The word "home" is defined as somewhere where one resides, but more specifically where one feels comfortable and relaxed, or welcomed. When a star player doesn't have a specific home, it's often because that player is considered particularly prickly and unfriendly by his fans and peers. But that's never been the case with Shaquille O'Neal.
It has been pointed out before that perhaps Shaq finds everything else associated with his stardom more fun than actually playing basketball.
It was more fun to make appearances at professional wrestling events, to freestyle rap and ask Kobe "how his ass taste", to play a genie in a truly awful movie, even to discuss his post-career plans to be in law enforcement. Actual games meant opponents playing hack-a-Shaq for 48 minutes, hitting him hard to prevent his thunderous dunks, humiliating him by sending him to the free throw line where, no matter how hard he worked, he was never able to improve. It meant absorbing constant criticism and trying to perform to higher expectations than most of us will ever face in our entire lives.
Orlando expected him to be a savior, but lined him up with Penny Hardaway, an overrated point guard prone to injuries, and virtually no other help, before chasing him out of town, without a title. Los Angeles fans still boo him despite the three rings they won with him as the most dominant player, disappointed with his ugly divorce from Kobe. Miami fans don't boo, for the most part, but their last title occurred when the team had Shaq down low as their second best player (and best player for the regular season); their response seems cooler than one would expect. Phoenix despised him, not only for slowing down their up-tempo, fun style of play, but also for guaranteeing a championship and never coming very close to delivering. Cleveland is impervious to him. They lost their own superstar last season. Shaq's leaving didn't even leave a ripple in an already boiling pot of hatred aimed at Lebron.
During the off season, doubts began to emerge. Could he still perform at a high level? Would anybody want a 39 year old who was visibly getting slower every year, someone who couldn't defend the pick and roll? Shouldn't he just retire and start a successful career in...something else? It seemed as though Shaq, once the most notable and quotable man in the NBA, would quietly fade into retirement, unwanted and unsigned, and, oddly for a such a likable superstar, unbeloved by any fanbase.
But then Danny Ainge came calling. Shaq signed with the Boston Celtics. And the Big Shamrock came to town.
Boston fans have embraced Shaq as no fanbase has ever embraced him before. They excuse his mistakes. They celebrate his successes. They adore his quirks. When O'Neal makes a free throw at home, the building makes like Mount Vesuvius and erupts. When he sprints up the court on a fast break, the fans exult in a combination of hilarity and adoration. When he powers home one of his trademark crushing dunks, the entire crowd stands and roars.
And in return for this open armed acceptance, Shaq puts forth everything he possibly can. In 20 minutes per game, he is averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds. His field goal percentage is a stunning (and career high) 67%. He is clearly no longer the O'Neal of old, but Boston doesn't need him to be. Allen and Pierce take the big shots. Garnett anchors the defense. Diesel? He is playing within himself, not trying to do too much, but still trying to win. These things, and a big body down low; this is what the Celtics ask of him. They require him to perform a role, and he does so. Boston's unusually intelligent fans recognize this. And they absolutely, unequivocally love him for it. For once, it seems, fans are appreciating what he brings to the table, rather than wishing for what he doesn't.
There's little doubt that when Shaq enters the Hall of Fame, it won't be because of his accomplishments in Boston. It won't be because of his accomplishments with Phoenix or Cleveland either, for that matter. But it seems entirely possible that for the first time in his career, O'Neal is having fun playing the game. And I, for one, couldn't be happier for him. Here's to two fun years of basketball, Mr. O'Neal. You deserve them.
Welcome home.
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