by TIMOTHY J. THOMPSON

Created on: August 06, 2010

Wait just one second Miami. Your claim to the next five NBA World Championships has been put on hold. So sorry. That's because on Wednesday afternoon, August 4 2010, the Boston Celtics placed a concrete roadblock directly in the path of your 18 wheeler which has been speeding its way toward an apparent NBA dynasty while loaded to the gills with thousands of bottles of the cheapest champagne. That roadblock is in the shape of a 7 foot 2 inch tall, four time champion who still has a lot to give to the game of basketball in general and to the glorious Boston Celtics in particular. His name is Shaquille O'Neal. And his potential impact upon one of the greatest sports dynasties ever, could be very positive indeed.

Where the Boston Celtics struggled last year was with their inside game; or lack there of. Kendrick Perkins is good and is developing into an even better center, but he did not have the support at that position. This caused him to wear down as the season progressed. This also made him quite suseptible to injuries just like the one he suffered in game six of the NBA Finals which sidelined him for the deciding game. All during the regular season, the Celtics were routinely outrebounded; sometimes by double digit margins. In addition to this, their 'points in the paint' fell off dramatically from 2008. Moreover, opponents drove to the hoop against them with a frightening regularity, because they simply lacked an intimidating force in the paint. Shaquille O'Neal could have his most positive impact here.

Yes, he is 38 years old. So what. Who cares. In his prime, he was the single most intimidating force to ever play at the center position in the NBA. And, he still could be; just not for an entire game anymore, obviously. However, for 24 minutes say, it is still very possible that Shaquille O'Neal could be the Shaq of old. With him in the middle, the Celtics will no longer be embarrassed on the boards, they will have much more production in the paint, and even the most audacious of opponents will think twice before driving the lane against them.  And, when he needs a rest, he will be able to get one. That is what the Celtics have Jermaine O'Neal and Kendrick Perkins for.

This is not the only positive impact Shaquille O'Neal could have upon the fortunes of the Boston Celtics. He could also greatly help their outside game as well. Yet, another area of concern for the Celtics; and something that kept rearing its

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