At nearly 36 years of age, Shaquille O'Neal is continuing to struggle with his game on the court. With Dwayne Wade still out due to last season's injury, Shaq is expected to lead his team to victory, a responsibility he would rather not face alone. At 0-5 after a recent loss to Phoenix, the HEAT are in need of some help and they have not been getting it from the big guy. With his knee still proving to be a problem, it is obvious that his body is no longer in the shape it used to be and he is not putting up the same amount of points as in previous years. Yet fans still believe that he is capable of winning a few more championships. When is enough, enough? At what point should Shaq begin wrapping his career up to be able to save his body? When will fans be able to just say thanks and allow their star player to leave in peace?
From a marketing standpoint, it goes without saying that Shaquille O'Neal is a brand name himself. Everything he touches turns to gold. Whether it be Pepsi, Spalding, Reebok, Nestle or other big name brands, Shaq has done it all. He has even created his own vocabulary with words such as Shaqnificent, Shaq Attaq and his most recent Shaq Diesel. People all over the world associate the game of basketball with Shaquille O'Neal as he is one of sports most recognizable and influential players. For the NBA, having Shaq in their league has certainly contributed to its tremendous growth in popularity over the years. I mean come on, this is Shaq we are talking about. Everyone knows and loves him regardless of what team he is on. You could give this man anything and he will be able to sell it. So what happens if he decides it is time to go? Where will the league stand then?
Although I was born and raised a NY Knicks fan, I have all the respect in the world for Shaq. I think he has done wonders for the NBA organization. He has always displayed this larger than life persona and that's what makes him unique, other than his enormous size. As a 14-time All-Star, 2-time All-Star MVP, 4-time NBA Champion, 3-time NBA Finals MVP, and 2000 NBA MVP, he has certainly established himself as one of the NBA's greatest players of all time, minus his inability to shoot foul shots. Therefore, I don't think there would be anything wrong if he decided to make this season his last, with or without another championship ring. I think he owes it to himself and his body to simply walk away. For fans to continue to expect him to play the way he did when he was in his twenties is ludicrous. As far as pro athletes go, he is getting older now and his high scoring days are slowly coming to an end.
I think we all need to say farewell to our beloved superstar and allow him to enjoy the retired life of living on Star Island and driving around in expensive foreign cars. Let him pursue his music and acting career, or perhaps improve upon his golf game. However, I do believe that the NBA will take a direct hit in ratings and sales. Yet this is natural anytime a big name athlete calls it quits. Nevertheless, with its global expansion on the rise, whatever losses occur, I am sure it will not be for long. The NBA is moving in a positive direction and continuously growing in popularity each and every day. So now we must sit back, enjoy the rest of the season, and ultimately let Shaq know that we thank him for all of the memories.
1 comment:
Just FYI, the Shaq and Reebok deal never fostered into the "gold" you are talking about, if I'm not mistaken that partnership/endorsement deal ended years ago, he's actually now signed to a Chinese brand, Li Ning. Another note, not to be an a-hole, but he doesn't endorse Pepsi either anymore, instead it's the recently Coca-Cola purchased, Vitamin Water.
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