Shaquille O'Neal Retires After Failing to Recover From Nagging Achilles Injury
Just a few minutes ago, the NBA lost one of its legends to retirement. After 19 seasons previously spent with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics center Shaquille O'Neal, hampered all season by a multitude of nagging injuries, has called it quits in a short video posted on the new social media website, Tout.
In an era where the NBA's most popular players were primarily guards and forwards, the man known simply as "Shaq" set the bar for centers. In 1992-1993, his rookie season, O'Neal averaged 23.4 points, 13.8 rebounds and an incredible 3.5 blocks per game. He finished his career with averages of 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks as well as four championship rings (three with LA, one with Miami) and 15 All-Star appearances.
That all being said, given his domineering presence at 7'1" and 325 pounds, was Shaquille O'Neal the NBA's most dominant center? Well, let's look at two men who were the best of their time at that position: Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell.
Small for a center at 6'9" and 215 pounds, Russell only averaged 15.1 points per game for his career, but also averaged an astounding 22.5 rebounds. Chamberlain was much bigger at 7'1" and 275 pounds and thus had a distinct advantage. He averaged 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds.
So, on stats alone, was Shaquille O'Neal the game's most dominant center? Not by a long shot. Yet, given his personality and name recognition, he comes pretty close to matching his predecessors.
Emmanuelle Chriqui Emmanuelle Vaugier Emmy Rossum Erica Leerhsen Erika Christensen
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