I originally posted this blog last year once the Cleveland Cavaliers were bounced from the playoffs, thinking this would be the end for Shaquille O'Neal's amazing and entertaining NBA career. I was wrong.

Shaq went on to play (and I use that lightly) for the Boston Celtics in the 2010-11 season, managing to suit up for only 37 games and score just over nine points a night due to a laundry list of ailments. While many claim the extra few years bouncing around the league tarnished O'Neal's legacy, I believe it was just another example of how much he actually enjoys the game of basketball.

Shaq finished his career averaging 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and about 1 million memorable moments - on and off the court. You can be sure this isn't the last we'll hear from the great Wilt Chamberleezy, who will likely be sitting next to Charles, Kenny, and C-Webb in the near future.

So, in honor of Shaq, here are my favorite moments from his Hall-of-Fame career:

Shaq’s amazing personality was apparent as soon as he was drafted by the Magic. His “Who me?” act was the first of many charming and hilarious moments to come.


Remember when Shaq signed with Reebok coming into the league and those life-size cutouts of the big guy were at your neighborhood sporting goods shop, along with the size 22 original Shaq Attack? If you remember anything from this blog, it’s “Don’t fake the funk on a nasty dunk”. Just don’t.


We had seen guys rip down the rim and shatter the glass, but when the Diesel destroyed an entire goal and snapped the hydraulics in another, basketball fans knew this kid was something special. The look on Tom Chambers’ face says it all.


You can put Shaq up there with the all-time greatest mouths in sports history. There are far too many memorable quotes to pick a fave, so this compilation does a good job of rounding up some of the gems.


Much like his notable quotables, Shaquille has reels full of highlights. Here is a collection of his best. But perhaps the most impactful play is his alley-oop from Kobe in the Western Conference finals. That clip speaks for itself.


The Sacramento Kings brought out the best in Shaq – including his ability to freestyle to 80’s sitcom theme songs. This clip is a classic.


This never gets old. Shaq cracking up LeBron and Dwight Howard in an All-Star Weekend dance off. To get an idea of how large he really is, check out how tiny Dwight looks next to him.


This is perhaps my favorite Shaq moment ever. Not only did he do this on the All-Star Game stage but he also punked my second favorite player at the time, David Robinson, in San Antonio. This is basketball’s equivalent to Pete Rose’s home plate collision in the 1970 MLB All-Star Game. Get the f#ck out the way!


Even though his time in Boston was forgettable, Shaq made a big splash in Beantown. His performance on the court paled in comparison to his antics in the Celtics' locker room, especially when you add Glen Davis and Nate Robinson, who might as well have a comic book based on them.


Love him or hate him, there's been at least one moment in every basketball fan's life where Shaq has made you laugh or cheer.

Thanks for the good times big fella.