"When I'm upset, I'm known to, you know, do certain things -- like win championships." - Shaquille O'Neal
In today's press conference introducing Shaquille O'Neal as a member of the Phoenix Suns, I saw a look in Shaq's eyes that I haven't seen since his first year in Miami. It was the look of a driven champion. Shaq's mind is willing. The question is whether his body will follow.
Once again, the doubters have tugged on Superman's cape. Does The Diesel have enough left in the tank to make everyone "eat their words" yet again?
Will this stint in Phoenix define Shaq's legacy as much as his previous 4 rings have?
After all, this is the second time in 6 years that he's won an NBA championship, only to be shown the door 2 years later.
And why was he shown the door each time?
Because both the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat chose to build around their superstar shooting guards. In large part because the man in the middle had become a shell of his former self.
Shaq has become nothing more than a hired gun.
This is not what Pat Riley, Dwyane Wade, and the Miami Heat organization had in mind when they traded for one of the 10 greatest players of all-time 4 years ago. They expected to be perennial contenders and play into June for the next 5 seasons. Not win one title, be swept in the first round the following season, and be a lottery team the season after that.
Unfortunately, Shaq let them down. Just like he let the Lakers down. Yes, he delivered one NBA championship to the Heat but was that ONE NBA championship worth a $100 million dollar investment and the possibility of losing their franchise player? Apparently not.
So this is what Shaquille O'Neal's career has come to.
Can the hired gun deliver one more time before riding off into the sunset or will he overstay his welcome once again?
Despite his 4 rings, 1 MVP, and recognition as one of the all-time greats, Shaquille O'Neal's legacy depends on the outcome.
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