Shaquille O'Neal's announcement that he's retiring from basketball after a legendary career that spanned 19 season has brought out lots of well wishers, but Mickey Arison, owner of the Miami Heat where Shaq won his last championship, perhaps had the best zinger.
"I think he should take Charles Barkley's job," Arison told NBA.com.
Several other local voices and Shaq's former Heat teammates also offered their own tributes to the big man.
"I'm honored and truly humbled to have been a teammate of the GREAT @SHAQ..this game will not be the same without him..respect," tweeted Dwyane Wade.
"What a career for Shaq Diesel!! The most dominating force to ever play the game. Great person to be around as well. Comedy all the time!!" tweeted LeBron James, who playd with Shaq in Cleveland.
"I only hope that my legacy is as amazing as Shaq's. By far the most dominating player ever," tweeted Lil' Wayne.
"@SHAQ Top Draft Pick, Rookie of the Year, MVP, 4 Rings, More Importantly Most Valuable Dad!" offered Shaunie O'Neal, Shaq's ex-wife and producer of everyone's favorite Miami based guilty pleasure Basketball Wives.
"Everyone give it up to shaq for a great career," tweeted Shaq's former Heat teammate Gary Payton.
Another of Shaq's former Heat-mates, Jason Williams, tweeted the obvious: "Shaquille O'Neal is retiring after 19 NBA seasons."
Oddly, the Twitter of the kid who co-starred with Shaq in Kazaam remains silent on the topic.
Of course, well wishes and nice words are to be expected. Now starts the debate as to whether or not the Heat should retire Shaq's jersey.
Follow Miami New Times on Facebook and Twitter @MiamiNewTimes.
