The Cavaliers traded for Shaquille O'Neal a week ago, but his introductory press conference didn't happen until Thursday afternoon. And for the most part, it was worth the wait. As we've come to expect when Shaq gets in front of a microphone, there were plenty of interesting and entertaining quotes that came out of his first meeting with the Cleveland media.Shaq kicked things off by flashing the picture to your right, claiming that when he received the initial call from Cavs' GM Danny Ferry, he had to Google him, and when he did, this was the one of the first things to pop up.
Nice way to break the ice, Big Fella. Here are some more highlights from Shaq's first official day as a Cavalier.
On the opportunity to play with LeBron James, O'Neal said, "I'm now in the security business. I'm now here to protect the King." And the "King" talk didn't stop there, as O'Neal told the assembled press that his new motto while in Cleveland is "to win a ring for the King."
Shaq was asked if he expects his stay in his new city to be just a one-year thing, and he responded by saying, "I would love an extension, who wouldn't? But we're not going to negotiate through the media. If you give me an extension for $35 million per year, I'll sign it right now."
Of course, with O'Neal coming to the team that finished last season with the best record in the league, the expectations are that he'll be the one to help get them over that championship hump. But when asked about a potential Finals meeting with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, Shaq remained relatively quiet on the subject, except to say that "it would be a helluva matchup."
O'Neal also weighed in on the Cavs' defense while he was there, and, with a smile, vowed that "we will not be doubling anybody ever again," before slapping hands with his new head coach, Mike Brown.
Finally, the topic of Dwight Howard came up, which isn't surprising considering that (a) the Cavs lost to Howard's Magic in the playoffs, and (b) Shaq made some less-than-flattering comments about Howard earlier this past season. O'Neal was relatively tame on the subject this time around, but he did make sure to remind everyone of his current place among the league's centers.
"I'm the Don Dada of all big men," O'Neal said.
All in all, it was a pleasant day for O'Neal and the Cavs organization. This version of Shaq seemed a bit more humble than the one who appeared in Phoenix back in February of 2008, and pointed to his ring finger in front of a capacity crowd at the US Airways Center, implying that his arrival was going to guarantee the Suns a championship.
O'Neal didn't do or say anything this time around to put any additional pressure on himself or the organization to get that title, which is kind of funny. Because when he came to Phoenix, winning a championship was the dream.
In Cleveland? It's the expectation.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Buckle your seat belts Clevelanders, this is gonna be one wild ride this season. I have lived in CLeveland suburbs my hole life and I love it here. The winters can get harsh but it's affordable. clean and safe. O'neal might like it here and hang around for 3 more rings, Who's coming next? Artest, Ariza?
Hahahaha. 3 more rings?
worry about getting your first, pal.
this was a stupid idea Shaq clogs the paint so the King won't be able to get his work done. Shaq does not fit into the system.
The same thing happened to Phoenix. Cleveland will rue the day they acquired Shaq. They aren't going to win a championship, but if it makes LeBron stay then it will have been worth it.
I'm happy for Shaq and Lebron even though I live in LA. If the Lakers and Cleveland both make the finals, this will be easily the most watched series in history. Last year expecting it to be Kobe and Lebron it was gonna be crazy, add Shaq to that and I can't imagine the ratings.
FLOW...I AGREE...FOOTBALL IS MY PRIMARY SPORT...BUT...THIS TRADE HAS GOTTEN MY ATTENTION...IF SHAQ CAN STAY HEALTHY THIS COULD BE A TOUGH MATCHUP FOR ANY OPPONENT...I CANT WAIT FOR THE SEASON TO HEAT UP!!
As a Laker fan, I respect the hell out of Shaq and I loved watching him play, but I believe that he is well past his prime and has a history of injuries. Hopefully for Cleveland and even us Laker fans who would love to be playing against him in any Finals scenario, he can stay healthy through the playoffs, but I sincerely doubt it, unless Cleveland uses an incredible willpower not to overuse him in the regular season.
