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Shaquille O’Neal Named to His 15th All-Star Game
January 30, 2009
The “Big Cactus” of the Phoenix Suns was named as one of the reserves for the Western conference team for the NBA 2009 All-Star Game to be held in Phoenix’ home court, the US Airways Center on February 15, 2009 (February 16 here in the Philippines).
Shaquille O’Neal has now made it to 15 All-Star games in 17 NBA seasons. The only times he had not played in the event were last season (he was suffering from various injuries and was having the worst year of his playing career) and in the 1998-99 season (there was no All-Star game due to a lockout-shortened season). In the process, he broke a tie with Michael Jordan and Karl Malone for the most selections in NBA history. He now only trails Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with 19.
Due to a renaissance this season in which he has averaged 18.2 points (highest since 2005-06), 9.1 rebounds and 1.58 blocks (both team bests), Shaq has earned the nod from the Western Conference coaches to be named as a backup center for starter Yao Ming. Starters were selected by fans in an online voting. Shaq came in second to Yao and that’s pretty understandable considering the sheer number of Chinese people rooting for their countryman Yao. The new Superman Dwight Howard topped the balloting.
Here’s the complete list of players chosen for the game:
|
POS. |
PLAYER (TEAM) |
|
G |
* Allen Iverson (Detroit) |
|
G |
* Dwyane Wade (Miami) |
|
F |
* LeBron James (Cleveland) |
|
F |
* Kevin Garnett (Boston) |
|
C |
* Dwight Howard (Orlando) |
|
G |
Joe Johnson (Atlanta) |
|
G |
# Jameer Nelson (Orlando) |
|
F-G |
# Danny Granger (Indiana) |
|
F |
Paul Pierce (Boston) |
|
F |
Chris Bosh (Toronto) |
|
G |
# Devin Harris (New Jersey) |
|
F |
Rashard Lewis (Orlando) |
|
POS. |
PLAYER (TEAM) |
|
G |
* Kobe Bryant (L.A. Lakers) |
|
G |
* Chris Paul (New Orleans) |
|
F |
* Tim Duncan (San Antonio) |
|
F |
* Amare Stoudemire (Phoenix) |
|
C |
* Yao Ming (Houston) |
|
F |
Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas) |
|
C |
Shaquille O’Neal (Phoenix) |
|
G |
Brandon Roy (Portland) |
|
G |
Chauncey Billups (Denver) |
|
F-C |
Pau Gasol (L.A. Lakers) |
|
F |
David West (New Orleans) |
|
G |
Tony Parker (San Antonio) |
* - denotes starter
# - denotes first-time selection
It’s interesting to note that Shaq will be reunited with his previous teammate Kobe Bryant and coach Phil Jackson of the LA Lakers. Will we witness a Kobe – Shaq alley-op frequently seen during their championship runs? That remains to be seen if some love lost between the two; highlighted by Shaq giving an impromptu rap on Kobe’s inability to deliver in last season’s NBA Finals is already restored.
As the game will be played in Phoenix (the Suns and Shaq’s turf), he promised that he will put on a show. I don’t doubt him. After all, he is one of the funniest guys in the league. His dance-off with Dwight Howard and Lebron James below was one of the most memorable moments in NBA All-Star history annals.
UPDATE 2/17/09: It was a very memorable All-Star Game for Shaq as he entertained the crowd with his dancing skills. He was named co-MVP with Kobe as well.
Shaq Puts on a Show at the 2009 NBA All-Star Game
Previous Comments
@workingclasshero - hmm, at this stage in his career, I think Shaq can’t do it by himself. His teammates especially amare stoudemire need to step up their games in order for shaq to get his 5th ring.
Posted by ark at February 6, 2009, 8:55 pmhi just came to greet you Happy Valentines Day to you both of you. Enjoy the heart Day!
Posted by psycha at February 14, 2009, 6:39 pmHope the big dude reunites with his wife..(???)
Posted by Raymond at February 15, 2009, 2:40 pmNice post. I just came across your site today here in Dallas and am going to check out your other blogs.
Posted by Sarah at July 28, 2009, 4:12 amAll comments are moderated. Your comments will not appear here unless approved by the blog owner. Thank you.
there’s no denying the fact that when the big diesel is healthy, nobody can stop him. add the fact that he’s converting his free throws now! he’s playing like a beast when he is not playing back-to-back games. good job porter! a healthy shaq is all the suns needs come playoff time.
Posted by workingclasshero at February 4, 2009, 3:57 pm