Meh. He should have retired years ago. I was never impressed with his style of play. His sheer size was his lone asset because he had ZERO touch outside of the paint.
But name another player his size that had his footwork PLUS his athleticism. He didn't only bullrush people; he was actually (again, for his size) amazingly nimble and light on his feet. So his size wasn't his lone asset, because there have been people as big as him who have sucked. Shaq was not only a man amongst boys b/c of his size...he knew how to use it perhaps better than any big man in the history of the game.
HOWEVER...he had his flaws. I was a HUGE Shaq fan when he became a Laker, but his lack of a true work ethic turned me off on him. He also left almost every place he played for with a bad taste in everyone's mouths. And yes he retired way too late (but really, who doesn't? Michael Jordan anyone? Willie Mays?).
So I'm torn on this one...phenomenal player, one of the all-time greats, but could have/should have been even better. I kinda feel cheated as a fan. Also, very philanthropic, but was a womanizer as well (then again...what NBA player isn't?) and when he wasn't happy he was a bad teammate. And I sided w/Kobe when they squared off, because of Kobe's age and especially b/c of his incredible work ethic, one in which Shaq rarely if ever displayed.
But here's to you Shaq...as a Laker fan you gave me some outstanding memories!!! Good luck in retirement!
