There was probably no one anywhere who thought that the big guy would play in all 82 games for the Celtics this season. He is 38. Not only that, he's got a lot of miles on those big legs, the same legs that have had to support his 325-pound frame throughout his entire Hall of Fame career.
But for O'Neal to miss a game this early in the season, for whatever the reason, is a bit disheartening. When you factor in the play of fellow center Jermaine O'Neal who has been disappointing, really, so far, along with the fact that Kendrick Perkins won't be back until January, you kind of need Shaq.
Jermaine O'Neal has also battled knee issues already this season and Turkish rookie Semih Erden is not the answer, nor is the undersized Glen Davis, at least not at the center position for an extended period of time.
The Celtics will, for better or for worse, need to lean on Shaq. That could prove to be an issue, however. Shaq played 73 games in 2004-05 for the Miami Heat. Since then, though, he's only averaged 58 games played a season. In fairness, it must be noted that the Diesel played 75 games as recently as two years ago.
When Perkins returns, this will become obviously less of a problem. Until No. 43 steps onto the parquet, though, this will remain an issue for the Celtics. Without the O'Neals, they lack depth up front. With Jermaine O'Neal actually playing, they may well lack consistency. If there's any point of the season they may really need Shaq, it will be right now.
Of course, if he can contribute, the Celtics will take what they can get from him all season. The question is, of course, how many times will he able to give them anything this season?
Was Tuesday the start of a disturbing trend or will the Celtics be able to rely on Shaq for the majority of this season?
Tuesday, Nov. 2: How many triple-doubles will Rajon Rondo record this season?
How many of the Celtics' 82 games will Shaquille O'Neal play this season?online surveys
