into the matchup between the more experienced championship team and the younger, quicker roster, you will understand why the writing was along the wall.

Boston could only depend upon Miami’s internal struggles for so long. It was never an issue about outside forces contributing to their losses. LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and the sometimes non-productive bench members of the team were shooting themselves in the foot.

The lowest scoring bench unit in the NBA speaks volumes about how inactive their offense was compared to how effective it could be. Players with key duties such as James Jones, Mario Chalmers and Joel Anthony were not consistent in their roles. This allowed teams to exploit their shortcomings and manufacture plays to expose them.

The Celtics were always a step ahead of the Heat, but now it seems as if their age is being put on the forefront. Now that the 39-year-old center is expected to start right along with everyone else, he should be problem for the Heat. Right?

So why does this not bring Boston fans much comfort? Well, players and fans alike have been playing the waiting game as the team physical expresses the dire need for his return. Reports have continuously leaked that he would be emerging as the team’s starting center, but he has yet to do so.

His arrival is not the only flaw on the list of confusion with the Celtics. An argument that took place between Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce outside of a Doc Rivers’ huddle left viewers questioning if this team trusted each other’s instincts anymore.

Of course the spat was emotionally driven and there will be moments where feelings get the best of you. Still, there is no reason why it should affect your game. Unfortunately for Boston, they were affected while playing a team that was dancing in spilled blood. Miami continued to attack the fortress built by an ailing dynasty and refused to let up.

Dancing with elimination, Boston must find the spark in their players, ignite it and make sure it does not go out. The energy and physicality of the game still exists, but without offensive productivity. Defense may win games, but if the other team is scoring, you may as well take a seat and watch the show.

A regularly dressed Shaquille O’Neal is the last thing the Celtics want to see while digging out of a 0-2 hole. Yet, the feeling gnaws at me that this will be the sight to see as game three flashes past.