BOSTON - He was a prolific producer of rebounds and record albums. And nicknames, too, as if at 7 feet 1 inch and 350 pounds, he was too big for the simple "Shaq" that made him a recognizable one-name star in all of his endeavors.
Shaquille O'Neal had more than 28,000 points and almost 4 million Twitter followers. He appeared in six NBA Finals, three times as the MVP, and seven feature films, twice in a starring role.
A 15-time All-Star and a four-time champion, and the 2000 NBA Most Valuable Player, O'Neal announced his retirement on Twitter on Wednesday after spending most of his 19th season on the Boston Celtics bench.
O'Neal, 39, retires fifth on the career list with 28,596 points, 12th with 13,099 rebounds, and a .582 field goal percentage that is second only to Artis Gilmore among players with more than 2,000 baskets.
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After announcing his retirement, he asked fans to give him a nickname that befit his status. He reported that "The Big 401K" was the leader so far.
"I know you can do better, though," he said in a video. "I'm here all day. I'm retired."
Rim shots
• Kevin McHale on Wednesday was hired to lead the Rockets in Houston, where he will begin a season as an NBA coach for the first time in his career.
• Jay Triano will not return as coach of the Toronto Raptors next season. The Raptors announced Wednesday they will not exercise their option on Triano's contract.
• Investor Tom Gores is officially the owner of the Detroit Pistons. The team said the sale of Palace Sports and Entertainment and the Pistons to Gores and his investment firm, Platinum Equity, was formally completed Wednesday, one day after NBA commissioner David Stern said Gores' purchase was on a fast track.
Today
• What: Mavericks at Heat; Heat leads series 1-0
• When: 6 p.m.
• TV: Channel 9
