We all have different expectations for sports stars.  Everyone is different, but we always compare present athletes to those of the past.  It’s more for a point of reference, but they are all different. Case in point with the recently retired Shaquille O’Neal.  The name alone is different, but fits his personality and what he brought to the game of basketball.

He brought instant stardom as the number one pick out of LSU. The Orlando Magic were put on the NBA map immediately with his size, deceptive speed and tremendous power.  Instantly his name was shortened to ‘Shaq’ and it stuck.  He’s had more nicknames than any other athlete that I can think of.  Most of them were created by him, but to me the best one is ‘The Diesel.’  Simple and true.  Anyone and everyone that played with or against him stayed out of his way in the paint when he had position.

Now he had some rough patches through his career.  The way he left Orlando.  The rift with Kobe in Los Angeles.  Wearing out his welcome in Miami.  Not making a difference in Phoenix or Cleveland.  And the final short stint in Boston.  You can say that most people will not remember what happened in Phoenix, Cleveland and Boston, but it will leave a mark for his legacy.

It’s hard to not like the guy.  He is a charmer.  A funny guy.  He isn’t perfect, but he tries.  There are some things that I don’t condone that he did.  Rapping about Kobe Bryant after he won his fourth championship with the Miami Heat.  I won’t repeat what he said, but it was uncalled for nonetheless.  Of course the way he and Kobe handled their departure was just childish.  

Shaq Diesel the player will be missed.  I cannot wait for Shaq the TV commentator.  Where he ends up won’t matter at all.  He will still be a like-able person and an excellent personality as an analyst where ever he is.  I was a big fan of his.  I’ll be an even bigger fan going forward.  After all he was the first person I followed on twitter.  

So long Shaq.  We can still re-visit your glory days on youtube. You are definitely in my top 5 for best centers in the NBA.  I won’t go any further with my praise as to not offend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.  By the way you’re in my top 5 too Kareem.  Now we can see who gets a statue first outside Staples Center.  Keep up the good work big fella.  If your Hall of Fame speech is as any good as your farewell one, I can’t wait for it.  “Can you dig it!!!”