Carmelo Anthony is on the market, and roster spots are still available. But at this point, most teams have their core set. There have been many many impactful signings so far this off-season, and many teams have entirely different looks.
It's time to reflect on the moves made this off-season, and start thinking about who is going to be good, and who isn't. Some teams obtained a superstar, some teams lost them, and some teams decided to beef up their benches.
The Boston Celtics have a very good team in place. Rajon Rondo is a great distributor and is also excellent defensively. Ray Allen is nearing the end, but he can definitely shoot. Paul Pierce is a great all-around player, and Kevin Garnett gets it done on both ends of the floor. They are old, but they can still play.
Last season, the Celtics decided to rest their aging stars at the end of the regular season in order to ensure their best players would be well-rested come playoff time. It seems that Shaq, while old, will take some of the pressure off the rest of the Celtics' big men.
Adding a big body in the front-court definitely improves the Celtics roster. Shaquille O'Neal isn't the same player he was when he was with the Lakers, but he can still contribute. Shaq isn't someone who can log 30 minutes a game anymore, but he can still be effective when needed.
I would like to take a look at how Shaq will impact the team's at the top of the eastern conference. Specifically those who also have a chance at home court advantage.
Atlanta Hawks: Atlanta is a team that relies on speed more than size. Between both O'Neals and Kendrick Perkins, they should have a nice rotation at center. Atlanta lacks depth in the front-court, and if Boston were to meet Atlanta in the playoffs, Boston would almost certainly have an advantage.
Atlanta does not have an answer for O'Neal at this point. Playing Garnett and Shaq at the same time will allow the Celtics to have two excellent offensive low post players on the floor, preventing double teams. I like Shaq's chances against Zaza Pachulia or Josh Powell.
Chicago Bulls: This off-season, the Bulls focused primarily on obtaining wings. While they do have talent upfront as well, the Bulls have just two players over 6-9. The Celtics have five. The Bulls do have Carlos Boozer, but he won't be much of a factor on defense.
The Bulls don't really have an answer for the Celtics big man unless Joakim Noah has improved a lot and can play 40 minutes a game. The Bulls will dominate the competition when it comes to driving the lane and hitting three, but I think the Celtics will get the best of them in the paint.
Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard is one of the NBA's best big men. He is an absolute animal down low; no one can really stop him. If anyone can challenge Howard in the post it's Shaq. Acquiring O'Neal gives the Celtics an option against Howard. The Celtics have so much depth at center, they have plenty of good defensive options.
Shaq can provide another scoring option for the Celtics in a series against Orlando as well. Boston is going to need all the help they can get if they want to take down the Magic.
Last season for the Cavs, Shaq played just 23 minutes a game, but he averaged 12 points. When paired with another offensive threat in the front-court, he can provide good production.
I am by no means suggesting that Shaq can stop Dwight Howard regularly, but he can hold his ground in a rotation.
Miami Heat: The Miami Heat are probably the most talented team in the NBA, and they are going to be a tough team to beat this season. When it comes to the Heat, I believe Shaq's value is what he brings to the table throughout the season. He takes the pressure off the other guys, and will allow Boston to rest their other players, because Shaq can be trusted to not throw the game away.
Shaq's minutes will cut into Garnett and Perkins' playing time throughout the season, allowing them to be fresh. Garnett is obviously past his prime, and Perkins has been struggling with injuries lately.
If the Celtics and Heat meet in the playoffs, it will likely be in the conference championship game. By then, both teams (especially the Celtics) will be running on reserve energy. They will need all the help they can get.
Like I said before, at the end of last season, Boston rested their stars and ended up getting the fourth seed. With O'Neal this year, they have better options in the front-court. If O'Neal can play 25 minutes per game in the final month of the season, the Celtics should be in good shape. Shaq will also serve as injury insurance.
It seems that either Joel Anthony or Udonis Haslem will start for the Heat at center, but neither of those guys are tall enough, or big enough to control Shaq. If I had to guess, I'd say Shaq could be a big factor against Miami, especially over seven games.
Shaq is an interesting player going into this season. He can't really play very much, but he can log valuable minutes. If injury strikes, he will serve as insurance, and he can also help with the development of younger players.
For the veteran's minimum, this deal makes sense. I wouldn't mind retiring a Celtic. Especially after a ring.
