When the NBA Finals finished in Los Angeles June, Rasheed Wallace appeared to be ready to hang up the Air Force Ones for good. He had informed the organization of his plans to retire, despite having two years and nearly $13 million left on his contract.
The Celtics have been reloading their frontline this summer in preparation for Wallace’s absence, adding Shaquille O’Neal along with Jermaine O’Neal, but they have not turned their back on the four-time All Star.
In fact, when CSNNE.com caught up with Shaq late last week the big fella seemed to hint that a return for Rasheed was not out of the question, and even made his own plea to Wallace.
While the return of Wallace would answer any questions of depth in the front court and continue to add another proven winner to the roster, it would raise just as many concerns regarding chemistry and health.
If Rasheed comes back to Boston, Doc Rivers would have quite the puzzle to put together in the frontcourt. How would the minutes be divided between Glen Davis, Shaq, Wallace, O’Neal, and Garnett? Could Davis and Shaq coexist under the basket together? Things will become even murkier when Kendrick Perkins returns from knee surgery in the spring.
Of course, none of these questions become an issue unless the entire front line is healthy, and it is popular opinion that the chances of that occurring are not very high. Regardless, the team is loading up on ring-hungry veterans and that has to be something that will intrigue Wallace.
Rasheed came to Boston with the intentions of winning another title before stepping away; and after taking the Lakers to 7 games and some roster upgrades, it is hard to imagine they will not be in a position to make a run at returning.
So Shaq is asking Sheed to join him for at least another season or two in Boston. Two of the game’s most entertaining personalities of the last 15 years on the court at the same time. I do not know how/if it would work, but I’m excited about the possibilities.
