The Big Finish

            After 19 seasons, Shaquille O’Neal has called it quits. One of the most dominant players and endearing personalities to ever play the game, O’Neal leaves behind a place in the league that will doubtfully ever be filled. While never having any one particular place to call home for very long, O’Neal made the best of every situation he was in, and brought a different caliber to the game. While it was undoubtedly time, it is certainly hard to see him go.

            In a prolific career that started in Orlando, Shaq then migrated to Los Angeles where he won three championships, then on to Miami where he won his final ring, stopping off in Phoenix and Cleveland before finally coming to Boston; Shaq seemed to be everywhere at once. He became a gun for hire in a league that seemed to be getting younger and younger for O’Neal. Yet never once did he complain. Shaq was a warrior who endeared it all.

            His stats will tell the story. Shaq is fifth all time on the scoring board (28,596 points) and twelfth in rebounding (3,099 rebounds). He made 15 All-Star appearances during his tenure. He is a three time Finals MVP, and was the league MVP in 2000.

            His time in Boston may best be described as frustrating. Constantly swapping injuries with Jermaine O’Neal, Shaq only appeared in 37 games during the 2010-2011 season, and only appeared three times after February 1. He did not play at all during the Celtics-Knicks series, and logged only 12 minutes during the Miami series, scoring just two points. Yet even though his time with Boston was frustrating, never once was it boring. He posed as a statue in Harvard Square. He dressed in drag on Halloween. He would constantly lend his time around Boston for charity work.

            Shaq’s legacy is etched in stone, and his contributions to every team were more than just for the game. He brought something to a city and its fans that no other player ever could. For the future Hall of Famer and his time in Boston, it was fun while it lasted. The Big Diesel has finally ended his journey, and we all enjoyed the ride.