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[MG1]

For example, when teammate Delonte West had personal issues and legal trouble last offseason, he soon found himself being constantly pulled aside by a 7-foot-1, 300-whatever-pound counselor who took particular interest in helping someone in need.

West is taking a low public profile this season, refusing all interviews. But when he learned the topic was Shaq, there were some strong thoughts West wanted to share, that he needed to share.

"This is about Shaq?" he asked.

About Shaq, yes.

"Well then, you need to know something. He's like a big brother for me right now, as far as everything that's going on in my life. Just seeing how he handles things is an inspiration to me. This is someone who has been around the world. He gives me advice every day. He'll lay down and die for you, and that's my type of guy. He's an amazing person, someone I can't even begin to describe. A big influence in my life."


Sources:

As career winds down, Shaq finds new ways to shine
http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/shaun_powell/12/30/shaq.evolution/index.html

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It seems Shaq has helped Delnote a lot, and Delonte has great respect for Shaq.

[Roy H.]

That's great to hear.  Some people were leaking that Shaq was a locker room distraction in Cleveland, but as far Delonte goes, that doesn't seem to have been the case.

[cdif911]

I really want to go to a team dinner...Shaq, DWest, Baby, Nate - man that would have some interesting conversations

[Cman]

Very nice to hear!

Also, I wonder if this pun was intended...

He's an amazing person, someone I can't even begin to describe. A big influence in my life.

[pearljammer10]

Just another reason why I love the Shaq signing... A lot of people think he may be a locker room distraction because of his high profile and interviews and tv personality... But he knows the ins and outs of the league and the big aristotle will be able to bring the locker room together nicely.

[JB_Celticsstuff]

"This is about Shaq?" he asked.

About Shaq, yes.

"Well then, you need to know something. He's like a big brother for me right now, as far as everything that's going on in my life. Just seeing how he handles things is an inspiration to me. This is someone who has been around the world. He gives me advice every day. He'll lay down and die for you, and that's my type of guy. He's an amazing person, someone I can't even begin to describe. A big influence in my life."

Nice find.... thanks for sharing... gotta love "The Big Aristotle."

[housecall]

This may not be on the line of possibly being a locker room distraction but i read an article at Fan Nation where Doc said in a radio interview in Orlando recently on Shaq's playing time.When Doc asked Shaq if he would be ok with 10-15minutes a night,his response was "absolutely coach".Doc said in interview,they all say that in August but when it comes time to actually do it that becomes a different story.He went on to say its hard for a guy whose use to having the ball a lot accept a lesser role.
  When i looked up Shaq's mpg he average around 23 mins.last season.It sounds like there wont be that many for him,according to Doc's words in that radio interview.Could that possibly lead to problems?

[Q_FBE]

I look for the Shaqster to play a Waltonesque role (a la 1986). Only difference here is that our starting center is going to be out until at least January rehabbing his knee. So the Junior O'Neal needs to play a Parishesque Role. And Delonte West can be a fine replacement for Tony Allen. But so can Marquis Daniels.

Celtics are capable of great things in 2011. We just need to extract that potential.

[nickagneta]

I really want to go to a team dinner...Shaq, DWest, Baby, Nate - man that would have some interesting conversations

Also, probably very little leftovers.

[Edgar]

I really want to go to a team dinner...Shaq, DWest, Baby, Nate - man that would have some interesting conversations

Also, probably very little leftovers.

If nate and delonte arent aware enough
only 3 will leave the restaurant
assuming cd is big enough to survive