Shaq will be as healthy as he can be, He can play 22-26 minute of easy going ball most of the time. Z and Varajeo will make it easy for shaq to stay healthy. Don't forget Cleveland was the best Defense in the league and only had problems with Orlando, Lakers, and Rockets. With Shaq it's the most dominating team in the league.
BRYAN Check back with me at the allstar break and we will see them if this was a bad deal or not. As to the "3 more rings" remark I meant 3 more for Oneal. Lebron will probably be considered the greatest of all players if his career continues with or without a ring this kids is one of a kind, speed, strength and incredible body control. I just saw Shaqs wife, pretty cute!!!!
$35 million? Try $350K big guy. As for protecting the King, this King will probably move to another city after this year. I think the "King" will be protecting the big guy. Patch
as we hear shaq's own words, he reveals his state of mind..."I'm here to win a ring to the King" Notice that he didn't say, "I'm here so that the Cavs and especially Lebron and I can work together to win a ring" nope...he took the same stance he took going to Miami, and Phoenix. That he's the guy who brings rings...which has NEVER BEEN TRUE....he's played on TEAMS THAT WON RINGS...but he himself, NEVER brought it by himself...if he could, he would have...oh, let's see, 2 more from playing with the Magic, 2 from playing with the Suns, and 2 from the first two years he was with Lakers...before Phil came...clearly since those things DIDN'T HAPPEN...Shaq is not the "FORCE OF NATURE" that he would have us believe. In truth, a ring is a collective accomplishment...with Lakers, it took PJ, Kobe and a bunch of other players to win, with Miami, it took another great guard in DWade and another Hall of Fame coach and a bunch of good players to win...what happened to his "force of nature" with Suns? nothing...no HOF coach, no superstar guard...and a system that caters to his strengths...Nash is a great PG but plays a completely different game to Shaq's game...
So, time will tell if we start hearing Shaq's usual mantra of 'it's a team sport' while still making sure he grabs the honors whenever and wherever possible...and Lebron...don't be surprised to get the "little brother" treatment that Wade and Kobe got...the Big Ego doesn't know how to relate in any other way, despite his ability to manipulate the media
How is is possible to say that Shaq it HAS NEVER BEEN TRUE that he brings rings with him. It took him two years with a healthy D-wade to help win a championship in Miami and it took Kobe 5 years and plenty of help to win one without him. Also, on the Laker championship team he was Finals MVP everytime. Basketball is and always will be a team sport. It only took Kobe 13 years to figure that out. Shaq has known it all along.
Shak will fit into Cleveland's half court system, it's not an uptempo style, \Lebron could play his position as small forward (finally)then if they sign Artest, Cavs will get more ball control and midrange offense that was a no show thanks to Pavlovich, not to talk to steals and scoring from Artest, Shak clogging the middle, getting one on one, whos the best in the league, in and out threat, we want Lebron to forget the 3pointers for good and puch more offense.
i think it is a good idea to bring in shaq because it could finally get lebron a ring,shaq is this generations best big man and this is going to be enteresting to watch
Every Team is getting ready for War. But look who the Cavs went out and got, old washed up, lazy assed, bench sitting, 10 minutes per game SHAQ. Give me a Break ! ! !
It`s sad to see so many badmouth Shaq. Yes, he is past his prime-no doubt. But he has been a larger-than-life ambassador for the NBA for two decades. Show some respect, ppl.
The people who are badmouthing Shaq for being old,fat,lazy,whatever,don't know a damn thing of what they're talking about.They obviously don't watch 2 freakin' NBA games a year or they would know better.Shaq fits Clevelands needs perfectly.Is he all they need to compete with the Lakers?Doubtful,but he's all they need to compete with Orlando and Boston,and that's a fact.
His feet are bigger then my car!
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I think that Shaq is a great addition to the Cav's. He will add a presence in the middle that they haven't had. And i surely do wish him the best in his new town. My only worry is the ego thing, Cleveland is Lebron's House. He will have to bow down to The King! Making my Christmas wish right now, Cleveland and the Lakers in the playoff's next season. Watch and let's see what happens. Key word Shaq, "chemistry" make it happen and it could be sweet for you and The King...
that wasgay pic but ok
that was gay pic but ok