Shaq retirement reactions from L.A. to Orlando to Boston
A. Isaac 
Shaq called it quits yesterday after 19 seasons with 6 different teams. Here’s how writers from those cities reacted to the retirement.
Los Angeles
Shaquille O’Neal proved not to be an ageless wonder
Jerry Crowe, L.A. Times:
As a 39-year-old this spring, Shaquille O’Neal was a broken-down shell of his former self, leading to the hardly surprising announcement Wednesday that he is retiring. …
As a 39-year-old in the spring of 1986, the more fitness-conscious Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was first-team All-NBA. …
He played three more seasons. …
Shaquille O’Neal was not always the most dominating, but always the most fun
Mark Heisler, L.A. Times:
In the real distinction between him and everyone else, he was the giant who kept the NBA laughing.
He was a joke waiting to happen with his nicknames (Big Aristotle, Big Pythagorean Theorem, Shaq-fu, Diesel) and one-liners (“I’m tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok.”)
He didn’t have to say a word, like the night in the Lakers’ locker room when he pulled on John Stockton’s short shorts, over his huge backside, on camera.
Orlando
Shaq’s man-child legacy leaves unprecedented footsteps in NBA
George Diaz, Orlando Sentinel:
Frustration and emptiness,” Pat Williams said on Wednesday, reflecting on Shaq’s four-year run in Orlando. “He left us on the beach gasping for more.”
Shaq never did seem comfortable taking off his size 22 EEE shoes and sitting a spell. Like any kid with attention-deficit disorder, he couldn’t stay focused. He became a millionaire carpetbagger in sneakers, always looking for a better deal.
Cleveland
Cleveland Cavaliers react to Shaquille O’Neal retirement announcement
Mary Schmitt Boyer, Cleveland Plain Dealer:
“Shaq is one of the NBA’s all-time great players and ambassadors,” said Cavs General Manager Chris Grant. “He will truly be missed for not only all he accomplished on the court but also the impact he made in every community in which he played.”
O’Neal, who spent this past season with the Boston Celtics, spent just one season with the Cavaliers — 2009-10 — which ended not as he or his teammates had hoped. The Cavs finished the regular season with a league-best 61-21 record, but lost to the Celtics in six games in the Eastern Conference semifinals, leaving O’Neal far short of the fifth championship ring he sought.
Boston
With Shaq gone, let the great debate begin
Bob Ryan, Boston Globe:
Unlike No. 6, at least Shaq let the team know his intentions before the draft.
Shaq might be right about his role in social media. I must admit: the first time I ever heard of the phenomenon known as Twitter was in association with Shaq, so maybe he isn’t far off.
It was a nice idea, having Shaq around. The team was 21-4 in games where Shaq played 20 minutes or more, and they did win 14 straight with him at center. But it was a rather risky gamble that he would be available for the playoffs, and it was a gamble Danny Ainge lost.
Miami
ASK IRA: Should Heat retire Shaq’s jersey?
Ira Winderman, Sun-Sentinel:
Q: Any chance Shaq and Pat Riley bury the hatchet and Riley retires Shaq’s jersey? — Henock.
A: You have no idea how much would have to be buried. Shaq not only burned bridges with Dwyane Wade on the way out, but trashed former trainer Ron Culp, who just happens to have a banner of his own hanging from the rafters of AmericanAirlines Arena. Beyond that, Shaq only played three and a half seasons with the Heat, before essentially forcing a trade by declining to play. Riley would have to sell out plenty of his values for such a move, even after offering a few magnanimous comments Wednesday. No, I think the more legitimate question is whether the Magic retire his number, with Shaq having more of a history there. Ultimately, it might prove to be Lakers and done when it comes to jersey ceremonies for Shaq.
Phoenix
The Big Shaqtus calls it quits after an entertaining career
Michael Schwartz, Valley of the Suns:
Shaq fundamentally changed how the Suns were most effective (which can be seen in Steve Nash’s numbers from that time) and with just one playoff victory in a year a half his tenure can be known as nothing but a bust.
Yet Shaq played his last solid year in Phoenix when he earned third-team All-NBA honors, started the All-Star Game (who can forget his dance with the Jabbawockeez and co-MVP honor with Kobe) and still managed to average 17.8 and 8.4 while staying healthy most of the year for the final time.
Shaq’s presence brightened the Suns’ locker room be it through his bowling introduction skit or his prank war with Lou Amundson. That was part of the beauty of Shaq. Even when he was an unstoppable force in his prime he was always willing to have fun and show his human side.
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