Thursday, June 2, 2011

Shaq Retires Where Does He Rank With All Time Centers Let The Coversation Begin


Shaquille O'Neal became the number one selection of the 1992 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. Shaq won Rookie Of The Year, led the Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals and even defeated Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in a playoff series. During the summer of 1996 O'Neal left the Magic Kingdom for Hollywood. Despite his off and on relationship with teammate Kobe Bryant, Shaq would become a league and NBA Finals MVP several times. The pair led the Lakers to three NBA titles, including a three peat after the 2000,2001 and 2002 seasons, while appearing in another NBA Finals in 2004 before losing to the Pistons. Shaq and Kobe not getting along took it's toll and O'Neal was traded to Miami. In 2006 along with Wade, O'Neal helped Miami win the NBA Finals. That championship would be Shaq's 5th and final world championship. The final years of the big mans career was spent in Phoenix, Cleveland and Boston. Many will debate where Shaq ranks all time in terms of centers. Wilt, Kareem, Russell, Hakeem and many others will join him, in those talks. Shaq was an Olympian, All Star, entertainer, rapper, comedian and a walking billboard for himself and the NBA.

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