While his storied career is mainly remembered for his days with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and even the Miami Heat, Shaquille O’Neal had a couple of short stints near the end of his career that weren’t so successful. One of them was with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Signing with the Cavs ahead of the 2009-2010 season, the 37-year-old wanted to help LeBron James finally break through and win his first championship. However, O’Neal wasn’t all hype, as he got ready with the best intentions of helping Cleveland compete for a championship. James couldn’t help but praise the veteran big man for the state he came into training camp in.
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“He’s in really good shape,” Bron said.
Shaq’s unique way of conditioning
For someone who had battled weight and conditioning issues even during his prime, O’Neal was evidently far past his best days and battling injuries. While his Phoenix Suns tenure had flashes, it was evident that the Diesel was breaking down and not moving the same. However, the chance to pair up with LeBron and maybe snag one more ring motivated him to get right once again.
Only this time, he switched up his method by taking a break from basketball and playing numerous sports, such as football, baseball, boxing, swimming and beach volleyball. This helped Shaq get down to 325 pounds, be pretty trim and move well.
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“It was different,” O’Neal said. “When you do this for so long, everything else gets tiresome. How many times can you go do the stairmaster, the treadmill or the elliptical? You do that twice a day, stuff gets boring. I wanted to mix it up.”
“My formula has always been something that has worked for me,” he added. “There are a lot of so-called experts that say what you’re supposed to do. I usually take a big beating during the season, so the summertime is a time for me to get some rest.”
Coach Brown was happy with his big man
Coach Mike Brown knew that having Shaq on his squad required a specific approach. He was not your usual 37-year-old veteran big man, but a legend that you had to manage specifically. While you could not treat O’Neal like a superstar or glue him to the bench, Brown was aware of the need to dose him just enough to be productive and healthy.
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“I don’t think guys need to practice every day, every minute and play in every single game all the time,” Brown said. “If guys are bringing it when they’re dressed, I have to make sure I do my part and understand there are times when those guys need a break. This is a long season and to play every single game and practice every minute at a high level is tough on anybody.”
Ultimately, O’Neal played and started in 53 games, averaging just 23.4 minutes per night while averaging 12.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per contest. While it wasn’t the prime Diesel, he was still playing a big part in the Cavs’ 61-21 season. Injuries and age limited Shaquille from reaching his full potential and helping LeBron jump over the hump, as Cleveland got bounced out in the ECSF by the Boston Celtics, 4-2.
The end result might have been unsuccessful, but there is no denying that Shaq gave it his all and pushed to the max to snatch ring number five, while also getting Bron his first one. However, the cruel nature of age and injuries simply prevented them from achieving their goals. If only they had paired up just a few years earlier, things could have gone vastly differently.
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This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the Old School section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.