Shaq is more than just a basketball player with four rings, 15 All-Star selections and an 18-year career. The future Hall of Famer also is an actor, rapper and cop. He has his own TV show, more Twitter followers than the NBA and enough Shaq-isms to fill the philosophy stacks in a library.
The jury’s out on what Shaq will bring to the Celtics on the hardwood, but there’s no doubt what he will bring to Boston off the court.
Like Santa Claus, Shaq is coming to town bearing gifts. He’s a big kid in a 7-foot, 325-pound body who loves life and enjoys making people laugh.
Every day will be Christmas with Shaq in the mix.
Call it the joy of Shaqmas.
To get in the spirit, here are a few classic Shaq moments.
Who’s Your Daddy?
Elie Seckbach, a reporter, has gone toe-to-toe with the Big Entertainer and lived to tell about it.
Twice.
Break Dancing with the All-Stars
Shaq has legendary footwork. The Big Fred Astaire showed LeBron James and Dwight Howard how to pop, lock and helicopter like a pro.
The Big Teacher also makes time to show his kids how to electric boogaloo the right way.
And Shaq doesn’t let all this talent go to his head. The Humble Giant still is willing to learn a few moves from the kids.
Write It Down, Take a Picture
Some athletes speak in cliches. Shaq isn’t one of them.
Shaq’s introductory news conference with the Celtics reportedly is slated for Tuesday. Don’t be surprised if the Big Soundbite adds a few highlights to the reel.
Born Entertainer
Who’s the G.O.A.T on the silver screen? Shaq has his thrown his hat into the ring as a contender.
Maybe an Oscar will be in the Big Pacino’s future.
Flow Like Water
Shaq’s not be the greatest lyricist who ever lived, but he’s not the worst, either.
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Vlade Divac was on the receiving end of one of Shaq’s famous, creative insults.
This Game Is Shaq-Tastic
Ali G learned what David Stern knew a long time ago: Shaq is a great ambassador for the NBA.
He’s also not a bad pitchman.
Can You Dig It?
Shaq might be a cutup off the court, but when it’s time to get down to business, he can do this.
And this.
And this.
The Big Rim Wrecker may have slowed down a bit at 38, but the Most Dominant Ever is still no joke.
No matter how many punch lines he delivers.
NESN.com will showcase one Moment of Shaq every day until the Celtics open the season against the Heat on Oct. 26 at the TD Garden.
