O'Neal ready to "Win a ring for The King"

7/2/2009

Tools

By The Sports Network

Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - Shaquille O'Neal met the media Thursday in Cleveland, a week after he was traded to the Cavaliers from the Phoenix Suns, and unveiled a new motto in his attempt to capture another NBA title.

"Win a ring for The King," O'Neal said in reference to his new pairing with reigning MVP LeBron James.

O'Neal has captured four NBA titles -- three with the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant and one with the Miami Heat and Dwyane Wade. He appeared intent on winning another with a different NBA superstar by his side.

"They say things happen in threes," O'Neal remarked. "I won with Kobe and with the great Dwyane Wade."

O'Neal, however, couldn't get it done with Steve Nash and the Suns, who sent the 15-time All-Star to Cleveland in exchange for center Ben Wallace, guard Sasha Pavlovic, Cleveland's second-round pick in the 2010 NBA Draft and cash considerations.

In the last year of his contract, O'Neal is not the dominant force he once was from earlier in his career, when he won the MVP Award in 2000 and was the NBA Finals MVP in each of his three title runs with the Lakers from 2000-02.

However, the 37-year-old showed signs of rejuvenation last year, putting up 17.8 points and 8.4 rebounds in 75 games for the Suns, who just missed out on the postseason.

The Cavaliers, meanwhile, were unable to reach the NBA Finals after posting the best record in the regular season at 66-16. They were eliminated by the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference finals.

"I'm not going to do it by myself, LeBron's not going to do it by himself," O'Neal stated. "It takes a team, an organization.

"I'm just here to do my part and help a damn good team get over the hump. It's LeBron's team. I'm here. He's the captain. I'm here to protect The King."

Over his illustrious 17-year career with Orlando, LA, Miami and Phoenix, O'Neal has logged 24.7 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game, to go along with accolades such as: the 1992-93 NBA Rookie of the Year and two scoring titles.

More Good Stuff

Advertisement
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

My TV20 Weather


Icon
Current Temp 49.0 °F
A Few Clouds
Wind : from the East at 6.9 gusting to 16.1 MPH (6 gusting to 14 KT)
Humidity : 46 %
Pressure : 1018.0 mb
More Weather

On Demand

Now ShowingFull Schedule

6:00
Friends Weekend
6:30
Friends Wknd B
7:00
The Office Weekend
7:30
The Office Weekend

My TV20 Poll

Do you think Robert Bobb's school plant, which includes closing 45 schools, will work?

  • Yes
  • No