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Shaq To Spurs?
Website Report: Shaquille O’Neal Says San Antonio Is First Choice In Free Agency
POSTED: Thursday, July 8, 2010
UPDATED: 6:11 pm CDT July 8, 2010
SAN ANTONIO – Shaquille O’Neal could end his basketball career where it all began, in San Antonio.
Fanhouse.com reported Wednesday the 15-time NBA All-Star is being courted by many teams during the free agency period, but O’Neal said he wants to make a run at his fifth NBA championship with Tim Duncan in San Antonio.
O’Neal, 38, wants to play for at least two more seasons. The Atlanta Hawks are also at the top of his list.
Fanhouse.com reported Spurs general manager R.C. Buford declined comment, but a source who spoke to O’Neal said there is considerable interest on the Spurs’ end.
The source also told Fanhouse.com O’Neal would play for the Spurs for the mid-level exception, which pays about $5.8 million, but said his preference if he joined the Hawks would be to get more money.
O’Neal starred for Cole High School in San Antonio, leading the Cougars to a state championship.
He then went on to play college ball at LSU, before winning three NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in the early 2000s and another title with the Miami Heat in 2004.
O’Neal has also played for Phoenix and Cleveland.
“I would cheer for Shaq. Shaq’s awesome. He’s a great legend.” said Spurs fan Jess Almanza.
Some fans are not so quick to accept the idea
.
“He has had so many negative opinions about the Spurs,” said Leonard Lopez.
David Robinson, specifically, has been singled out by Shaq. During more than one interview, Shaq said he was San Antonio’s original big man. He even called out Robinson in his 2001 book, calling David a “punk (expletive)” for winning a championship before Shaq.
His coach at Cole High School, where Shaq won a state title in 1989, Herb More, said he thinks Shaq would be good for the Spurs.
“I think it would be a good fit (because) Shaquille’s always liked San Antonio,” he said.
After getting a taste of championships four times, some Spurs fans will take all they help they can get to get that fifth ring.
“Whatever he (said), that’s in the past,” said Adrian Comacho. “Just bring your A game to San Antonio and lets win another championship.”