Heading into this NBA regular season, the Boston Celtics had one thing on their minds as they wanted to improve their size and defense in the paint. With center Kendrick Perkins still recovering from surgery, the Celtics decided to go out and make a bit of a splash in the free agent market.

As a result, the Celtics signed to veteran centers and former All-Stars in Jermaine O’Neal and four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal. These two additions were huge to say the least as it brought even more veteran leadership and two proven players that can bang with the best of them in the paint.

Unfortunately, both of these signings have turned out to be busts as neither Shaq or Jermaine O’Neal have been able to stay healthy this season. This was no surprise in the case of Jermaine as he has never really been able to stay healthy over the last few years and as a result has no longer been considered to be amongst the best players at his position, but Shaq not being able to stay healthy was a bit of a surprise.

Even though Shaq has a huge frame and isn’t getting any younger, the veteran center has been able to stay relatively healthy throughout the majority of his Hall of Fame caliber career in the NBA, but this season he has struggled trying to stay on the floor and as a result the Celtics are severely lacking at the center position.

During the NBA Finals against the arch rival Los Angeles Lakers last year, the Boston Celtics biggest problem was competing with them in the paint. With Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum as the Lakers two-headed monster in the painted area, the Celtics really didn’t stand much of a chance on the glass, but with Shaq their chances have improved.

Unfortunately, with the big fella at reportedly just 85%, the Celtics could be without him for quite some time.

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