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Shaq calls out Cavs, Mo Williams 09.04.10 at 5:07 pm ET
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There was a time when being a role player would not have sat well with Shaquille O’Neal. That time has passed.

In a recent interview with the Times-Picayune, O’Neal explained that he now looks forward to playing for an unselfish ball club, even if it means less time on the court.

“I’m at the point in my life where I can’t carry a team by myself anymore, but I can be a piece on a team that’s already good,” he said. “The Celtics are good with or without me. A lot of people say, ‘How can I be a complementary player?’ But at 38, it’s easy. If I was 28, it would be a problem, Doc.”

O’Neal called out his most recent team, the Cavaliers, for their approach on offense. He singled out one former teammate in particular.

“I like that they (the Celtics) play together and nobody really worries about shots,” O’Neal said. “When I was with Cleveland, guys who couldn’t even play were worried about shots. Why was Mo (Williams) taking 15 shots, and I’m only taking four? If LeBron takes 20 shots, that’s cool.

“So I said, let me get with a good team for the last two years. I don’t mind people calling me a journeyman. I’ve been programmed to move around every three years.”

O’Neal averaged a career-low 8.7 shots per game last season. LeBron James led the Cavs with 20.1 field goal attempts. In contrast, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 12.1 attempts each.

O’Neal also added that he had been interested in the Hawks and Hornets before signing with the Celtics.

Read More: Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James, Mo Williams Print  |  Email  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • dean

    Shaq, you choked in the playoffs. You couldn’t make a simple 3 foot bank shot. That’s why you didn’t get the ball. You will now be a cancer for Boston. Good riddance.

  • will

    First off, read the quote, “I like that they play together and nobody really worries about shots, ” O’Neal said. “When I was with Cleveland, guys who couldn’t even play were worried about shots. Why was Mo (Williams) taking 15 shots, and I’m only taking four? If LeBron takes 20 shots, that’s cool.”

    Shaq says, “guys who couldn’t even play were worried about shots.” Now unless Shaq is implying that he, himself can’t play, he was obviously referring to what he heard others complaining about (the ones who couldn’t even play).

  • Ed G

    Cleveland fans Should really Cheer up, at the end of this Coming Season
    They will be in the NBA Lottery. and Get to Worship their next Basketball Hero

  • Reggie

    Awwwwww poor dean the cavs fan & sounds like a all-around sad Cleveland fan!! Sorry your city has never won a thing and are abunch of losers in the sports world!! Don’t hate on the Deep, Eastern Conf. Champion Celtics!!!

  • http://si.com Derek

    Shaq played well in the play-offs last year. I remember watching the series against Boston wondering…why is Shaq not getting more shots!!!

  • http://scal4three.blogspot.com/ SCAL-4-THREE

    Shaq is completely right about the Cavaliers offense, as an offense that revolves around one player like that stands no chance against good defenses. Playoff basketball is not anything like playing against teams like the Nets and Knicks in the regular season, which is why LeBron does not have a ring yet. When it comes down to Brains vs. LeBron, “King James” goes down every time when he has to face legitimate playoff teams like the Celtics. As for adding Shaq to the already championship worthy Celtics, he will only make them better when he and Big Baby Davis are clogging up the middle, getting rebounds, and scoring in the paint against the inferior backup big men in the league. Shaq has said a bunch of times already he is happy to be coming off the bench for Boston, and don’t be surprised if in his first season off the bench, he makes a run for the 6th man of the year award.
    SCAL-4-THREE

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