words // Brandon Richard
As you've heard by now, future Hall of Famer and basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal decided to call it quits after a 19-year NBA career yesterday. Shaq joined the Boston Celtics as a free agent last summer hoping to close his career out competing for a title. Unfortunately, his 39-year old body didn't cooperate and it proved to be one of the key factors in Boston's disappointing second round defeat at the hands of the Miami Heat. He leaves a legacy behind as not only one of the most beloved players in the NBA, but in all of sports.
Though plans for another trip to the NBA Finals didn't work out, Li-Ning was prepared with new footwear for the Big Fella had Boston managed to advance. With Shaq announcing his retirement, Li-Ning gives us a look at what would have been Shaq's NBA Finals shoe, the Big Shamrock Finals. Seen here in a home Player Exclusive colorway, the Big Shamrock Finals is very different in comparison to the regular Big Shamrock Shaq wore throughout the season.
One of the first things you'll notice about the Big Shamrock Finals is that it has a heavily-padded orthopedic style. The reason for this is because Li-Ning wanted to provide him with maximum comfort and protection after returning from injuries to his Achilles tendon and calf. Additionally, a hidden lace system is aided by elastic fasteners that were also meant to help keep Shaq's foot in place. Design-wise, you get a white-based sneaker for would-be Celtic home games, complimented by green nylon padding zones and a black suede section embroidered with a brand new Shamrock/Superman logo.
Read on for more photos of the Li-Ning Big Shamrock Finals.
