Shaquille O'Neal's final NBA season with the Celtics becomes internet meme

Shaquille O'Neal's 2010-11 season with the Boston Celtics is frequently cited in social media discourse as a shorthand for professional decline. During his final year in the NBA, O'Neal played 37 games, recording career-low averages of 9.2 points and 4.8 rebounds. While he shot a career-high 66.7 percent from the field, chronic knee and Achilles injuries limited his availability for a Celtics team that won 56 regular-season games. The perception of his time in Boston has persisted despite his contribution to a team that maintained a 28-9 record during his appearances. Current discussions surrounding the late-career performance have been amplified by public comparisons from other professional athletes regarding their own retirement plans. The center officially retired following that season, concluding a Hall of Fame career that included stops with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

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